Sunday, May 6, 1973, was a double duty day in my family; we attended church services at North Webster United Methodist Church with Rev. John Weeks the presiding minister.

In 1969, my grandparents, Donna (Clary) and Leroy Barmes, divorced.

For three years, we still maintained the full family holiday dinners and other events. It was just like it had always been. I still spent my full share of time with my grandparents as I had always done since birth.

My grandfather was dating a lady I really liked but in my 8 year old mind, he should be dating my grandma! I took matters into my own hand.

“Grandpa, you know Grandma Donna still talks about you, a lot. She says she’s still in love with you.”

“Grandma, you know Grandpa Leroy still talk about you, a lot. He says he’s still in love with you.”

A few weeks later, my grandmother received a knock at her door.

It was my grandfather.

“Well, since you’re still in love with me, I thought maybe we should talk.”

My Grandma Donna was taken aback, “What? It’s said that you’re still in love with me.”

To my knowledge, that was my first service as a matchmaker. It’s a volunteer position that I’ve enjoyed until… a month or so ago with two former students.

Almost a year later, on May 6, 1973, my new baby sister, Dena, was baptized during the church service at North Webster United Methodist Church. Following the service, our family remained to witness the remarriage of my grandparents.

Mission accomplished.