Monday, May 05, 2008

How my husband and I Met! By Loriannhouse Marriage Monday!

Don't forget to pop over and view Chryslis blog; she is the host of Marriage MondayI It's Marriage Monday; I love her slide show


I have no idea why it took me so many years to see what a fantastic man I am married to. Three months ago my eyes were opened, I could finally see all the sacrifices and the love this man has for me. Tears spring to my eyes just thinking about how I could have lost this man years ago. God spared his life and I am so thankful to Him for that. May I never take my husband for grated again. He is a strong leader, a very hard worker and provider, the best husband a woman could ask for, a dad that loves and gives up doing anything for himself to take care of and give to his children. Last but not least and most importantly a very Godly example for me and our children to follow. I never hear him complain about how hard he has to work to provide for us. The more I write about him the more my heart bursts with love for this man.

I found out I was ill about a month ago. I have had many test run, appointments and I have also had two surgeries in the past week! My husband took two weeks off work (he said he would take more if I needed him to) to take care of me. He has done all the laundry, dishes, cleaned the house, got the kids off to school AND he has had to help me undress, shower, dress, montitor the fluid from my drain that was attached to my side and my pain medication. Plus, the poor man still had to worked his second job. He also set someone up to watch me and the kids while he went to work. Goodness, I don't know what else to say about this man. I'll just tell you the story of how we met. Some day soon I'll share about my illness with all of you and how God has brought people into our lives to bring a sense of peace about the whole thing.

My husband and I met while we were both working at McDonalds. I was the opening manager and he was an employee. I don't remember the first time we met but I love to hear him tell his side of the story.

A funny side note: When we were young children our parents used to hang out together and we used to be watched by a babysitter in our home. I didn't remember him and he didn't remember me. How wild is that!

I was down in our break room at McDonalds's sitting with my boyfriend at the time. My husband (Jim) was on his orientation. The manager that was taking him around introduced us. (I don't remember this) My husband said he thought WOW! when he first saw me. (He is such a funny guy) He said, "I saw this beautiful lady through smoke filled eyes." (I smoked very heavy back then, I quit smoking 18 years ago, May). I love when he tells this story, I always get a chuckle from it.

My husband worked the night shift, I only worked with him a few times before he went on his senior trip to Spain. After he return home, I needed to cross train a closer on the opening shirt. (It was for a raise, all the manager's had to cross train an employee). My husband (just friend's at the time) and I, along with a group of our friends started hanging out together after work. Jim (My husband) and I became really good friends over a period of time. We played on the Mcdonald's coed softball team together, plus we did many other things as a group.

Manager's and crew were not allowed to date. A friend of my husband's dared us to go out on a date together. I had a little boy and really needed my job but I went anyway. We were already friends but it was a bit different being alone with him. Oh my, did I think he was good looking. The only problem was that he was younger than I was. I was looking for a father for my son and I didn't see how this could work out.

I kept seeing him anyway regardless of his age. (He is three years younger than I am) Like I said, we went out on several dates before he approached me one night in McDonalds's parking lot. He came up to my car window and asked me if I liked him? I said yes! He said, "NO, I mean do you really like me?" At that point I knew I wanted to marry this man. (He was just so cute) After we dated for over a year, he asked me to marry him. We were married not long after that.

My husband not only married me but took on my son (Bret was seven at the time) he treated Bret like his own from the very start. Even when we were just friends he would go to Bret's Baseball games. No other man I dated took such interest in Bret. Bret started calling him dad right after we got married. At 19 he was more responsible than a lot of the older men I dated. It was o.k. that they dated me but they really didn't want anything to do with my son. My husband gave up a Three year scholarship to the U of M to marry me? I wonder why such a smart guy would give up so much and have to work so hard his whole life, to marry me and take on my son? I don't know if I will ever figure that out. How could I every replace such a man? Even back then, he sacrificed his life for me. My husband is a great dad, he loves all of his children very much!

24 comments:

Constance said...

I love your story! My hub took on a lot when we married as well since I had been married twice before and had 2 daughters, one from each marriage. There is something about a man who loves God and loves his family. Those are REAL men and not what you see on TV that hop from bed to bed with a different Babe on their arm!
Our men have a big responsibilty as the spiritual leaders of our homes and I don't pray for my man nearly enough!

