It's hard to believe that Mike and I have been married for 20 years! In some ways, it seems longer because I have very few memories without him. We met in fourth grade when his family moved one town over to Williamsburg, Ohio...and the rest, shall we say, is history! We "went together" (what exactly does that mean?!) and dated since eighth grade and were engaged during our first year at Malone College. On our first anniversary, as poor college students, Mike gave me one single long-stem red rose. I remember he said, "It may not seem like much now but imagine when we've been married for 50 years!" Well, each year, he has added one more rose and somehow still manages to surprise me during the week of our anniversary. We have been in many different places to celebrate over the years, but I have to say that this year at CLM will be the most memorable for me.
We had called all the kids to dinner and were ready to pray when Mike announced that everyone needed to go back upstairs to clean up the family room. A few of the kids grumbled but everyone got up and marched back upstairs. About 2 minutes later, Luana came out of the girls' hallway door and started walking towards me with a red rose and a big smile. About the time she reached me at the end of the dining room, the door opened again and out came Geovane with another red rose and an even bigger smile. The lightbulb FINALLY went off in my head when Donei appeared, followed by 16 more of our beautiful children in a slow procession, each with a rose and a huge grin. Of course, the last to appear was Mike with the 20th rose, a hug and a kiss, while everyone clapped and cheered. Not too many dads have enough kids to pull that off! :)
I was overcome with emotion not only because of the love I have for this man that God has blessed me with but also that we were able to share this special moment with the 31 precious children that He has placed in our care. I praise God for Mike and the 20 wonderful years He has given us together.
"I pray our love can be worthy of, the One who gave His life so our love could be." Geoff Moore
7 comments:
How SWEET! :) You guys are such an inspiration!
That's beautiful! You guys made me tear up. :) Miss you both!
Awwww!! That is GREAT!!!! Good job Mike! Congratulations to you both!!!
That's so great Mike and Mary! How creative!
What a great story and great memory. Good for you Mike. May the Lord continue to bless you with many more years together! With love, Lilly
TEARS! What a beautiful love story. You two a such a great example of a Godly marriage. Love to you both and Congratulations.
Stacey
What a wonderful way to celebrate 20...Happy Anniversary! I'm grabbing a tissue. Dave Kleffman
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