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A Very Good Marriage
When Nancy Mullen died suddenly on December 18,1998, author Tom Mullen lost his "wife...lover...companion...best friend in the world...(and) light of (his) life." In his new book, Tom gives an intimate and inspiring look into their forty-one year marriage and into the heart of his own grieving process after Nancy's death. Stories, conversations, personal notes, and poems reflect the faith, gratitude, generosity, family, friendships, commitment, and (most certainly) the humor that filled Tom and Nancy's days together-- and that continue in Tom's life today. At the heart of it all is Tom Mullen's celebration of a wonderful marriage---- "Oh, what a ride we had!"
172 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2001
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February 23, 2016
Below is a review from my blog;
Back in May I wrote about hearing Tom Mullen, a Quaker pastor, writer and professor, speak at a conference at Calvin College. His presentation was wonderful as he kept us all in stitches. Shortly after that event, I found a copy of his book Where Two or Three are Gathered Together, Someone Spills the Milk. This was published back in the 70s and is a little dated and a little silly, but it was light reading and the chapters short which made it perfect to read right before bed (a short chapter a night). Although that first book was so-so, I highly recommend the second book I read by him. It’s titled A Very Good Marriage and tells the story of his 41 year marriage to his wife who died in December 1998. Mullen breaks apart the traditional marriage vows and devotes a chapter to each (I take thee Nancy…, From this day forward…, For better or worse…, etc).
This book is, at times, humorous, but not in a silly sense. It’s joyous and sad. I found myself admiring the great love Tom and Nancy shared. He still loves her. The two of them shared a “humbleness†that strengthened their bond. “My wife was beautiful, and she thought I as wonderful,†he wrote. “From an outside perspective, we both may have been wrong. Never mind. We formed our own say of saying, ‘I love you.†(page 28) Making the book even more poignant is the fact that both of them have had medical difficulties throughout their lives. She had diabetes from childhood and he later developed the disease. But they didn’t let this get them down; they took care of each other. I’m glad I’ve read this book, although I could have read it decades ago and perhaps learned a few less lessons that I had to learn the hard way. I’m also glad to have read this book because now I have a perfect wedding gift for the couple that already has everything.
Back in May I wrote about hearing Tom Mullen, a Quaker pastor, writer and professor, speak at a conference at Calvin College. His presentation was wonderful as he kept us all in stitches. Shortly after that event, I found a copy of his book Where Two or Three are Gathered Together, Someone Spills the Milk. This was published back in the 70s and is a little dated and a little silly, but it was light reading and the chapters short which made it perfect to read right before bed (a short chapter a night). Although that first book was so-so, I highly recommend the second book I read by him. It’s titled A Very Good Marriage and tells the story of his 41 year marriage to his wife who died in December 1998. Mullen breaks apart the traditional marriage vows and devotes a chapter to each (I take thee Nancy…, From this day forward…, For better or worse…, etc).
This book is, at times, humorous, but not in a silly sense. It’s joyous and sad. I found myself admiring the great love Tom and Nancy shared. He still loves her. The two of them shared a “humbleness†that strengthened their bond. “My wife was beautiful, and she thought I as wonderful,†he wrote. “From an outside perspective, we both may have been wrong. Never mind. We formed our own say of saying, ‘I love you.†(page 28) Making the book even more poignant is the fact that both of them have had medical difficulties throughout their lives. She had diabetes from childhood and he later developed the disease. But they didn’t let this get them down; they took care of each other. I’m glad I’ve read this book, although I could have read it decades ago and perhaps learned a few less lessons that I had to learn the hard way. I’m also glad to have read this book because now I have a perfect wedding gift for the couple that already has everything.
Displaying 1 of 1 review