Greg C said...

What a great story. Did you get fries with that proposal? :) It really is a great story. It is in the really hard times that you find out how much you are loved.

My wife and I met at a bar. It was the first and last time either of us went there. Both were drug there by friends and reluctantly went. God planned that meeting.

God's girl said...

OH that is a sweet story. I love how your husband is being a great example of Christ to you through your illness. I have been there and over those horrible seven years my husband filled that same role. I never would have really realized his great love for me if I did not go through this. I am lifting a prayer for you.
Blessings,
Angela

Anonymous said...

you made me cry.. what a beautiful story!

Sheila said...

What a wonderful story! Keep enjoying the treasure you have. I'll be praying for you concerning your illness and come back to hear more on your blog.

Blessings!
Sheila

Peculiar said...

It is wonderful to see that your husband has stayed with his family and become a wonderful husband, father, and provider. As young as he was, it's a wonder in this world that things turned out this way. Blessings to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

That was so sweet. I had tears in my eyes. What a blessing.

Anonymous said...

Lori, first, I had no idea that you've been ill. I will lift you up in prayer. :~D

Second, you have a true gem in your husband. Wow! I knew he was a winner, but now I know more. God is faithful to give us what we need, when we need it. He gave you an amazing man.

Thanks for joining us for Marriage Monday today. :~D

Connie Marie said...

Hi Lori,

Sorry to hear of your illness, may God give wisdom and direction to you, your good husband, and the doctors treating you. Blessings to you.

What a great guy and even if he is younger than you he has behaved himself so gallantly!

I laughed when I read how he saw you through smoke filled eyes! I wanted to be sure and congratulate you for stopping smoking. I watch people that smoke and they have such a struggle to get rid of that dependence. So kudos to you!

Thanks for your story, it is very encouraging and a reminder to me to appreciate and not take for granted my own husband.

Anonymous said...

~What a beautiful story Lori, thank you for sharing.

So sorry to read you are ill, I pray that God sustain you and heal you.

Many blessings.

Unknown said...

Sounds like a truly remarkable man. I'm so glad you found each other, and so glad to see how much you love and appreciate him.

Miriam Pauline said...

Beautiful story! Thank you for sharing.

Roo said...

soooo beautiful! YOU ARE SO BLESSED! i hope you are feeling better. shalom!

Kristy said...

What a sweet story. What a beautiful couple.
Lori, please know that you are in my prayers......
I just recently had a 'scare' health wise, and my husband was (and is) truly amazing.....in sickness and in health, we have incredible men.
Amen.
**hugs**

Unknown said...

omg such a sweet post, thanks for sharing

Anonymous said...

How wonderful you both are. My sweet daughter and my great son-in-law. Who truly has given of himself.
Now I do believe he too has a Gem. One that shines each day. You my daughter!
Praying for you and Thankful that you married the right man!
Plus he loves my Grandson and has been the father to him and always will be!

Love
MaMa

Homemanager said...

Thank you for sharing your special journey. Each one is so unique to the Lord's plans and purposes! Glory to God!

Tami said...

Sounds like Jim is a gem. Congratulations!

Faithful Froggers said...

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog! I am behind on reading the MM posts - so am just now catching up! :)

Your story is absolutely precious! God's fingerprints are all over it! And it sounds like you have an amazing husband.

I am so sorry you have been sick. Please know that I am praying!

Jim said...

Yes, Lori, your story is very precious indeed. Your love for each other is the real stuff, super sized!

I too am praying for you. I always have prayed for you and your family, and now for just you also.
It is so nice that you have a truly supporting husband in these times of your troubles.
..

Mike Minzes said...

What a great story!!

Amel said...

Such a great husband that you have and such a great Dad. :-)))

I'm glad to hear that you're doing fine now after the surgeries and that Jim really took good care of everything.

Susannah said...

Just checking in. How are you feeling now, Lori? :~D

Hugs 'n prayers, e-Mom

Jim said...

Hi Lori

:-)

God loves you, we all do!
..