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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, May 26, 2002

FOR BETTER, FOR WORSE
Illness can't stifle couple's love

By Ardelle Vivienne Robinson

The marriage of my daughter, Barbara, and her husband, Musa, is a picture-perfect sign that any obstacle can be overcome and love will prevail.

The two met during their senior years at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She was a ROTC undergrad, and he was about to receive his law degree.

The courtship was glorious, but when they discovered (to everyone's shock and amazement) that they'd shared the same baby-sitter at different times in their toddlerhoods back in Pittsburgh, they knew they were meant to be together.

Just before graduation, Musa became incredibly ill. For some time, there wasn't even a confirmed diagnosis of his increasing illness. On top of that, the medication he was given had been known to cause sterility in some cases. Dear Musa was so ill, he had to receive his law degree in his hospital bed. He even proposed to Barbara in the hospital, with some assistance from his mom, Jean Eubanks, who brought over the engagement ring he'd already selected.

When Musa returned home, the couple began working on wedding plans. Shortly afterward, Barbara was diagnosed with liver cancer. She amazed the doctors by staying in ICU only overnight and in the hospital for only one week.

As soon as she got home, the wedding plans were back on in full force. Initially, they were planning a wedding nearly a year into the future. As they began discussing how they'd both been able to overcome traumatic illnesses with the Lord's help, they decided life was too precious and too short for such elaborate and extensive planning.

Three months later my daughter walked down the aisle on her father's arm. Seeing her and watching Musa watching her brought tears to my eyes, especially knowing what physical ordeals they had both recently overcome.

Now, five and a half years later, they are the proud parents (and I am the proud Nana) of Xavier Ellis DuBois Eubanks, 4, and Evan Malachi Eubanks, 1.

Barbara and Musa are a shining example of a couple whose marriage is built on faith, love, determination and strength. I am so incredibly proud of the two of them.

Ardelle Vivienne Robinson lives in Honolulu. Barbara and Musa Eubanks were married Oct. 9, 1996, at Arlington Baptist Church in Arlington, Va; they live in Washington, D.C.