My Mother Always Says…
…that everything happens for a reason. So, in the middle of a tumultuous divorce in January ‘92, as I arrived home to a pile of ashes on Sargent Beach, Texas, I wondered how this would play out to her standard doctrine. All that was most cherished and dear to me, a fine ornate iron bed I bought 20 years ago from Benny Luckenbach, pictures of my kids, old dishes from my great grandma, etc. was now ashes or melted. (Luckily, my sister had insisted on confiscating my gun collection, with the divorce drama going on) It took a week to locate another rental, this time I settled in Surfside. Given the recent loss, this time it seemed a good idea to get renter’s insurance. Over the phone I got coverage from a local agent, and felt like a clean new start with a new tv, futon, and microwave oven just in time for the Super Bowl. It had been a long week, staying at my mother’s. By mid summer, the deal was done on the divorce, and I carried on, with weekend visitations with my two young daughters. By September, I was told by a girl at work that her agent sent a message to me via her, about my coverage; turns out we were both her accounts. I asked if she looked as good as she had sounded on the phone, and was quickly informed that was the case, and that she was also single. I then decided it was time for me to hand deliver my monthly payment, and was needless to say speechless when I did so. Suddenly, I was a 41 year old teenager, alive again! We later had good exchanges on the phone, and eventually I finally asked her out… Well, suffice it to say I was elated when she accepted, but thought I blew it when we went out and, to get a feel for her age I popped off that I recall being in the 5th grade at school when John F. Kennedy was shot and we all went out by the flagpole and prayed, where were you? She said she was born the year after that…I could have died right there…but she laughed, and we continued to see each other…and my 6 year old and 18 month old daughters played well with her 5 year old daughter…Everything seemed to be so perfect with Regina, life was really good again! That pile of ashes from my rented burned out beach-house led to me getting insurance on the next one, and meeting Regina!! Mother’s prophecy did play out with that total loss. As our hearts melded more and more, I had my 6 year old help me pick out a pave wedding band for Regina, and I wrote the following to surprise her with:
“Enamored” is the term I think,
for what we seem to be.
I know this thing is wonderful
between my you and me…
It seems this thing is much beyond
my sense of self control,
This way I think and feel for you
from deep within my soul…
I know to have you close beside,
and in my arms is sweet…
My love you are my heart’s desire,
my love for you complete.
So let’s enjoy this love we share
and savor life so sweet,
And worry not what ‘morrow brings
’till we, the tomorrow meet…
If then we find we’re still this way,
so smitten with our love…
Then us as family evermore,
is what I’m thinking of!!
As it was Easter, I put this and the ring into a small plastic Easter egg, then that egg into a larger one, and those into a larger one, etc. and my oldest daughter placed it high in a hanging plant as I held her up. I assured Bogie the Easter Bunny needed help with the diamond ring, but he will be along later to hide more eggs for you girls, his limit is chocolate…and Easter morning after the girls found all the eggs that E.B. left for them, Bogie told Regina to look in the hanging plant. When she opened the egg, and finally got to the smallest egg, she beamed when she found the ring…and waterworks followed when she read the poem. It looked like a favorable reception, so I dropped to my knee and the girls cheered when I proposed and Regina made me the happiest man alive with her answer. Ok, so maybe there was a little pressure with the girls as witness, but hey-I knew I needed all the help I could get! We set the date for July, Regina got the printed napkins, matchbooks, invitations were sent out, 3 matching dresses for the kids that were same color as her wedding dress for the procession, reserved the Ima Hogg plantation mansion in West Columbia for the ceremony-EVERYTHING…
Then in June, she had a seizure. It had happened in the middle of the night and scared her and her daughter badly; when she told me about it the next day I urged her to see her doctor…as a matter of procedure, he had her undergo an MRI. Two days later she called me, very upset. I left work in the Dow plant to meet her at her parent’s home in nearby Lake Jackson, and learned her doctor told her she had a massive brain tumor, and she needed to see a specialist right away. We made arrangements to meet with a brain surgeon at Methodist Hospital in Houston, bringing the MRI’s with us…He advised us to have it removed immediately, and showed us the mass was the size of a large bar of soap in her left frontal lobe, but appeared to be operable. He recommended proceeding with surgery asap- she asked about our pending wedding the next month, but he said to not worry about that, to delay this surgery longer for the ceremony would be life threatening. IF she survived the surgery, there could be loss of speech or blindness or partial paralysis-deal with the wedding