In Memory of John and Flo Scott

Our Wedding January 16, 2001
Chapel By The Sea

This is a postcard of the church where my husband and I were married 11 years ago, which I scanned into my computer and digitally manipulated.  The ceremony was actually conducted inside the church, but here, as you can see, I moved us in front and also added a bird on top of the church sign.  I'm combining my love of digital photography and sharing a story of God at work.  Now for the story ...................................

My husband, John, and I got married on Captiva Island in Florida on January 16, 2001.  This small and quaint historic church was originally constructed as a county school in 1903 and purchased by the Methodist Church as a mission in 1921.  Since we eloped (certainly not done because we were too young, we just wanted to sneak away and do it quietly:), we needed witnesses which the minister arranged.  So, we show up the day of the wedding, and the cutest, most charming elderly couple named John and Flo are introduced to us.  They were going to be so kind to witness our day of marriage.  The minister had explained that John was there everyday and was the caretaker of the small cemetery, located next to the church.  There was another couple present who were vacationing from Canada. They were there to visit and see the church their daughter, Susan, wanted to be married in. 


The couple from Canada (I'm ashamed to say I don't remember their names), offered to take pictures of the ceremony for us and afterwards John and Flo, whom we had just met,  invited us all back to their house to celebrate our special day.  They brought out a fruitcake (our wedding cake) they had gotten for Christmas and wine.  We just had such a grand time with these unbelievably generous and kind folks.

What we learned from them later broke our hearts.  They also had a daughter named Suzi who had died falling down the stairs while working on the house she was having built for her parents.  She was only 48 at the time and was buried at the cemetery next to the church.  Suzi was their only child and, of course, they never recovered from such a great loss.  John was able to cope with his grief and continue to live a somewhat productive life, but Flo remained in a constant state of depression.  In fact, she didn't leave the house except to visit the cemetery, so witnessing our marriage was something very different for her.

We also learned from John that he and Flo were going to be married somewhere in the area of 60 years on January 18 (again, forgive me for not knowing exactly.  I know I have notes somewhere, but where, well ... I'm sure I put them some place logical where I would find them:).  To continue, we offered to take them to dinner to a popular restaurant on the island, "The Mucky Duck."  By the way, most delicious bbq shrimp ever!  John said that if he could get Flo to go, he would love to accept our offer.  Again, Flo had gone nowhere since Suzi's death in 1994.  Much to John's pleasant surprise, Flo agreed and we picked them up at their house.  She was glowing, dressed in red, her hair pulled back and up ... and John, well, John had the biggest smile on his face.  He was so thrilled to see her dolled up and willing to go out.  He said red has always been her favorite color.  This beautiful, lovely woman was once a fashion designer in New York.  From that time on, we frequently referred to her as, "the lady in red." Though it was obvious that Flo felt a little uncomfortable being out (and some of the locals were being so rude by staring), we enjoyed each other immensely.  After all, this was a celebration of people being brought together for a higher purpose.

It's hard to believe that all of this occurred in a period of a week.   I believe, without a doubt, that God orchestrated this whole unforgettable, forever cherished, event.  John and Flo moved back to their home town of San Diego and we stayed in touch for a few years.  Flo had the beginning stages of Alzheimer's when we met her in Florida, which John also developed later as well.  We did stay in contact, though, for some years to follow ... and for a couple of years, we received roses on our anniversary and a Collins Fruitcake at Christmas.   However, the last time we spoke with them, it took John a long time to understand who we were, so our communication dwindled at that point.  We will never forget and always cherish the short time we spent with two of the most beautiful and incredible people we've ever met.

Wow!  What powerful memories this all brings back.  God bless you John and Flo Scott.  We miss you and you will always remain near and dear in our hearts.

"The Lady In Red"