Twenty Five Years

 This post was swirling around in my mind for the past few weeks.  I had no idea how the turn of events would transpire since then, so this is a few days late and will probably not be as eloquent as I had hoped.

November 9, 1985 - (Saturday)

I truly don't remember many details about this day for the most part.  I was a 13 year old 8th grader and had worked at my dad's small town grocery store that day. I had started working there at age 12 checking groceries.  My dad employed several local teens that I worked along side regularly.  At that time there were a several that my parents had known for years.  I fit right in with them just like I was 16.  This particular night after work, several of them were planning to go together to see a movie.  Before I knew what was happening someone had worked up the courage to ask me if I would like to go as well.  Honestly, I don't remember who asked, but I think it was Stacey.  And as best as I remember, she told me that a certain young man, named J, had requested that I go as well.  I was shocked and flattered.  J was 17 and had just entered his first semester at the local junior college.

I don't recall who I approached first, but I am sure it was my dad.  He never told me no, and I was right. I remember some heated discussion with my mom.  Dad wasn't excited about it, but he didn't have the heart to tell me no.  So the group of us loaded up and headed to the late movie. All I remember about the movie is that it was horrible and we all got up and left and headed to Wendy's to eat.  I ordered a burger and fries, but could barely eat anything.  I had no appetite. After that we headed back to the store and Stacey took me home since she lived closest to us. 

My dad was so ill for several weeks.  He didn't like the idea of a boyfriend for me, but he wouldn't stop it.  My mom would tell him that if he told me know she would back him completely. But she knew if she said no, he would never hold up his end of the bargain. They explained to me that I was too young to go out anywhere and that he could come over and see me but that was all. I was fine with that arrangement, but they never thought  he would be content just to come over and sit around with a girl who was not allowed to go out. 

Well, I guess I should say the rest is history.  And as my mom says "He's still sitting here!" It really didn't take long for J to earn the trust and respect of my parents as he worked for my dad for several years. I tease him all the time and tell him that the reason our marriage works is that he raised me just like he wanted me!  He has been called a cradle robber quite often as well.  But no matter how unusual our situation might be, I am so thankful that God saw fit to bless me at such an early age. Please understand I really don't think that huge age gap is wise or that dating at 13 is the thing to do.  I would die if it were my child!  However, it is how God wrote our story and I wouldn't have it any other way.  The positive from it?  I never went through the emotional roller coaster of hurt or broken relationships that most people deal with while dating. 

We were engaged on my 19th birthday and married 2 1/2 years later. So we dated for a total of 8 years and will have been married 17 years in December. And as for Stacey who sort of facilitated our first date, well she is now our next door neighbor!

I asked J this week if he ever dreamed that 25 years later we would be having our 2nd child.  His reply "Not really. Oh I knew we would be married with children but I was thinking it would be more like 10-15 years, never at 25!" 

J, I love you more today than I ever imagined possible in 1985. Seeing you as a new father again just melts my heart all over.  You are my very best friend and confidant.  Thank you for being such a wonderful husband and father.  I love you and I hope we have grandchildren by the next 25!