Thursday, January 7, 2010

Meet My Husband Part II

Yes, my husband is in a wheelchair.

I have never seen my husband stand.

I sat beside my husband when we said our wedding vows.

I can not believe the dear and sweet comments I have received from so many of you after my last post.  I am so touched and amazed.  I am no different than any of you - you would do the same thing.  So many of you deal with harder things than my family every day.  I have been amazed and encouraged by your grace, strength and faith as you blog about your days.  Thank YOU!

Jillian, Inc asked how we met, and she must have read my mind, because that was going to be the Part II of my blog.  My students asked as well!  Here we go...

Mike is my second husband.  (My first marriage was an emotional nightmare.  Don't have to elaborate...)  We met (you probably will stop following me after this) on Match.com (didn't tell the students that part!) when a friend told me I "was too cute not to be dating anyone".  It's hard to begin again - and where on earth does a nice girl in her 30's with two small children find someone?  Bars are so out of the question.  My church was a very two-parent family type.  So I said, "what the heck" and threw myself in.  I must have written a great description of myself as I never contacted anyone first and went on some very nice dates at only the best restaurants in town.  Anyway, I saw a picture of Mike (very handsome)  and he saw my cute picture LOL.  Next thing I know, we start emailing and talking on the phone for a few weeks.

I noticed his voice was a little slurred when we spoke and was initially a little worried.  (My ex is a NON-recovering alcoholic.)  However, he had such a fun way about him that I was OK.  And we didn't have to meet face-to-face.  Also, he lived in Aiken and I, in Columbia, so I felt there was enough distance.  After a few weeks, he told me he wanted to send me an article that had just been written about him in the local paper.  It was a good article, he told me, but if I never wanted to talk with him again, he would understand.  Of course that made me more than just a little curious as to what it was about. I agreed, and he immediately emailed me a copy.  (It's a pretty long read for a blog, but if you want to see it, I can show you.)  It was about him living (to the fullest) with his "diffability".  After I read it, I actually was relieved:  He WASN'T another alcoholic!  He was just in a wheelchair.  I can deal with that!

That was in March of 2006.  We got married June 2, 2007.  So I guess we are still newlyweds to some of you.  It was a day with not a dry eye.  Small, with only 50 friends and close family.  Sumter and Jackson walked me down the aisle in matching "Palmetto Tuxedos":  navy blue blazers, white shirts, khakis, and (Vineyard Vines) ties.  My uncle performed the Episcopal ceremony in the little Baptist chapel.  It truly is a match made in heaven - for us!  Mike never ever thought he would ever get married.  With all of my baggage as well, who's to say I would have also.  Our road, like all others, is filled with questions, anxieties and uncertainties.  But, like all others, it is also filled with laughter, hope, and faith.


28 comments:

  1. Beautiful Story! God works in mysterous ways. So happy you found each other!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are so lucky to have each other! Hope you have many many happy years together. What a heartwarming story.

    ReplyDelete
  3. A true Cinderella story! And, of course, with a very happy ending!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a sweet and touching story. I have tears of happiness in my eyes as I write this. You are truly a blessed woman. I'm so glad to be getting to know you.

    xx Bethany

    ReplyDelete
  5. Awwwww... I love stories like this!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I just read part I and part II. I am so touched!!! God bless both of you! I love how you say a 'diffibility'-that shows a great perspective the both of you have.
    And your story...I love a good love story! I think it is great how you met!!! Count me as still a follower!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I just loved reading your own personal love story! You have a great knack for writing. I am so glad that I can follow along with you on this blog. Love the palmetto tuxes!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What an "awwwww" love story. Thanks for sharing it with us. Your husband sounds like quite the amazing guy. We have a family friend who has been in a wheelchair since the age of 16 due to a farm accident. He is 50 now and I can honestly say that you just don't even notice the wheelchair because of the person he is. Bet he is a lot like your husband.
    I'm sure your boys love him to death and what a great role model for them to have. Ya'll are just too cute in that last picture.

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a beautiful story! I found love again after being widowed at a young age, and also had the joy of having my older son in our wedding. He was two-and-a-half at the time and wore a linen sailor suit. I'm thinking a day trip to Aiken in March--let me know!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow. What a beautiful story. I'm so glad I've met you and can't wait to learn more from you! Your boys are so blessed too.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Bevy- I knew the summary of this story, but when you first told me about your marriage, you neglected the date- you are indeed still a newlywed, and good for you! I am sure you are still basking in the moment- as you should. Sounds like you have finally met your prince charming for sure! I look forward to a lifetime of happiness for you both!

    ReplyDelete
  12. You are blessed! my dear girlfriend Valerie moved to Aiken! They love it there-Book Club-Supper Club- very active retirement! Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  13. It is a family that is meant to be. You have to show us a picture of your little guys in their tuxes.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love this story! You guys are so cute and look so happy. Thanks, again, for sharing your story. I've really enjoyed getting to "know" you through your blog. And, I love the "Palmetto" uniform your sons wore at the weeding. Just add a red striped tie, and it's known as the Louisville uniform around here. :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love the story! I'm just getting back into the 'real' world or 'reality' world as it may be, after all of our upheavals. You know how inspiring and comforting I find the love that the two of you share. xxoo Tracy

    ReplyDelete
  16. I just got chills reading. You two are adorable and that picture of you two is great! You are awesome for sharing another part of your life with blogworld!

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a wonderful story! You two make and beautiful couple. I am so glad to know you; your perspective on life is contagious!

    ReplyDelete
  18. WOW, tears as I read your story! Thank you for sharing your blessings with us! I am a new follower to your blog and this was the first post I read. You have a special gift! :-) XOXO

    ReplyDelete
  19. A beautiful love story! Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  20. LOVE your story. It is so inpritatiional. It is about second chances, seeing what really matters and following your heart. I love that you got to know your hubby a little bit on the phone and through the computer before you knew of his "diffability." I am sure you probably were a little in love with who is he already so it didn't matter. Bevy...you seem like such a sweet soul. So glad to get to know you through the bloggy world.

    ReplyDelete
  21. What a great story! Love is an amazing thing. I met my husband on eHarmony in 2003 and we actually were in their very first TV commercials. He was married for 12 years and I had never been married. So, those online dating services aren't all bad and they DO work, right? Big hugs to you!

    ReplyDelete
  22. This is one of the things that I've come to really enjoy about you ~ you keep it real and so down to earth! I only wish we lived closer so that we could spend more time together ~ perhaps team teach! ;)

    Jo

    ReplyDelete
  23. Goodness gracious...where do I begin? I love how you two met. Love that your children are named "Sumter" and "Jackson!" {I just love those names!} Love that photo of you and "husband!" Love that you had an Episcopal Priest at a Baptist wedding!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I LOVE this story. Oh my word, you two are so cute and truly meant to be together. You both are so lucky to have found each other and know that God brought you two together. :)

    (And just as I said in your latest post, those boys are just too stinkin' cute.)

    ReplyDelete
  25. I just love that you met on match.com, a modern day romance. I know how hard it is for women who are single with 2 children, my mom had a similar experience down to the ex and I am in awe at her strength to carry on and find love; just as I am you.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your sweet comments... They make my day just that more Golden!