Twelve Years Ago...

It was November 25, 2004 - the day after Thanksgiving that year - that Billy and I got married.

I went to a two year Bible School in Dallas and graduated in '90. I then went home for a couple of years. Billy went to the same school in the fall of '91 and graduated two years after. I moved back to TX and moved into alumni housing in the fall '93. We had been in the same singing group at different times and the director of the group introduced us.

We started hanging out together with a bunch of friends and got to know each other pretty well. We lived across the courtyard from each other and often went grocery shopping together. Billy bought a lot of mac and cheese and so my roommate and I would make him dinner.

I never really thought of him as more than a friend but he was a great guy and a true gentleman. Once when a bunch of us were talking about our future mates, I said, "I'm going to marry a man that is at least 6'1"." Billy said, "I'm only 5'10"." I said, "I guess I'll never marry you." Never say never.

Our friendship grew and one day Billy says, "Either we'll have to quit spending so much time together or we'll have to start dating." I was so surprised! I had no idea he felt that way about me. (OK, maybe I had a small hope.) I was excited about the possibility. I had grown to respect Billy and cherish his friendship. He always treated me with respect as well.

But I did tell him he needed to get a job.

Just so you know, he was going to school full-time getting his degree but I needed to know that he could provide for a family. I shouldn't have worried about that. Billy has been an excellent provider.

So, Billy got a part-time job and we started dating at the end of March '94. At that point in my life, I knew that the next man I dated would become my husband. I had been in one other serious relationship and I didn't want to have to go through the heart ache again. So when Billy asked to date me, in my mind and heart, it was as if he proposed right then.

He did propose at the end of June at a lovely park in the ritzy part of Dallas. It was a perfect summer night. And if you don't know about summers in Texas, they are humid. As Billy was placing the ring on my finger, he said, "Oh no, it doesn't fit." (my fingers had swollen in the heat) I replied, "Oh yes, it does!!" as I shoved the ring on. And it does fit perfectly.

We were married a few months later with family and friends in attendance. We honeymooned in San Antonio staying at the Emily Morgan Hotel. It was short and sweet as Billy had to get back to take a final in one of his classes.

The past twelve years, I have had the blessing of having my best friend walk beside me. Billy knows my weaknesses and strengths. At times, it seems he knows me better than I know myself. And yet he loves me all the more. I am so blessed to have a Godly man that I can depend on, no matter what. He is always there to help me cope with whatever comes. He has made me a better person, a more compassionate person. I love his gentle spirit and his strength of character. He is truly a Mighty Man of God!

I love you, Billy. Happy Anniversary!!