Angels Encamped Around Them
Larry and Louise Corn are long-time Residents of View. In fact, they have resided on Braune Road since September of 1979, almost 43 years. Anyone who has lived in the View and Wylie Community for long at all are familiar with the amazing Corn Family.
In all of their years residing in View, the Corns have never seen such a devastating wildfire. Louise is 86, and Larry is 80. They have been married almost 50 years. They have 8 children and a vast number of grandchildren and great grandchildren. They possess a strong faith, and Louise has a huge collection of angels. She explained that as people have learned that she loves angels, friends and loved ones have given her so many that they “are everywhere.” She found both her grandchildren and angel count equally challenging.
Personally, I have known Louise and Larry Corn since the 4th grade, when my family moved out to Hidden Valley, and I started at Butterfield (Wylie). Louise and her daughters baby-sat me and helped our family all around. Her daughters taught me how to play basketball and braided my hair. Her oldest daughters, Tracy and Lynn, were basketball superstars. Louise later babysat my own daughters years later when my husband, daughters, and I lived in Hidden Valley.
Louise has always been a blessing to our family. We have many fond memories of eating with she and her family for special holidays. I especially have mouth-watering memories of eating her world-famous “Coca Cola cake.” She has always made me one for special occasions.
So, although I do not currently reside in Hidden Valley, my daughters I have dropped by on a regular basis to catch up with the Corn family when visiting my parents.
When the Mesquite Heat fire leveled Hidden Valley and the surrounding areas, I quickly started checking on updates for other beloved neighbors, especially Louise and Larry.
I heard that they were evacuated to one of their daughter’s homes on Oldham Lane during the fire. Also, I learned that they fire burned right up to several edges of their property line. Louise explained that the fire burned a section of land under her tree in the front yard, under the mailbox, and up to several edges on the front and side of her property.
However, the residents of nearly 43 years did not lose their beloved home. When asked what she attributed to the fire lines all around her property, Louise said, “I had angels on the outside and angels on the inside.” She explained that she and her family were all praying during the fire. In fact, she said in a matter-of-fact manner, “I pray all the time. I have prayer on lay-away.”
Her daughter, Sheila, added, “I had all of my friends praying at the school too (Abilene ISD). We’ve got a mighty God, Mom. Look what He did for you.”
Louise did not know the fate of her Hidden Valley friends until she saw my mother interviewed on television. She saw the now- famous video of my mother, Dr. Pearl Merritt, interviewed about escaping their home with only her own mother’s Bible and the family dogs. Louise was relieved to learn that her long-time friends, the Merritt family, had survived the fire. She was devastated when she drove out to see her friends and realized they had lost their homes.
Although we may never understand (while on Earth) why some structures and homes burned and others did not, Louise is quick to point out that “God’s does mysterious things.”
She is also quick to point out that He is faithful and hopes that her testimony is a blessing to all around her.
Psalms 91:11
“For He will command His angels to protect you wherever you go.”
Story and pictures published with permission of Louise & Larry Corn.
Thank you, Louise & Larry for being a blessing to all of your family, friends, and community. We love you!
Be Blessed,
Dr. K
