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Friday, February 12, 2010

A Love Story

Today I am linking up with two other blogs!  I am sharing my "love story" for a link up with Wonder Woman Wannabe.  

 I think it will also count as a Feel Good Friday post at The Girl Next Door Grows Up!
So, here goes...

In 1997, I was a wild and crazy single girl woman.  I had dated and dated, but just had not found a guy I really wanted to spend any time with.  My friends kept trying to set me up and of course, it never worked out.  Finally, I feel like I came to a place where I was happy.  I was working and having fun with family (I had a new niece that I was spoiling rotten!) and just hanging out with friends.  I decided I was good, didn't need to join the convent, but didn't need to be on the prowl either.

I have a good friend who is a guy, not gay, who I hung out with all the time.  We worked together too.  One day he says to me, "You should meet my neighbor."  I'm thinking, "How have I not met all of your neighbors already???  We are always together!"  But I say, "Don't do me any favors.  I really don't want to be set up!"

After a while, I gave in.  But with conditions.  I told him, he could bring him over to my place and we would cook out.  There had to be other people there as well because, if I didn't like him I wanted to have other people to talk to!  So we set up an evening and my friend put out the invitation.  Later, I get a call from the guy saying thanks for the invite, but he can't make it.  He has bible study.  Yes, I could not believe it!  I was beginning to think maybe I DID want to meet this guy!  Not only did he have manners, but he was a Christian who attended bible study!!  Well, he asks if we can reschedule, so we do.

My friend and I stuck with the original plan and invited others to come for a bbq and everyone shows up.  When my blind date comes in, all I can think is, wow, that guy is so cute!  Why is he single?  What's wrong with him?  (Later, he tells me he thought the same about me!) 

So, the night goes on, we have a great time.  Great conversation, us sitting at the table with our friends outside peeking in the windows at us trying to figure out if we are having fun, and realizing we have a lot in common!  We had such a good time together, we made plans to see each other the next night.  We made a date to go out to eat with a couple that he was great friends with.  I guess he needed approval from them.

Well, I guess he got it, because we saw each other every single day after that.  My family fell in love with Greg just as quickly as I did.  Just like any girl, I had my wedding all worked up in my head.  The only problem was, he took his sweet time asking me to marry him!  In 1999, my dad passed away.  He was very sick with cancer for a long time.  I was heartbroken, but Greg was right there with me the whole way.  I was really sad though, that my dad would never be there at my wedding to walk me down the aisle.

The following year, Greg and I were spending Thanksgiving together, alone.  My mom had moved out of state and Greg's family lived out of state as well.  That day I was in such a funk.  I was glad to be with him, but so sad not to be with family.  I missed my dad so much.  Greg knew I was sad.  He was hugging me and drying my tears.  All of a sudden he said, "Would you cheer up if I asked you to marry me?"

I was all...WHAT???  I was so surprised!  It was the furthest thing from my mind at that moment.  Then he reached over and picked up a hat off the counter.  Under it was this beautiful red box with my beautiful ring in it.  Yes, it cheered me up! 

We were married almost a year later.  All of our family was there.  My brothers, all 4 of them, gave me away.  And Greg wears my sweet father's wedding ring, given to us by my mom.  The one he wore for almost 50 years.

My mom said, "I know how much he loved Greg, he would want him to wear it."

I hope that he will wear it for 50 years.  Or more.

Happy Valentines Day!

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

OH I love how he proposed!!!!

Would it cheer you up?!

What a great story - thank you!

Unknown said...

What a sweet story! Thanks for stopping by my blog today. Hope you have a great weekend!

Shell said...

What a sweet story!

I love that he wears your dad's ring.

Gay Vaughan said...

Andrea, this is SO sweet!! And I love that your husband wears your dad's ring. Your pics...the cutest family around, seriously!

You asked about the snow...
in the blink of an eye,
it was gone. Almost 7 inches and now only traces under trees...yep, that is Texas weather for you.

Nonnas News said...

What a sweet story! It was still snowing when I got up this morning but stopped mid morning. Its starting to melt now. It sure was beautiful!! Happy Valentines Day!

Stacey said...

I have tears in my eyes! What a great story. I am glad you shared it.

Twincerely,Olga said...

stopping by from SITS! what a beautiful love story!!! you are a beautiful family!!!

Lila Tueller said...

I love that story!...It's really really sweet, and you look very happy!
Also, thanks for your comments on my blog! I am totally interested in the idea you have for Haiti. I have been thinking about doing it for a while, and I haven't been able to implement my idea yet. Keep me posted on your plan!

Lila

Lynette Jacobs said...

What a beautiful true life story...and knowing that the Lord knows who your life partner is...and He will always see to it that you get together in whatever way He chooses.

glenna said...

Touching story! Love your beach pictures as I look out the window and see snow in my yard.

Anonymous said...

What a perfect post for Valentine's Day! I, too, hope he wears the ring for (more than) 50 years.

Heidi of Operation Organization said...

What a precious story! How special that he's wearing your dads ring. I have to admit that I teared up while reading how all your brothers gave you away. ;)

Hope you had a very happy V-day!

Christina Lee said...

awww so great -he wears his wedding band--that is SO very special!

Apron Senorita said...

Hi, so nice to meet you. I’m Yoli, a fellow “Texas Blogging Gal”. I made it my goal to visit each member’s Blog. I don’t want to just “drive-thru” to meet a quota, but instead to share the gift of friendship that God gives us all. I’m excited to read your inspirational stories and see your creative works. You are always welcomed for a visit at my blog.

Andrea, that is such a beautiful story. I hope for 50+ years of marriage for you!!

God Bless You!
Yoli Kalkofen
http://apronsenorita.blogspot.com/

said...

That was a beautiful love story indeed!

Cybil said...

Beautiful story! And I just love your family photos - they are gorgeous!

Julie {Angry Julie Monday} said...

Awwww great story, especially for Valentine's Day! Stopping in from SITS!!! Hope you had a great Valentine's Day!

Anonymous said...

OK seriously...I'm sitting on the chair in my bedroom in the dark while my husband sleeps...I'm grasping for a tissue...this is SO touching. I just love a good love story. You totally made me cry with the ring.

Thank you so much for sharing.

~melody~

Claudya Martinez said...

You are a beautiful couple. I love this post. I'm a sucker for love.

Erin said...

What a wonderful story! God always works when you least expect it, huh?