The honeymoon couple with a tag along traveler: honouring Hazel Eagles

Gordie and Hazel Eagles joining Beulah and sister Merle (Estabrooks) Eagles, with their sons for an extended Eagles' family celebration in Moncton, N.B. in July 2010.

     

     As the saying goes, "You can choose your friends, but not your relatives."  

     Recently, another of my relatives departed this life, and is, without a doubt, basking in the glorious presence of her Saviour. 

     Although I was not privileged to know my sister-in-law, Hazel, that well, my memories of her tell me I couldn't have had a nicer person as a friend, or as a member of the Eagles' family which she and I chose to join. 

     In the summer of '51, Nels and I became engaged to wed. All too soon, Nels' holidays were over and it was time for him to return west. However, not before he helped family and friends celebrate Gordie's marriage to Hazel Powers. 

     The bridal couple had planned their honeymoon beginning with a motor trip to regions in Ontario. 

     

     Being the generous, older brother, Gordie invited Nels to travel west as far as Ontario with them. This, being an overly kind gesture, which Gordie surmised would help defray the cost of his return across almost 4,000 miles of the Great Canadian Divide. 

     Accompanying a bride and groom on their honeymoon was an "unheard of phenomenon," even in those days! 

     Nels would have no part in it, and so he politely refused. 
  
     However, exercising his older brother status, Gordie would not take, "No" for an answer. And so, off the trio ventured. All went well enough until night time came on. Exhaustion set in following a full day of wedding celebrations and travel. Serious discussions began as they searched for a motel. It seemed that in all the wedding excitement, plans had not been made for overnight accommodations. 

     With each motel they inquired at, the lodging was inadequate for a honeymoon couple with a tag along traveler. 

     At last, (in desperation no doubt) Gordie pronounced, "We'll take this one." It was one room, with a double bed and single cot behind a divider for a wall. 

     Nels couldn't believe his brother was actually serious. Offering to sleep in the car, Nels protested, saying, "If it were my first honeymoon night, I would want more privacy; at least a room with a ceiling!" 

     With big brother, again calling the shots, Gordie simply said, "You go have your shower and get to bed!" No doubt, recalling those earlier days of obeying his older brother's commands, Nels promptly obeyed. 

     In the morning, Nels was quick to inform the bridal couple that, as always, he fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. 

     Looking back, Nels often wondered how hard it must have been for a young bride to forgive her new brother-in-law for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. 

     Even to his last days, Nels loved relating this amusing tale of his first honeymoon, each time embellishing it just a little bit more. 

     Actually, through the years as we visited them, we found Hazel to be a quiet, soft-spoken, woman. So gracious and godly, Hazel always showered us with kindness and love. 

     

     I have recorded this story in my autobiography, Seeds of Love, on page 69.  I chose to write about it here, for the younger generation of Gordie and Hazel's family, who may not have yet heard it told. 

     I believe as we share happy memories of those we miss, we keep their memory alive.  

     Thanks, Hazel, my sister, for the example of your honourable life and legacy you have left to all of us. 

— beulah