The service ended and everyone filed out of the auditorium, headed to the fellowship hall for a bite to eat. As I exited, I found myself face to face with a handsome young man with a bright smile and beautiful blue eyes. Bro. John stood next to him and introduced us to each other: "you both have a few things in common," he said with his wacky sense of humor, "you're both single, saved and searching!" I was instructed to make sure Dennis got a plate of food and some 'nanner puddin' (banana pudding for those reading that may be unfamiliar with the southern term).
So, we fixed our plates and sat down to converse. I asked him '20 questions' trying to get to know him... how old are you, when's your birthday, what do you do for work, any family, are you saved, etc. My final question: "Would you like some banana pudding?" was the last straw.... he doesn't like banana pudding! Truly, I was uninterested in giving in to the matchmaking game and was pretty much just annoying him. He left that night and I never expected to see him again.
Our church's annual camp meeting was less than a month away and who should show up? You guessed it: Dennis Bentley. We spoke a little more every day conversation and I found out that he actually was a fairly nice person, despite the fact that he hates banana pudding. He came again the following night and asked my dad's permission to get to know me.
Through the remainder of that year, we wrote to each other, he called and we visited when opportunity allowed. In July, he informed my dad of his intentions to court me (with his approval) having the ultimate purpose of marriage. Not quite a proposal, but he wanted to prove himself to be more than just a man looking for a good time before being on his way to the next girl. I found that we had more than just the three "s's" in common; our beliefs, standards and convictions were similar and I saw his interaction with children, making a mental note that he would be a great father one day.
December 19, 2008, Dennis came to my house to visit with my parents and me. As we sat quietly talking, he surprised me with a simple question: "Do you know what I'm thinking?"
Trying to read his mind, I offered: "That you love me?"
"Well, yes, that too, but actually, I was wondering if you would be willing to marry me and be my wife?" was his repsonse as he knelt beside me and pulled out a ring. I all but shouted, "yes!" as I hugged him.
Wedding plans were made as we set the date for February 19, 2000. The time dragged by and yet flew as the day drew nearer and all was set in order. Finally, our wedding day arrived with a beautiful sunny day, relatively warm for mid-winter, and the wedding ensued with dear friends and family gathered around us to help celebrate our union vows to one another and before God.
Nine years later, we are still in love. We've had our share of battles and struggles. Life has shown us sorrow and joy in our walk with God and with each other. But our love has grown sweeter and stronger with each passing day. God has blessed us with four wonderful children, along with the promise of seeing three others in Heaven one day.
I have found out that love is a choice. Just as I choose each day to serve the Lord; so also
And just for fun; in honor of our anniversary:
What are your middle names? Wayne and Yvette
How long have you been together? See the above story!
How long did you know each other before you started dating? about 3 weeks
Who asked who out? he asked me
How old were each of you when you met? I was 20 and he was 21
How old are each of you now? 31 and 32
Whose siblings do/did you see the most? mine
Do you have any children together?Yes, Charis - 7, Matthew - 4, Andrew - 3, Faith - 1 and three in Heaven
How about Pets? not anymore, but we've had a dog and two cats
Did you go to the same school? no
Are you from the same hometown? no
Who is the smartest? he is
Who is the most sensitive? probably me
Where do you eat out most as a couple? my choice: Olive Garden
Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? Tennessee to Wyoming
Who has the worst temper? me?
Who does/did the cooking? both, but he's better!
Who is more social? me
Who is the neat-freak? Neither
Who hogs the bed? he does
Who wakes up earlier? usually he does
Who has the bigger family? I think I do, unless you count steps and halfs maybe?
How do you spend the holidays? Either at home or my parents
Do you have little pet names for each other?Yes, we call each other "Love" and "Babe" He also calls me Doll.
Who eats more? we could have a contest!
Who sings better? I think we both sound pretty good
Who’s older? he is, by 9 months and 28 days
Who does the dishes? me or the dishwasher
Who snores? he does
Who’s better with the computer? 'bout the same, I think
Who drives when you are together? he does
Who is the first to admit when they're wrong? definitely him
Who kissed who first? he kissed me first... on my forehead
Who wears the pants in the relationship? he does, of course!
Who eats more sweets? Probably me
Are you two still a couple? Absolutely!
