I wasn't planning on this, but I'm actually going to post our "love story."
My husband and I met in college through a mutual friend (second semester of our Sophomore year). Let's just say I wasn't impressed. He was your typical Sophomore guy and I did NOT like him. We went on one date that semester, where he quickly realized that I wasn't interested. He was in my group of friends so we actually hung out quite a bit. By the end of that semester, it was obvious he was interested and on the last day of school, he proceeded to tell me so. I told him in no uncertain terms that I did not like him, BUT that I had no idea what the future held and that I would not "close the door" on the idea. If God wanted us together, I knew He could change my mind. But again, I made it very clear, I was NOT interested. We went out separate ways (me to Louisiana and him to Ohio) and did not keep in touch over the summer.
The next semester, I spent little time with that group of friends, but somehow Nathan always seemed to pop up, including having the chapel seat right in front of me closer to the end of the semester. It was obvious he was still interested in me and I tried to make it very clear that I was still NOT interested in him. As that school year progressed and went on to Senior year, we spent more and more time together - including lunch almost every day because he was the only one of my friends with that lunch hour (funny how God works things out like that). I still did not like him, but he was quickly becoming a good friend.
I continued telling myself and everyone else that I did not like him. He was not for me. We had too many differences. He was a great guy, but I did NOT like him.
One thing I really appreciate about my husband is that he didn't push me. He respected me and my feelings. Something that is very important to me. If he would have tried to pressure me, we would not have become such good friends, and I would not have changed my mind about liking him.
Spring semester of our Senior year rolls around. It was that semester that I started to doubt my resolve to not like Nathan.
There was one last formal event of the semester and though I still told myself I didn't like him, Nathan was the only guy that I wanted to go with. "He's just a good friend," I kept telling myself. I remember giving him hints, trying to get him to ask me. Finally coming to the conclusion that he had finally given up (who could blame him). He did finally ask me (thanks to a very good friend of his and now mine - you know who you are - THANK YOU!). It took him so long to ask me that I had already agreed to go with one of the girls on my floor. I told him if he wanted to take me, he'd have to take both of us.
It was that night that I really started to rethink my decision to not like him.
When my friend and I walked out of the dorm, he was waiting there with flowers. Not just for me. He had also bought a flower for my friend. I was impressed. What a gentleman.
I remember a friend of mine coming up to me (while Nathan was standing right there) and asking me if he was my boyfriend. AWKWARD! I, of course, told her that he was JUST a friend. It was the first time I actually regretted saying it.
Well, he got the hint. The next day was graduation. There was no long goodbye. No, "we'll keep in touch." --"Bye." That was it. I turned around and walked away feeling somewhat hurt that there wasn't more. What did I expect? I had made it quite clear the night before that I was STILL not interested.
I went home and my mom (I love that woman!) wouldn't let it rest. "What about Nathan?" "I don't know." I kept telling her. But after 4 days of being home and not hearing from Nathan, I was so excited when I got an e-mail from him (thank you Car & Driver). My mom finally told me that if I was interested in the least, I needed to tell him.
How do you tell a guy you've rejected for the last 2 1/2 years that you are now actually interested in him? Well, I prayed... A LOT. I didn't want to just come right out and say it out of the blue. We e-mailed back and forth for a few days while I waited for the right time. It finally came and I ended the e-mail by saying, "Do remember the conversation we had at the end of Sophomore year when I said I'd keep the door open? Well, it's still open."
FOUR DAYS!!!! It took him 4 days to respond to that e-mail. 4 very long days.
From there, we started talking on the phone. I think our first phone conversation was May 28th or 29th. He came to visit me for my birthday and it was that weekend (July 14th) we decided we were going to get married. He flew me up to Ohio the first weekend in August to meet his family and that is when we got engaged. 3 weeks after we decided to get married and only about 9 weeks after we started "talking."
When you know, you know.
We were married almost exactly a year later. The happiest day of my life.
Now 2 years, 6 months, and 13 days later, I am more in love with husband today than I was the day I married him. I have not, for one minute, regretted marrying him. I would do it again in a heartbeat. He is perfect for me. No, not perfect - perfect for me. I couldn't have asked for a better husband.
He is loving. He is caring. He is a hard worker. He is a godly example. He is kind. He is giving. -- Just to name a few.
Many nights over the last 3 months, he has held me while I have cried myself to sleep. He has been so understanding on my down days. He has helped me so much! I wish I could put into words how much he means to me. There are no words to describe it. I love him with all of my heart. My one true love. My Valentine.
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| "One shoe can change your life." - Cinderella |
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| My handsome man! |
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| "I do." ... Today and every day. |
I love you Nathaniel Dale Lewis. Happy Valentine's Day!
