one to one: Lessons about life, ministry, and grandkids

by Keith Burden, Executive Secretary, National Association of Free Will Baptists

Aunt Bea

I grew up watching first-run episodes of The Andy Griffith Show. One of the unforgettable characters was Aunt Bea. She was the consummate homemaker. She sang in the church choir and was a member of the woman’s auxiliary. Beatrice Taylor was the glue that held the family together.

Forty-one years ago, I married into the Dudley family. My mother-in-law’s name is Beatrice. I have, on occasion, affectionately referred to her as “Aunt Bea.” She is one of the most godly, remarkable women I have ever known.

She too, is a wonderful homemaker. Through the years she has faithfully served in various capacities as a devoted member of a Free Will Baptist church. At times she has been, quite literally, the glue that held our family together.

Recently, she pulled up roots and relocated to be near family. From my perspective, this spry 82-year-old has made an amazing transition into a different home, community, and church. Her resolve to make new friends and find happiness in a new location is an inspiration to us all.

One of Bea’s favorite past-times is fishing. The other day, accompanied by her great-grandson, she gathered her fishing tackle and drove to a local farm pond so they could ply their angling skills. The weather was beautiful, and the fish were biting.

Her young fishing partner experienced phenomenal success. To her delight, she spent much of her time helping him land his catch and put fish on a stringer. It was the kind of day most sportsmen only dream of.

That’s when it happened. As she stooped to anchor the stringer into the ground, she lost her balance, went head over heels, and somersaulted into the pond. True to her Baptist roots she experienced total immersion.

Thankfully, her great-grandson did not panic. Once she surfaced and he made sure she was okay, he called his mom on his cell phone to report the incident. However, before he could finish the conversation, he put his mom on hold because he got another bite!

After emerging from the pond soaking wet and regaining her equilibrium, Bea discovered she had lost her fishing hat and eye glasses. Attempts to recover them were unsuccessful, but the day was not a total loss. When the expedition ended, their day’s work yielded a total of 21 fish. Three ZiplocTM bags of catfish fillets were deposited in the freezer and one of the funniest “fish stories” ever told had been spawned.

People like Bea are a blessing. Her adventurous spirit, ability to adapt to change, and willingness to invest in the lives of her family members is nothing short of extraordinary. I admire folks like her who grow older with grace, dignity, and a sense of humor.

Opie was right. “Aunt Bea sure is a swell lady!”

About the Column

One to One is a regular feature of ONE Magazine. Written by Keith Burden, executive secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, the column explores life, ministry...and the joys of grandchildren.