Though it tells the amazing story of Ken and Marian (McInnes) Eakins' journey to discovering true love, BECOMING ONE also contains a wealth of autobiographical material. Compiled by Dr J. Kenneth Eakins and his daughter Laurie, it presents an intimate look into their courtship, marriage and eventual struggle with death.
Written in the years following Marian's death from cancer, much of the information comes directly from her own diary entries. Marian wrote regularly in her diary and it's easy to see how much her parent's faith influenced their oldest daughter. Though most of the book focuses on Ken and Marian, there are little snippets about her parents sprinkled throughout. Here are a few:
Following one of their dates, both Ken and Marian lingered in the car in the McInnes driveway as they decided to go steady. "Our conversation was cut short, however, when we spied her dad walking toward the car. He leaned toward the window, a protective note in his voice: 'Come inside you two, everyone else is already in the house!'" (p. 29)
"Marian's mother had often taken trips, usually to visit her parents, leaving one or more of the girls at home with their father." (p.50)
"Marian's dad, always available when needed, came to help us with our move." (p.73)
The book was easy to read yet engaging. It was difficult to put down even without the family connection to hold my interest. There are many references to people and places of importance with colorful accounts of their influence. I appreciated the way Ken brings people to life and didn't just stick to facts. Most of my memories are distant and tainted by childhood, but Ken's account allowed me to see them as real people with struggles, hopes and dreams.
Ken is careful to explain that this is merely their story, not a universal pattern that would work for every couple seeking an "eternal love". So whether you are interested in the family history or the love story, this is a book that anyone would enjoy and gain inspiration from.
Persons interested in obtaining a copy of BECOMING ONE should write to:
TNT
2400 Citrine Way
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Written in the years following Marian's death from cancer, much of the information comes directly from her own diary entries. Marian wrote regularly in her diary and it's easy to see how much her parent's faith influenced their oldest daughter. Though most of the book focuses on Ken and Marian, there are little snippets about her parents sprinkled throughout. Here are a few:
Following one of their dates, both Ken and Marian lingered in the car in the McInnes driveway as they decided to go steady. "Our conversation was cut short, however, when we spied her dad walking toward the car. He leaned toward the window, a protective note in his voice: 'Come inside you two, everyone else is already in the house!'" (p. 29)
"Marian's mother had often taken trips, usually to visit her parents, leaving one or more of the girls at home with their father." (p.50)
"Marian's dad, always available when needed, came to help us with our move." (p.73)
The book was easy to read yet engaging. It was difficult to put down even without the family connection to hold my interest. There are many references to people and places of importance with colorful accounts of their influence. I appreciated the way Ken brings people to life and didn't just stick to facts. Most of my memories are distant and tainted by childhood, but Ken's account allowed me to see them as real people with struggles, hopes and dreams.
Ken is careful to explain that this is merely their story, not a universal pattern that would work for every couple seeking an "eternal love". So whether you are interested in the family history or the love story, this is a book that anyone would enjoy and gain inspiration from.
Persons interested in obtaining a copy of BECOMING ONE should write to:
TNT
2400 Citrine Way
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
