17 Years Ago

Today is my 36th birthday. On April 24th 1992 I went on a blind date. I had talked to this man that my girlfriend from college told me about once on the phone. I asked him if he was a Christian and he said with emphasis "Yes Ma'am!". He asked if I would like to go out and the date he offered happened to be my 19th birthday. I prepared by having my outfit dry-cleaned and wore my favorite perfume. Holly and I took the trip from Milledgeville to Stockbridge (ATL) after we finished classes that day. He showed up bearing a small coffee cup of flowers. That man that I went on the blind date with 17 years ago kissed me goodbye as he left for work this morning. The picture below is the first one taken of us. This was only weeks later. Four months after we would be engaged, four months after that we would be married.

The coffee cup is still in use today. He took me to Olive Garden, but I really couldn't eat. We sat there talking, him looking at me really so deeply. He was saying things that made me laugh, smile and sometimes raise my eyebrow. Then it happened: I heard "This is your husband" It was in my head, but I heard it - out of nowhere. I immediately said excuse me and slipped into the bathroom. I remember clenching the counter and looking in the mirror and thinking: "I didn't ask for this, I'm not looking for a husband.. I'm 19 What? What is happening?" I composed myself and went back to the table. I sat down and saw the most gorgeous blue - green eyes and this confident grin. He was charming me and was just irresistible. He kept making comments about my hair..my eyes.. . My cheeks started hurting that night and continued to hurt for some time from smiling so much!! Sparks were flying that night. I had never had a date like that. My heart was racing and he held my hand later that night and it just felt like home.

A few weeks after that first date the picture was taken. Four months later we would be engaged (Although he bought the ring some time before that - for me), Four months after that we would be married. Sounds crazy. I am an indecisive person about many things. There was no indecision when it came to Bill. There was no doubt in my mind that I was to be his wife. There is still no doubt. My birthday is special to me as it is the date that I first set eyes on my husband. Marriage is a lot of work and so is parenting, but it is also beautiful. He still gives me goosebumps when he kisses me or sometimes with just a touch of my hand. I still adore his beautiful blue-green eyes. I am so thankful that I met this man on that day back then, what a beautiful present.

Thank you God.