later. How could this happen to a beautiful 29 year old girl? Needless to say, we were in shock. He said we’d hear from his office for the scheduled surgery date. As we drove back to her parent’s, I suggested we elope IMMEDIATELY. I convinced her we’d blow off the wedding, and just cruise the Texas hill country that we both love, and get away from it all. We stopped off at the courthouse in Angleton, got a marriage license, packed and took off. I showed her my great grandparent’s old abandoned house in Sabinal, my high hill country stompin grounds through Leakey, Hunt, Luckenbach, etc…stopped by my home town of Cameron, Texas a few days later and did a quick ceremony at the Magnolia House. I called an old family friend, Mrs. Edna von Rosenberg ahead of time and she arranged for her Reverend Don Hogg to perform the service, while she served as the entire wedding party…best man, bridesmaid, ring bearer, everything! (we just went to her 100th birthday party this October). I have pictures since I placed my Nikon camera on a tripod and used the timer…
I must say, although this was not my first time to make the vow, I had forgotten until I was told to repeat the passage “till death do we part..” How I kept my composure as I said those words I’ll never know. My guts were ripping apart, yet happy at the same time.Mr. and Mrs. Bo Durr returned to the coast the next day, with a message awaiting us…her surgery was scheduled to be in 3 days. Three of the longest days of my life surpassed in length only by the 12 hours it took for her surgery. I last saw her in pre-op as they prepared to shave half her head for surgery. Finally, when they wheeled her out of surgery, Dr. Jerry Bob told me it went well. To prove it, he asked my semi-conscious Regina what her name was. Though wed for just 3 days, she was able to say REGINA DURR!!!
After enduring the intensive radiation treatments 3 times a day for 6 weeks, and chemotherapy, she made the transition of having thick auburn hair to mid back, to being bald as a golf ball, to now once again having her hair back. Her badge of honor is her scarves she wears to cover the 25% bald spot on the left front-those 3 titanium plates do not allow hair growth. But my darling bride is the best mother and homemaker on the planet. We are still as blissfully in love and trusting as we were 16 years ago when we wed. At this time I would like to nominate my bride as the recipient of this ring contest. I do believe it was our strong love and the Good Lord was willing, that got us through all of this, and for her to receive $25,000 in jewelry would finally be a reason she could wear!
This is truly a love story and very deserving of this prize. love conquers all even through the hard times.
What an awesome and inspirational story! Good luck to you both and God bless!
Shane Meche
Bo, you have always talked about Regina and how fond you are of her. What a wonderful testimony. God Bless!
What an awesome story…thanks for sharing, hope you become the owner of that ring!
This story brought tears to my eyes. And the title the Worlds greatest Love Story fits it perfectly.
I am Regina’s cousin and from long distance I watched the story unfold. How the Lord has Blessed!! Regina is one of the bravest people I know and she underwent a terrible experience (the cancer) with grace and humor. The love she and Bo share has always been an inspiration.
love this story!
Everyone should be so loved!
Wow! What a love story! They have my vote.
She really deserves the prize. She is the kindest person I ever met and is always smiling.
I love her with all my heart.
Everything does happen for a reason. What a beautiful story.
Good story.
wow ! what a love story
What a touching story. Bo, you friends with my first husband, Jay Harvey (who was tragically killed in an accident in 1984). He made a BEAUTIFUL oak coffee table for us for a wedding present in 1973. It resembles a ship’s plank floor with rope separating the planks. I’m sure he will remember it. He so lovingly left a beautiful inscription on the bottom side. That coffee table is still in our family and just as beautiful as the day he gave it to us. Jay was so proud of that table. It takes Congress to move it each time, but it goes with us whereever we are. Thank you Bo for a beautiful piece of work – and for a very moving love story. God Bless you all.
I have heard Bo express his love a gratitude for his wonderful wife Regina many times in the past 16 years. To see it in writing and to see them embraced as they were in the video is a picture of love. For them to have found each other should remind us that things worth while are not easy and sometimes we need to have great faith in God and in our love for one another to take an amazing journey. I love you Bo and Gina-Kim
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Melanie Schaffrath, concertchristal. concertchristal said: http://www.diamondcuttersintl.com/finalist-number-2-–-my-mother-always-says/ Friend of ours in a contest. Read/vote for them please! [...]
Great story! Good luck Regina& Bo.
Bo Durr has spoken many times of his beautiful wife and he always gets a twinkle in his eye. It would be great to see a really good guy win. He would certainly go to great lengths just to see her smile. Good Luck Bo and Regina!
