Published: June 26, 2008 02:30 pm      

JUNE BRIDES: Even after decades, vows still meaningful

June is the month for weddings. But, for three couples at Wharton Nursing Home, it was a time to renew the vows they said long ago.

Wayne and Margaret Markham, Doris and Donald Shaw and Clarence and Marie Chambers went before their friends and, once again, promised their love and faithfulness until death parts them.

"The wedding ceremony is just the beginning of the journey," the Rev. Jack Seville said. "Each day, month and year you continue to say 'I do' until one day you realize you are the most lucky person to go through life with this person by your side."

The Markhams celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in January, while the Shaws have been married 62 years. The "newlyweds" of the group were the Chambers, who have been married 11 years. All are residents at Wharton Nursing Home in Pleasant Hill. Activities Director Lee Skinner said Jean Bartow, a member of the resident calendar committee, had the idea to hold a wedding as part of the June activities.

"But we didn't want to have a 'fake' wedding," Skinner said. "So we approached our married couples, and they agreed to renew their vows."

So the date was set, the minister contacted, decorations prepared and a cake baked. Jane Daugherty, of the Wharton dietary department, baked and decorated the three-tier cake, complete with three brides and grooms on the top. Gifts from the Heart provided bouquets for the wives and boutonnieres for the husbands.

Liz Lewis played wedding favorites from years gone by on the piano, and sang "I Love You Truly" as the couples prepared for the service to begin.

"We celebrate your renewal of your marriage covenant and delight in the sign of God's love among us," Seville said. Each of the couples repeated the vows, "I am blessed to be your wife/husband, and I promise anew to love and sustain you in the covenants of marriage as long as we both shall live."

Margaret Markham shared her advice to young couples just getting started in their marriage. "Love God and serve him," she said. "Love each other; be willing to forgive and try to please each other."

Doris Shaw said, "Just think of each other as one, and make sure you love each other.

Donald Shaw added, "Keep saying I do every day."

The Chambers, the newlyweds, added their marriage had been very happy for them and the special ceremony was "something to be thankful for," Marie added.