Karla’s Korner: Celebrating The Journey

Celebrating The Journey….

Twenty five years ago today I went to work and then to my boyfriend David’s house to fix dinner and spend the evening with him; something we had done several times a week for five months. We spent a lot of evenings cooking dinner together, hanging out in his basement shooting pool or sitting outside on the back patio watching the wildlife and enjoying each other’s company. Our lives were relatively simple and we liked it that way. As I stood at the stove stirring a pot of green beans David approached me and told me he had something to show me. As I turned around he was standing there holding a little black box in his hands with tears streaming down his cheeks. He said something about loving me and knowing I was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with and then he asked me if I would be his wife. It was my turn to cry as I blurted out a big “yes!” and he slipped a diamond ring on my left hand. We set a date and started to plan the rest of our lives…..

Twenty four years ago today 21 year old me slipped on a pretty white dress and walked down the aisle of a little country church and became a wife. With our family and friends looking on we professed our love for one another, exchanged vows and simple gold bands, shared a kiss and that was that. We were husband and wife and had absolutely no idea what the future would bring. I knew in my heart that I was ready for this new life; we hit the road toward a future together as husband and wife.

Fifteen years ago today I waddled into a hospital delivery room with my husband of nine years and gave birth to a beautiful 8 pound 3 oz. brown eyed baby boy who stole my heart the minute my eyes met his. I had waited a long time for this little person and had spent the past two years grieving the loss of a baby that just was not meant to be. The birth of my sweet boy brought with it a reminder that he entered this world exactly two years after our second baby should have been born. I like to believe that God gave me this little boy on this very special day to remind me that even with loss and sadness life must go on and the reward for going on was my son, Christopher. Together with his big sister our family was complete and yet another chapter of our life story had begun.

Today I find myself in awe of how fast those years have gone by. Our girl is in her third year of college and well onto great things in her own life. Our boy, celebrates his 15th birthday, is in the tenth grade and is one of the coolest big kids I know. He’s funny, smart (sometimes a smarty pants), thoughtful and a good friend. He has gone from creating things out of paper and scotch tape to building his own computer and standing four inches over me. He delights in his height advantage over me and his hair advantage over his dad. At this point he is not quite sure what he wants to do in his grown up life but whatever it is I’m sure he will be a success.

Our family started that night over a pot of green beans when my boyfriend asked me to be his wife and I accepted the challenge. In a few short years our family grew by two and although it has been far from perfect we realize that we are the perfect family for us. We may be unconventional and acknowledge that sometimes that doesn’t bode well with others. We respect our differences and work toward love without condition.

As we celebrate the various milestones in our lives today we cherish the memories of the past, the work of the present and anticipate the mysteries of the future. Life has brought us a lot of challenges, obstacles, hurts and hardships but it also brought a lot of lessons, accomplishments, rewards and love. So today I wish my son, Christopher, a happy 15th birthday. My life is better because you are in it. I am so thankful to be your momma and look forward to continuing on in the journey with you. To my husband, David, I wish you a happy 24th anniversary. I cannot thank you enough for choosing me to be your wife. Not only have we grown as individuals but as a couple. I look forward to the future knowing that having you by my side nothing is impossible. As we spend this next year anticipating our 25th anniversary celebration know that I love you beyond words and look forward to many more years together as we continue on in the journey that began over a pot of beans with a ring and a promise.

Wherever you are in your life I encourage you to embrace the present while remembering the past and anticipating the future. Celebrate the moments that make life bitter and sweet knowing that life is like a recipe; the ingredients alone are not as pleasing as when they are mixed together. Mix it up, live it up and celebrate the journey.

Peace,
Karla

I am proud to introduce a new column to Madame Deals! I think we all need a touch point a place we can go to be inspired. Karla is my children’s teacher, a good friend, and a person with a heart of gold. I hope that her words will inspire you to do more. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. It is important to listen with your heart and proceed with your eyes open. Enjoy!

Karla share her story of Marriage and Friendship!

Check out all of Karla’s Korner articles for more thought for the week here. Also, please visit Karla’s Lifetime Moms page and read her articles.

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