Ridgell's Originals

Marsha's folks, Don and Jean Herttenberger, just celebrated 71 years of marriage.  Amazing.  I love them and am proud of them.  Here is my tribute and what I have learned from them about staying married.

Start young and grow up together.  They ran off when they were 16 and 17.  Made it pretty funny when they thought Marsha and I were too young at 20 and 21.  But here is the key.  Grew up.  They stuck it out.  I know enough to know there were times they could have quit.  Hard times farming.  Health crisis.  Family troubles.  But they stuck it out.  Didn't believe there was any other option.  For either of them.  They really did commit for life.  Taught us that all you need to make a good marriage is three:  husband, wife, God.

Faith carried them.  Grandpa converted Granny.  They have spent their lives loving God.  Raised their kids to love God.  Served others.  A lot of people have been fed by them.  Physically and spiritually.  Gave generously even when they did not have much.

They have a church family.  Showed up at Southern Hills the 2nd Sunday it existed.  Been there ever since.  Taught Bible classes, had people over, served as a Deacon, asked several times to be an elder, visited, showed up.  Were part of small groups, life groups, study groups.  Church friends.

Modeled love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and faith.

They love family.  Herttenbergers are family people.  Uncles and aunts, cousins, grandkids, friends.  All showing up for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and Sunday lunches. I watched them take care of their parents.  Now we kids take care of them.  Generational love.  They love their grands and their great-grands.

Pretty cool to get to be a Herttenberger.  And pretty easy to be part of their family.  God, Jesus, faith, and love.  Pretty well covers it.

I love Don and Jean.  Great role models for us, our kids, and our grands.  I have been their son for a long time now.  Blessed.

And of course, they gave me Marsha.  Best gift I ever got.  Well, except for my folks telling me about Jesus.

So God, thanks for Granny and Grandpa.  We have all learned a lot about you by watching them.  They are getting old now and I suspect their time here is getting pretty short.  They have spent a long time loving you, loving each other, and loving us.  Bless the rest of their lives here.  They taught us how to live in you and now they are teaching us how to finish strong in you.  And they will die in you. Then live with you forever.  So thanks for putting them together 71 years ago.  We give you the glory.