Monday, February 13, 2012

♥ My Valentine & Our Story ♥


When I was a teenager, I formulated a plan for myself: Marry by age 20, have all my children by age 25. God had another plan.

I was 23 when my first husband died from colon cancer at the age of 25. He was my first love, a strong, handsome and Godly man, and I was heartbroken. But God was with me through his illness and continued to be with me as I mourned his passing, serving as my provider and comforter.

At 25, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and was certain that I would be single forever, since I couldn't imagine anyone wanting to take on that responsibility. As my health improved, I began dating again, but I didn't enjoy it. After going through a distressing break-up (well, only one of us was distressed, which was part of the reason it was so distressing), I began to embrace the idea of remaining single for the rest of my life. Okay, embrace is not the right word...it was more like "choke down" the idea. 

Seven years after I became a widow, things began to change quickly! My friend's mom played matchmaker with her friend who had a single son in seminary. Phone numbers were exchanged and a game of phone tag commenced between Philip and me. One day, while visiting my brother, we found him on AOL Instant Messenger. I'll always remember his first word to me. He typed, "Finally!" :) It's the most romantic word I think I shall ever hear!

He felt compelled to share his testimony right then and there...in front of my protective brother and within earshot (we were reading the text aloud) of my mother. In a nutshell: alcohol... marijuana... cocaine... crack... jail... SEMINARY! Well, that was enough to make my brother wary and my mother hysterical! But I sensed that this was worth pursuing.

We spent many hours on the phone before our first date, and I was impressed by his wit and confidence. I was falling in love with him before we even met! In an effort to impress him, I tidied everything I could. I used household scissors to cut weeds from cracks in the driveway. I even polished the brass on a wicker chest in my living room. I had no idea that Brasso turned your fingers BLACK for a week! It was embarrassing for me then, but what an object lesson! To this day, if he catches me obsessing on non essentials, he'll tell me that I'm brass polishing!

When I finally met him at my front door, I let him in and excused myself to finish getting ready. I vividly recall looking in my bathroom mirror and mouthing, "I could marry this one!" He was so handsome and funny and charming and confident and...(sigh)

As his seminary campus was over six hours away from me, our courtship was limited to weekend dates and many hours on the phone. We knew we wanted to get married within weeks of meeting, and he insists that I proposed to him, while I recall him forcing me to by bringing up the subject, then dodging it. We dated 9 months before marrying.

I'm so glad God brought us together! He knew what I desired and needed in a mate, and He really delivered! I love Philip's wit, wisdom, strength, confidence, and how He truly seeks to honor God as a husband and father in our home. He has made me such a better person, and I am brought to tears when I think about where God brought us from and the dreams we're now realizing together. My best friend, my love, my valentine!

20 comments:

Jennifer said...

Such a sweet story! Thank you for sharing. Happy Valentine's Day!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful love story! Brought tears to my eyes. :)

Unknown said...

That is such a beautiful love story.... Thanks for sharing it. :)

SparingChange said...

Awesome story! Thank you so much for linking up!!

Mikki said...

I'm so glad you enjoyed reading it!

Cassandra Holdeman said...

Thanks for sharing how God works wonders in our lives.

Also thanks for hosting the blog hop and I am your newest follower.

Mikki said...

Thanks CJayMom! I'm following you too!

Carrie Ann said...

Mikki! What an amazing story. I don't know how many times I said "Awww" while reading it. Thank you so much for sharing yours and Phillip's testimony and love story with us! I'm filled with warmth just reading it.

-Carrie Ann (aka Ginger)
P.S. I almost forgot...being so overwhelmed with your lovely story...thanks for choosing my blog to be the "Fine Feathered Friend" for the 2/21 Flock Together Tuesday Blog Hop. :) *beaming!

Mikki said...

Thanks Carrie Ann! I'm excited about hoppping together next week :)

Adrianne Surian said...

That is so sweet, so glad you shared. My husband and I each went through a lot of trials individually before we ended up together, and they were perfect for each of us to understand each other uniquely (though no fun at the time!)

Returning the love from Happy Hour Projects. So glad you dropped by!

Adrianne

Holly said...

I think this is the most romantic story I ever read...thanks for following me...following you right back...thankful that Welcome Wednesday introduced us to each other! :) Holly @ Pink Lady

Coupon Queen said...

What a wonderful story, I am always amazed at the way God works!! Glad you had a great Valentines day, thanks for stopping by, I am gladly following back. :) Have a great week.

NCSue said...

You have SUCH a story!!!
Thank you for your visit to my blog and for following. I'm following you as well and look forward to learning more about you!

Unknown said...

Such a wonderful story! God works in great ways, but in His time ;)

Following you back!

Lori said...

I love your blog! I'm a new follower on GFC and LF. I would love if you followed back so we can stay connected. The best part of this new Linky is finding all these great blogs I never knew about...like you! Lori

Unknown said...

I have been linky followers blog hopping for two days and I am loving it. I have met so many amazing people like you. I so love a Great Love Story that continues and has no end. I am now following you on linky and would love a follow back.

My Turn (for us)
http://myturn-evelyn.blogspot.com

Thanks, I so enjoyed the visit

Adele - The Dutch Door Kitchen said...

Mikki, your post gives me hope. I married my high school sweetheart when I was 20. We had 2 children together, married 18 years, and I was recently widowed in 2010 to cancer. I started blogging as a form of therapy. I'm happy to have found your blog. Valentine's Day was especially painful for my family. I'm now following you via GFC and Linky followers... Thank you for your post!

blessedchick said...

What a great love story! Stopping by from the Make My Morning Blog hop. would love a follow back http://blessedchick-trythis.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

What a beautiful story!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful story!