Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Thursday February 1, 2007

Strange things happen in strange places. For instance, some years back I witnessed the most unusual Golden Wedding Anniversary you could ever imagine.

The celebration was for two people, in professions that you might think are conducive to the longevity of marriage. One of the celebrants, a judge from the state of Illinois. His wife of one half century asserted that her claim to fame was that she had been married to a high ranking judge and that was good enough. Everyone laughed. She was a real, regal sweetie.

I recall the judge fondly, for he was not only a famous judge, but was a kind and caring man along with his awesome position. He was known as a man who could and would help you along life's often troubled path.

The 'fixins' as the country folks would say were not up to par for such a grand occasion but the judge had remarked that he and the Mrs. didn't want anything all that pretentious. This was a wise decision. He, his wife and a very few close friends joined in the celebration. Joyce was not there, but I will always remember this night for this couple who were well along in years as are most people who celebrate Fifty Years! Wow.

Coffee was served, and a triple layered white cake baked and decorated by George. You would have had to know George and his non-culinary background to appreciate the magnificent cake. It was scrumptious. The only drink other than coffee was Coke from a machine, and the star couple wound their arms around and sipped the Coke from a Styrofoam cup, much as they did from Crystal Fifty years ago.

The setting was nothing to write home about, just a drab, sparsely furnished, concrete floor, painted walls, windows with no drapes, though there were uniformed security guards present.

The place was the visiting room in a Federal Prison Camp. The accouterments were the hard plastic chairs, the cake was purloined, George the baker was serving ten years for having escaped from a court room and lived as a fugitive for near fifteen years until his daughter in law turned him for the reward. He was a good baker.

The judge was known nationally as one of 14 Greylords, judges from Chicago, who ended up in the dragnet set by the Federales, and lost their careers and reputations along with their freedom back in the 1980's. Some of them were finishing up their sentences in the mid 90's. These men had lost more than any of the other prisoners serving time in the Honor Camp. In spite of this they had a positive effect on the other prisoners due to their age, their educational background and just common decency to other bruised human beings.

I have been in grander settings, but never have I seen a couple celebrate Fifty years with more joy to still have each other in spite of all they had survived. They never placed blame, or whined,the little old 'Greylord' and his near worshipful wife that long ago night in a prison visiting room on their Golden Anniversary. That night shines ever so brightly in the now misty memories of the time. You understand this never happened, officially.

I think more people need Golden Anniversaries.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2007 Use with credit.

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