St. Valentine’s Day is considered the day of love.  There are many love stories that are told on this day.  One of the most beautiful love stories that this reporter has heard is the story of Briley and LaVina Mitchell.  It’s had a bump or two along the way, but nothing that could not be overcome by the love these two people have for each other. But let’s go back to the beginning.

Briley was a junior in high school.  LaVina was a sophomore. They met at summer band.  Rehearsals began very early in the morning on the practice field at Robert E. Lee High School in Midland.  It was August 5, 1974. The moon was still up when Briley arrived at the field and LaVina was sitting Indian style in the middle of the field “howling at the moon.”  According to Briley, it was either that or the tank top and shorts LaVina was wearing that caught his attention. Whatever it was, he said to himself, “That’s my kind of girl.”  They both played alto saxophone, so they saw each other every day.

In April 1975, on a band trip to Corpus Christi, LaVina asked Briley to sit with her on the bus. They became good friends and began dating.  They dated all through high school. Soon they began sneaking a kiss on the head every so often, even on stage before a Christmas concert.

Then came bump number one.  Dad stepped in and told Briley could not get serious until LaVina was 18.  They both knew they had met their soul mates. They were married in Midland on January 13, 1978, a Friday.  LaVina was born on April Fool’s day. Most people would be suspicious of these days as they consider these as “bad luck days” but not the Mitchells.  

The Mitchell’s have two daughters, Shyla and Roxanne. Neither daughter lives in Llano County but they get home as often as they can.   When Roxanne was only four days old, the Mitchells went to the Permian Basin Oil Show. A picture was taken of her and it was published in the newspaper.  She is the youngest person to ever attend the show.

The second bump in their life was when LaVina had a stroke on June 24, 2005.  She was in a coma for 3 ½ days. Briley was told that she might not survive.  About 50 people met at their church and had a prayer service that lasted two hours.  LaVina came out of the coma the next day. She was in the hospital for 42 days.

The Mitchells moved to Llano in August 2010.  Briley, a professional photographer, opened a business to showcase his photographs.  He also carried other forms of pictures and paintings. He also started a framing business.  Since becoming the Director of the Llano Chamber of Commerce, he has closed his business but still does it when time allows.

We wish these two a very Happy Valentine's Day.