29 Years and Counting - A Love Story

Once upon a time there was a naive young girl who left her small, southern town and moved west to the land of tumbleweeds and tornadoes.

Okay, a novelist I AM NOT! But, I would like to tell you a little love story. So, if you're inclined to read along...

Is it possible to recognize the love of your life when you're only 14? Highly unlikely but looking back that's how it seemed to me.
The summer before my freshman year in high school my family moved from Virginia to Oklahoma.  We began attending a new church that was at least four times bigger than anything I'd previously attended. It seemed huge! I'd never seen so many cute boys! But one in particular stood out from the rest.

The sanctuary of our church was built as a semi-circle so the benches were curved. You could easily glance down the way and see everyone else seated on your row. This cute new guy, who had caught my attention would oh, so casually lean forward, resting his arms on his knees. Then he would oh, so casually glance down the row and depending on the mood I was in, either catch my eye or see me pretending he wasn't there.

Thus was the beginning. Not really the stuff movies are made of.
As Summer moved into Fall the church youth group hosted a hayride. This cute guy and I ended up sitting next to each other in the wagon.  This may have been the first time we'd even said complete sentences to each other. While holding my hand, hidden by the hay, he asked me how old I was. I promptly replied, "Going on 15." 
Now, this was October. I'd just turned 14 in August! Technically, I suppose, I was telling the truth. But as I was to learn later, my future husband was 19! Soon to be 20! This age gap seemed insurmountable!
But that evening, with all the wisdom of my 14 years, I told my best friend, "He's going to be important in my life." I wanted to say, "I'm going to marry him someday." But I wasn't that self-confident. Plus, it just sounded too corny! Too much like all the romance novels I'd been reading. (And still read!)

Life went on. Not much happened except a little flirting here and there. Glances during church and so on. Oh, there was that one kiss during the church youth party. Oh, yeah, and another kiss during another youth party.  Just two. That's all.
Our first official date was my 16th birthday.  He took me to see the musical Oliver Twist.  Believe me, he must have really liked me because this is NOT his thing! NOT AT ALL! He made the mistake of asking what I'd like to do.

No laughing! Remember this is 1982!  And yes, the carpet is purple.

We were married when I was 18 and he 24. Actually 18&1/2...but still, not something I would ever recommend to my children. But the blessings and joys of the past twenty nine years IS something I pray each of my children experience.

You see, this precious man, my Scott, is the love of my life. A God given gift. A blessing. 
The man that makes me laugh even when I'm so mad I'd rather scream. 
The man that keeps me level when I'm more prone to be on a roller coaster. 
The man that gives me free rein to create to my heart's content and knows how much I need to create.
The man that fills up my car with gas. 
Brings me Dr. Peppers. 
Brings me old chairs instead of flowers! (Best gift ever!)
Allows me numerous trips to visit my family, halfway across the country, even when he can't come along.
Allows me to put my cold feet on his legs to get them warm.
Allows me to blog when he'd rather I turn out the lights.
Who takes me out to eat at places he doesn't like, only because I do.
Who gave me me four precious children.
Who is the best Dad, ever! 

left to right: Scott, Garrison, Sonya Courtney, Drew (Courtney's fiance') Kaleigh and Karianne.

 The man who loves me.

Today is our 29th Wedding Anniversary!

I'm Blessed...and still counting!