I check out the Dallas Morning News’ Texas Faith section from time to time. Basically, a writer will send a question to representatives of different faiths and denominations and posts their responses. The latest question I thought made a good point, that a lot of people turn to religion as a form of therapy.
There are all kinds of love stories, but few are as enduring and reaffirming and yes, even inspiring, as the tale of Lena Henderson and Roland Davis of West Seneca.
They are not, to be frank, your typical newlyweds, but when they join hands Saturday at the age of 85, there will be a sense of fulfillment, maybe even restoration, among the four generations on hand to see it happen.
This is their second time around – they married each other as teenagers but later divorced. And now, after nearly 50 years apart, they are marrying again. Their decision to do so will in many ways officially reunite Davis with the family he always loved.
“I always thought it might happen,” he said. “It was always in the back of my mind. We’re just thankful that we could get back together.”
Even more surprising than their age and separation … they divorced in 1964 … is the ease with which they came to their decision.
OK, there may have been a little nudge from their oldest daughter, Johnnie Mae Funderbirk, but they have always been friendly during their years apart.
Even after Davis remarried, Henderson would call and talk with his new wife, often providing counsel on how to deal with him.
