Texas - Part Two

Saturday morning we drove to the Dallas Temple for Gina and John's wedding.  The sealing was lovely and I held my Burkie's hand tight, remembering our own special wedding day and all the happy years we've had together since.  I thought it was so cute how several times Gina would tell whoever was standing near us, "That's the missionary who baptized me!"  I know the whole experience was extra special for Burke to be able to return to his mission where he had worked so hard and to see people he taught still active in the gospel.  Being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints has brought so much joy and purpose into our lives and it is so rewarding to see others experiencing that same joy.

"Elder Adams" with the bride and groom - John and Gina Dexter.


Top Left: Brother Oldroyd, Burke, Brother Sexton, President Talbot, and Sister Talbot.
Top Right: Brother and Sister Oldroyd
Bottom Left: Raymond Hulette
Bottom Right: Burke and I with the Lutz family

It was especially sweet to hear Raymond remember Burke so clearly and talk about him as though ten years had never passed.  Many of the people continued to call Burke "Elder Adams" whenever they addressed him.

In between the wedding and the reception, we drove across town to the Dallas Arboretum, which is an expansive collection of gardens, and spent a couple of hours walking the grounds.  I am sure it is just gorgeous in the spring, but we still enjoyed the fall flowers, the changing colors of the leaves on the trees, and the pumpkin lined walkways.

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There were several cottages and nooks themed after different fairy tales and artists.  This bridge was found by the Monet corner and looked so lovely next to a plack with his famous impressionist paintings of his gardens in France.

I was particularly impressed with the darling Cinderella carriage and horses made completely out of vines and grass.  Some people are so creative!

This pumpkin village was so whimsical and clever, using holdings for potted plants to create structures completely covered with gourds, squash and pumpkins.

Also on display were varied sculptures of blown glass placed throughout the vegetation and water features.  I cannot figure out how they managed to weave them together so bizarrely without breaking them.  And how would you transport it?  Look at the up close picture below.  Any guesses how they did it?   

Upon returning to the reception, we were pleased to witness the ring ceremony held for those members of Gina's family who aren't members of the church.  Her father gave some very informal, touching remarks, including the advice that they should always love each other more than they think possible (it was better worded than that, but that was the gist).  So tender.

Burke, Gloria and Billy Langston.

Following the reception, we then drove out to Azle, about an hour out from Dallas to visit several people from Burke's time spent in that area.  Besides seeing the sealing at the temple, this was my favorite part of the trip.  Here we met Gloria and Billy Langston who spoiled Burke and his companions to death while they served in Azle.  These two are Texan through and through with the most endearing accents, big hearts and effortless generosity.  Billy reminded me so much of Elder Uchtdorf, so calm and warm, while Gloria was an absolute crack up, telling stories and jokes in her animated way.  They were both impressed by Burke's excellent memory and gave him updates on a whole list of people he remembered from his time in Azle.  

Terri Bartlett, Burke and Bobbi (Buffy)

Our next stop was at Terri Bartlett's home where we had the great pleasure of meeting all 4 of her sisters, their husbands, children and grandchildren!  Burke almost didn't stop by, unsure if they remembered him and not wanting to interrupt the family party they had going on that night, but I am SO glad he did.  These sweet ladies were some of the most hilarious, darling and kind people I have ever met!  They are the type that make you feel like family within the first 5 minutes of meeting them and by the time we left, I felt so much love for and from them.  I've been thinking about that a lot since we've been home and how I would like to be the kind of person who instantly accepts, welcomes and loves whomever crosses my path.  What wonderful examples!

This was especially a great visit as it reaffirmed to Burke that he had not been forgotten.  Within a few minutes of arriving, Terri bolted upstairs and was back down in a moment with pictures of  little 19-year-old Burke with his missionary name tag at their home for Christmas Eve and Christmas in 2000.  They reminisced about doing laundry at Buffy's house every Monday, dinners with the Bartletts, the ward then and now, Burke being so proud of a three piece suit he bought at a thrift store in Azle, and Zachary (Terri's son) throwing a penny at Burke's head the first time he came over.  They grilled Burke about being a good husband and told us hilarious stories about their family.  A few of the sisters aren't very active in the church anymore and my favorite comment of the evening was when Terri explained, "Elder Adams, I do not want to break-up with church - I just need a break!"  It was clear from the way they treated us, to the very evident love between their family and the way they talked about the church, that they all have a testimony whether they are weekly church goers or not.  I am still grinning thinking about this wonderful visit and family!

The next day we attended the Azle Ward that has changed so much since Burke was there.  We met the Lutz family and a few others that Burke had known and saw his old apartment building across the street from the chapel.  Gloria and Billy hosted us again for lunch and later took us out for a beautiful autumn drive to their daughter's property where we got to see their gorgeous mustang horses.  All too soon it was time to leave Azle and after saying goodbye to the Langstons, we drove up to visit Barry Webre outside of Fort Worth where his lovely wife Rose made us a fantastic Brazillian dinner.  We forgot to take pictures with them, but it was another great visit to wrap up our trip.  As we drove back to the airport Burke kept grinning from ear to ear - so glad we had come!  Texas was certainly good to us.

I'm a weirdo and took this picture of a sign in Gloria's bathroom - I love the Texas pride!