My junior year of high school was the first time I saw him.

My friend Gina wanted to show me who he was.. so she said when we passed him in the hallway, she would say something about purple flowers. I didn’t see what he looked like, but I remember laughing at whatever she said…

I met him later that year during an audition for a singing group…

We went to homecoming together (with different people, but in the same group).

He became one of my closest friends.

He was smart, talented, kind and courteous to my parents.

I had no idea who he would become to me…

Somehow, by the grace of God, we both ended up at Texas A&M University.

After years of very close friendship ~ long walks around Ross Field, hours studying at the library, dancing at Denim N Diamonds, eating at Freebirds, Bonfires, football games, the Wrecking Crew, Kyle Field, study breaks at the piano rooms on the bottom floor of the MSC, watching Princess Bride together over and over… the spring of our sophomore year, we started officially dating.

 

Over the next few years, we shared friends, laughs, great memories (don’t worry ~ my brother was along as a chaperon on this trip), and five years of studying and working together.

We worked in the Athletic Dorm cafeteria. We ate well. Just sayin’.

 

We went to Ring Dance together, we danced the night away on the third floor of Rudder Tower to an amazing jazz band. There was a storm that night, and I remember resting my head on his shoulder and watching the lightning… I remember wishing with all my heart that he would choose me to marry.

 

And then it happened….twelve years ago today.

I am so thankful and grateful.

Two states, two apartments, three houses, and two beautiful children later, what have I learned?

What can I share with you that I think was key…

We made a commitment to each other to never have lunch or dinner (work or friends) with just one member of the opposite sex.

We promised to always have a third person there. In twelve years, it has never been a challenge or a hindrance to have a third person there.

We promised to edify each other when we are speaking about each other to other people.

The best book I’ve read about marriage was A Severe Mercy. The author speaks so frankly about ‘building a hedge around marriage’. It is a beautiful and encouraging story of love and loss. 

I read this book about two years ago. It was such an encouraging reminder of the joy that comes from protecting your marriage from infidelity.

Happy Anniversary, darling.

I am forever yours.

Kate