As we get older and look around us we often see material, fancy, unneccessary items that mean very little. As we look around friendship, faith, hope and unexpecting events occur with our family, friends, and co-workers….. this is what truly matters in life. You were meant to meet and now share all you have. You both are very real, honest, and loving people. Not only does this story deserve a winning prize. It too ranks high with a movie++?? You never know! I look forward to growing old with my husband and often wonder what we will encounter along the way. May your path lead you to wonderful times together! I just know in my heart you will be given this wonderful moment and shine like a diamond! Okay,okay… GOOD LUCK OR GOOL DUCK!
Bo is such a sweet man and so obviously in love with his beautiful wife! What a heartwarming story of love and hope…it brought waterworks to my home as well. I hope these two lucky people have many, many years of happiness together as they are so deserving. God has surely had a hand in having their paths cross. They most assuredly have my vote – I can’t think of a better love story than theirs!
I am the “grapevine” that told him to go check out Regina at the insurance office! This is a TRUE LOVE STORY!!! If ANYONE deserves to win this, Regina does!!
AWESOME story…..I thought I was lucky in love….this takes the cake! Hope u win!
Lovely story
Love you both! Good luck! We voted for ya!
This is a made for the movies love story. Thank you for sharing and may you win that beautiful prize for your lovely wife. Your marriage is certainly the most valuable prize!
What a love story! Here’s hoping that you continue to get votes.
Wow! what an idea ! What a concept ! Beautiful .. Amazing
I agree!
What an amazing Love Story!
Bo, you problably have to try and remeber just who I am, but you have a striking story and so inspiring.
Try and remember me, for I live in Rockdale and you jumped off my roof to scare everyone inside/
I wish both of you the best for the rest of both of your lives. I lost my husband 6 six long years ago, so I tell you enjoy the best while both of you are living. Nothing can replace the one that you love with all of your heart.
I will help you out a little bit, your friend Mike married my daughter, Beckie and that has been 35 years ago.
Great guy
I’ve know Bo and Regina for a long time — their love is second to none, and both are devoted to each other — they are truly inspiring, and I love them both
Your old friends in Cameron are pulling for you to win. Great story!
What a fantastic story!
Why Bo Durr, I did not know you could be so romantic!! Do you remember those days in high school & all the fun we had? Great memories!! I am so very proud of the man you have become & I truly hope that you win the prize for your wife. I hope that someday we can have a reunion of several classes so that we can meet this wonderful woman that you so romanticly wrote about. My best to you and your family.
Hi how are you i really liked this.
Well Well, I have known Bo for quite a time, and remember when his place Burned. I never knew Regina was your Insurance agent. Good Find. I guess Insurance has other benifits than just Piece of Mind. Good Luck to Both of you…
Way to go Bo! Way to go Regina! What a great couple you are. And poetry too!!! We all need a little of what you’ve got. Thanks for sharing it with all of us.
Truly a wonderful love story, chills ran up and down me as i read this beautiful story. Your bride does deserve this prize.
Bo is the gentle giant that I have known for years. How could Regina and Bo not go together?
Thier love story is one of true committment and love.
I can’t think of anyone more deserving than Regina to receive this gift.
God does answer prayer and works in mysterious ways.
Live long and prosper my friend.
Well folks, just a reminder, the contest folks actually encourage voting every 24+ 1/2 hours! The New York machine is cranking out 300 votes a day for #3, with fewer than 200 that have managed to watch her story… It’s been a hoot to say the least, and we thank you all for your support.
Bo and Regina
goood luck. !
Bo, your integrity shines through. You are unquestionably the deserving couple, but it doesn’t appear that there is a level playing field any more. Anyone following this contest recognizes that.
These are two exceptional people. They deserve blessings. This should be one of a long list.
Loved your story.
GOD does work in mysterious ways, to us only, He knows what he is doing, and to what end.
You get my vote.
J.R.Smith; Clute
great love story
Great love story!
Bo and Regina:
What a LOVE STORY! Bo you are a GREAT husband to enter this contest for Regina. Not many men are so caring. It shows to the world how much you love Regina. Just watching her in the video, you are able to tell the love between the both of you! What an amazing story, you two are truly blessed. You have already won the contest, NO ONE can beat your story! Good luck! We are behind you all the way…..
What else can true love be about??? “In sickness & health” takes on a whole new meaning when you read the devotion Bo has for his beloved Regina. I went to high school with Bo and he really turned out to be an exceptional man to love his wife so unconditionally! I certainly hope Regina wins the “sparkle” as she has already won the life prize of such a sweet husband! Good Luck to both of you.
What a beautiful story, God Bless and keep you, I hope you are the winner.
Odd and suspicious that “g c b” gave similar comments on finalist #2 & finalist #4 that they where the deserving couple. Only one can win. Which finalist is g c b?