A Love Letter
Twenty-Six Years: A Love Letter
They met while working at a small liberal arts college in August 1987; she was just 19 and he was 25. Both had known love before and both had lost. Drawn to one another from the beginning it seemed that their “chance” meetings became more frequent; less chance and more purpose. Small chats turned into long talks, weak knees, fluttering hearts and hopes that she would spot him on her walk to the campus post office. He was quiet and nervously stumbled on his words from time to time but when he spoke, she listened with intent wanting to know all she could about him. As their talks lengthened she learned that he had a kind heart, big dreams, high hopes and the kind of sincerity that comes from deep within the soul. As he stood in the hallway of her office that mid-April afternoon and asked her out for the following Saturday neither had any idea that this would be one of the most important dates of their lives. It was April 16, 1988; their first day.
As time moved forward, days turned to weeks, weeks to months he knew that she was the one; his chosen partner. When he asked her to marry him it wasn’t a grand prepared event. He merely walked up behind her as she stirred a pot of green beans on the stove and with tears in his eyes asked her to be his wife. She said “yes” they cried and began to make plans for the rest of their lives. They married exactly one year later and together they set out hand in hand heart to heart on a journey that at times tried to break them. They never let go.
That young man took her hand, gave her his last name and promised to take care of her, cherish her and never let her wonder if he loved her. When times were tough, he stood strong beside her and when she felt as if she couldn’t stand the pressures of time and circumstance he held her up; always putting her first.
It’s been 26 years since that first date and as she sits and writes about him today her love for him is deeper than ever. He still makes her heart flutter, puts a smile on her face and makes her laugh. And while sometimes life gets in the way and they disagree, get angry and fuss with one another the love is always there; they never give up. She can’t imagine life without him because with him she is a better person. He gives and seldom takes, provides for her and their children never wanting for himself because they are his joy. He lives a life of faith, honor and dignity.
That young Carolina boy who stole the heart of this country farm girl all those years ago happens to be my husband, David. As we celebrate the 26th anniversary of our first date together I want to thank him for taking a chance on me, on our life and for sticking around when quite honestly I didn’t deserve it. Today our children are nearly grown and we are preparing for the day when our nest will be empty. We’ve managed to make it through the early years, babies, sleepless nights, school projects, multiple moves and grief. David is my rock, my safe place to fall, the love of my life. And while ours is an ordinary life filled with simple things I can’t imagine it any other way. Famed French writer and poet Antoine de Saint -Exupéry once wrote “ Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction.” Thank you David for your un-ending love and for looking outward in the same direction with me; the direction of our dreams.
Peace,
Karla
I am proud to introduce a new column to Madame Deals! I think we all need a touch point a place we can go to be inspired. Karla is my children’s teacher, a good friend, and a person with a heart of gold. I hope that her words will inspire you to do more. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. It is important to listen with your heart and proceed with your eyes open. Enjoy!
Read more Karla’s Korner , also please visit Karla’s Lifetime Moms page and read her articles.
Check out Karla’s 24 Day Advocare Challenge updates!
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