Learn more about the book, which will be released March 1, at www.yellowhouseinthemountains.com
I’m sorry to hear about your parents. Would you mind telling us about them?
Lyle and Marylin met in high school. They had little in common but Lyle was determined to win Marylin's affection. Pregnancy led to a shotgun wedding. Eventually, they shared five children and against all odds remained together for 65 years. Lyle was a troubled teenager, however, Marylin was his motivation to improve. Providing for a family of seven would require hard work, which Lyle embraced. He dreamed of creating a setting for gathering his family and friends. Together, he and Marylin put all they had into acquiring, developing and building on a property near Rocky Mountain National Park. They retired to their mountain paradise and were pleased to see their dream realized as there was a continual revolving door of visitors.
I read that they were married for 68 years, which is amazing. What, in your opinion, helped them to stay together for so long?
Marylin was brought up in a religious home and wanted the structure of faith to be a part of her life. Lyle had little formal religious exposure but his love for Marylin drew him to appreciate the values faith would play in overcoming adversity. Together, they also shared a desire to overcome those who suggested their relationship would never work. Getting married so young cast many doubts as to the longevity of the relationship. However, it was fuel to the couple as they were determined to stay together. Their shared vision for family helped align them on key decisions.They respected one another and celebrated their accomplishments, both individual and collective.
In writing this book, did you speak with other family members for stories or insight? What did you learn?
Yes. My siblings each played a role in sharing stories. Some I'd heard before, but others, for the first time. As the book took shape, I sent my family advanced copies with encouragement to help me refine and improve the work. In addition to my siblings, my children and extended family were very involved in the process.
What were some of the life lessons your parents shared?
Lyle was the poster child for hard work! He also had a passion to do things "perfectly." He would never settle and pushed others to do their very best. Marylin taught by example how to love and show compassion. She loved to serve others and was always looking to brighten others' days. Both Lyle and Marylin understood and taught the value of family relationships. Much of their lives were spent bringing family together. They celebrated family gatherings and even after their passing, their vision for a gathering place remains a primary focus.
Lyle and Marylin met in high school. They had little in common but Lyle was determined to win Marylin's affection. Pregnancy led to a shotgun wedding. Eventually, they shared five children and against all odds remained together for 65 years. Lyle was a troubled teenager, however, Marylin was his motivation to improve. Providing for a family of seven would require hard work, which Lyle embraced. He dreamed of creating a setting for gathering his family and friends. Together, he and Marylin put all they had into acquiring, developing and building on a property near Rocky Mountain National Park. They retired to their mountain paradise and were pleased to see their dream realized as there was a continual revolving door of visitors.
I read that they were married for 68 years, which is amazing. What, in your opinion, helped them to stay together for so long?
Marylin was brought up in a religious home and wanted the structure of faith to be a part of her life. Lyle had little formal religious exposure but his love for Marylin drew him to appreciate the values faith would play in overcoming adversity. Together, they also shared a desire to overcome those who suggested their relationship would never work. Getting married so young cast many doubts as to the longevity of the relationship. However, it was fuel to the couple as they were determined to stay together. Their shared vision for family helped align them on key decisions.They respected one another and celebrated their accomplishments, both individual and collective.
In writing this book, did you speak with other family members for stories or insight? What did you learn?
Yes. My siblings each played a role in sharing stories. Some I'd heard before, but others, for the first time. As the book took shape, I sent my family advanced copies with encouragement to help me refine and improve the work. In addition to my siblings, my children and extended family were very involved in the process.
What were some of the life lessons your parents shared?
Lyle was the poster child for hard work! He also had a passion to do things "perfectly." He would never settle and pushed others to do their very best. Marylin taught by example how to love and show compassion. She loved to serve others and was always looking to brighten others' days. Both Lyle and Marylin understood and taught the value of family relationships. Much of their lives were spent bringing family together. They celebrated family gatherings and even after their passing, their vision for a gathering place remains a primary focus.
What do you hope readers take from this book?
I hope readers will relate to the story and find inspiration in the potential for change and refinement. Lyle and Marylin's lives are examples of doing your best, learning from mistakes and continuing on. They were humble and yet extraordinary in their desire to be of service to their family and community.
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