To the Editor:

Recently, on a bright sunny day, beside a beautiful lake, surrounded by 200 of their closest friends, a couple vowed their undying love for one another….just like they had done for the past 60 years.&bsp; It was a simple yet elegant ceremony, and the woman was radiant in her white dress and dazzling smile.&bsp; As the couple gazed into each others eyes, you could sense the sheer adoration in their hearts for one another.

On June 10, 1950, they first became man and wife.&bsp; It was a story-book wedding, a double wedding, with two of their best friends, who, sadly, both passed away last year.&bsp; The fond memories of that double wedding will always be there, as will all the memories that have been made since that day.

Coach Bill and Margie Metcalf have two wonderful children, along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.&bsp; Throughout their lives together, they seemed to have a magnetic pull toward people, as we witnessed at this great event.&bsp; There were those who had driven many miles just to help these two people celebrate this very important milestone in their lives. &bsp;

My first encounter with Coach was when I was a cocky freshman at Tryon High School.&bsp; At the time, he coached the girls basketball team and I walked into the gym at the end of a practice one day (girls practice sessions were closed to boys). As I walked to center court, I picked up a ball and whooshed it in.&bsp; I heard his booming voice beside me telling me how lucky I was.&bsp; He became my football, basketball and baseball coach in my junior year in high school.

Coach Bill and Margie opened their home to young people.&bsp; They not only fed us meals, but taught us life lessons that could not be taught in the gym.&bsp; They led, not by precept only, but by example.&bsp; We saw the love they had for one another, for their children and for all the young people they encountered.&bsp; They instilled in their children the fact that you always give more than you receive.&bsp; A good dose of humor was sprinkled into difficult situations, and Margie always had a knack for knowing how to make things better. They have always known they were a team, each one complementing the other and making each other stronger.&bsp; They became two of the most respected and admired people in Polk County at that time, and we truly missed them when they moved on. &bsp;

As I stood and watched them renew their vows to one another and to their Heavenly Father, I recalled the 52 years that I have known them and the privilege I have had of being a small part of their lives.&bsp; No doubt each one present had many special memories they were recalling at that moment.&bsp; I would only wish these two wonderful people 60 more years together.

Tommy Melton