Our Story! 

On May 29, 2025, my late husband, Carl, will have been in heaven for 14 years. A long time, and I’ve missed him every minute. But I’m thankful for the 45 years we had together and all the wonderful memories we shared. It’s the little things that mean so much in marriage. Day-to-day happenings that turn into years. 

I love that we celebrated most of our wedding anniversaries with cheeseburgers and fries, our wedding night meal before Carl deployed overseas the very next day. Our beautiful children. My mind holds pictures of Carl lying on the sofa, holding our newborn babies to his chest, or cooking meals when the smell made my pregnant senses nauseous. 

Vacations we took in an old blue van, stopping along the way at dozens oftourist attractions that the kids just had to see. Things like albino rattlesnakes! Yep! Driving to the beach—even on the sand and getting stuck. Disney World. Cocoa Beach. South Padre. So many places. Even Hawaii— kids included—for my 39th birthday. 

Little things that became cherished memories. Carl sending me flowers when I had a book published or won an award. Sitting beside me through nine surgeries. Writing secret love notes. 

Affirming our sons from T-ball, Boy Scouts, and Special Olympics to high school and college graduations. Mentoring young men in his professional career. Helping our neighbors. Joining me in teaching Sunday School for children with special needs. Honoring our parents and being absolutely ecstatic over our grandchildren. 

But what I remember most is how deeply Carl loved me when we were just teenagers trying to figure out our life together. Marriage at 20 years old! We knew so little yet loved so much. And oh, the many prayers Carl prayed for me and our children through the years. And especially his tender request of God to give me extra strength as he took his eternal journey. What a gift! 

These are the treasures I celebrate on this bittersweet anniversary. A tiny portion of the things I will love and admire forever about Carl Sherman Jones, my courageous and amazing heavenly husband.