How Do You Create a Family? Give Them Roots and Wings…
We all have roots. Some are shallow – just barely underneath the surface of the soil – and without a lot of stability. Others are deep and strong – enabling us to withstand life’s many challenges. Chuck and Bobbi have roots. It all started in a small town that had three main roads and three stop lights. A next-door neighbor changed everything. Some might call it fate, or if they are like me, they might call it faith. Who could have known that his uncle living next to her could lead to a meeting that would change their lives forever. Young love…Chuck and Bobbi met and started dating when they were 15. They became teenage parents, and one might say that as, together, they grew their family tree in love, they also grew up - together.
Chuck and Bobbi have lovely and loving daughters, with servants’ hearts. The three girls who are grown all give of themselves in the medical field. The oldest daughter, Alexis, is described by her mother as a great big sister who has always been there for her family and sisters. At 14, when many girls are concerned with teenage angst, Alexis was helping to take care of her great-grandmother until she passed. Alexis maintained her nurturing spirit, and to this day, she is still working with the elderly. Kayliegh is the quiet one with a heart of gold (and also the “rough and tumble one” who played football). Although she can be tough, she loves children and has been known as the “baby whisperer”, because she can calm any crying child. Aubri is described by her mom as “the wild child”, who loves talking with any and everyone. She is quick, however, to help anyone and lift them up if they fall. Chuck and Bobbi have one more daughter, their youngest, Nevaeh, who was chosen to be a part of their family at the tender age of two months old. Her mom describes her as an “old soul”, who at 15, loves old music, movies, and Marilyn Monroe. She, too, has a desire to help others and would love to work with children who have challenges. She understands, because Nevaeh is a graceful and strong overcomer. She is thriving in a chosen place in this family who adores her, in spite of being removed from her birth mother who could not care for her 8 children. She is flourishing, socially, blossoming into her own personality (and my model)! Wow…I am humbled by them and their giving spirits.
This year, Chuck and Bobbi celebrated 20 years of marriage, and even more years together – building their family…establishing those roots through all of the service that their girls have seen them provide to their schools, community, and to their extended family. These roots will carry on – enduring in wings of their girls as they find their own way.
These lyrics, written by Paul Kennerly and Kent Robbins and sung so beautifully by The Judds, explain this the relationship Chuck and Bobbi share:
“Young love, strong love, true love
It's a new love
They’re gonna make it through the hard times
Walk those lines
These ties will bind
Young love”
As she explained to me, “We have been through a lot in our life, but all of it has made us who we are today. I couldn’t imagine my world without him.”
Blessings ~
Lisa