When two people fell in love...

TWENTY years ago this July, two young kids who grew up - just 10 miles away from each other - in northeast Nebraska, said, "I DO" in a small church, in a small town, surrounded by loved ones and friends. 

Though they had met in high school, it was at the tender ages of 15 and 17 that they took notice of each other a bit more seriously.  She was a sophomore and he was a senior.  His face was shocked and his heart a bit bruised when she told him one evening that they probably shouldn't get "too serious."  She knew she was falling for him and she also knew he was leaving, graduating and heading to the military.  It was a surefire way to end up with a broken heart and she was trying to be responsible...and protective.  But she also had an adventurous side, and so did he...so they took a chance and continued to get to know each other. 

They loved dancing, laughing, music, movies and driving the back roads together.  They wrote many, many love letters.  She fell in love with his family, and he worked on navigating the torrential waters of dating the first "Meyer girl."  He graduated from high school, and they kept in touch as he went to basic training, technical school, and received his first orders to Beal AFB in California.  It was an unforgettable call.  Before he got orders, they had agreed that they would have to break up if he was sent "too far."  Before he got orders, he said things like, "it wouldn't be fair" and that she "was so young."  There were many, many tears as they hung up with each other that day.

But God had a different plan.  Another phone call came, this time she heard the words, "another soldier wants to switch orders" and "Wyoming might be doable, do you think?"  Hearts sang that day!

For the next 3 years, they spent 7 hours away from each other.  He would trek "home" as often as he could and she would join his family for ski trips near where he was living.  They continued to get to know each other, as she finished high school.  The couple made good friends in their separate locations, memories were made together and apart.  There were trials, but they were hopeful that there might be a future together.  They used phone cards to talk each week and the letters continued. 

As a huge surprise, he asked her dad's permission and then got on one knee under the tree in her backyard to ask her to marry him.  She hugged him and said, "yes, of course."  It was a birthday to remember.   

He learned and grew as a solider in the Air Force, she majored in elementary education at a small college in Nebraska because even though they wanted to be together, he had listened to her dreams about college.

Their year of engagement was busy.  Before they knew it, the big day had arrived.  Forget the superstitions and rituals.  On their wedding day, she went to town so his mom could fix her hair, then drove across town to her grandmother's to finish her makeup.  He picked her up in her wedding gown and veil with his 1973 Cougar, together they swung by the flower shop for the flowers and slid to a stop in front of the church...just in time for pictures.  They listened to slow country music as the photographer snapped away.  It was like a dream, neither could believe the big day had arrived.

It had to be a little tender on her dad walking his firstborn girl down the aisle.  Not one to get too emotional though, he was all smiles and asked if she was ready.  A memory to savor for sure.  Her beloved was waiting and the exchange took place, everything felt perfect and warm (literally!)

In one special part of the sermon, the pastor was speaking about Christ's great love, and also speaking about the love that the couple shared.  The pastor had spent much time with the couple (for good measure, they took premarital counseling from the Catholic priest too).  This pastor knew who he was speaking too, when he said, "Chad, would you die for her?"  To which, to everyone's surprise, Chad quite audibly declared, "YOU BET!" with the seriousness of a drill sergeant.  A smile lit her face as the church erupted in laughter. 

The music was beautiful, the colors were royal blue, the dozen roses in the bouquet were heavy and he would hold it for her at times in the ceremony...another illustration of his constant attentiveness and tenderness toward her. 

The pastor finished, the vows were spoken, a quick kiss was shared, the music played, the couple walked down the aisle, good wishes were given, birdseed was thrown, a drive through town together and then a reception with delicious food and wonderful company was enjoyed.  It was special to have a live band, hugs from family and friends, a dance with each of the special men in her life, old and new. There was a even a threat by her grandfather, much to her surprise "Treat her right, or you'll answer to me."  No worries grandpa, this girl was loved.

NEVER would they have dreamed what the Lord had in store for them.  NEVER would they have guessed, beyond their wildest dreams, what He would do in their lives, as a couple. 

And that was the beginning of Chapter One for this Mr. and Mrs...

Newlyweds

They especially NEVER would have guessed the numbers:

1 confirmation of faith (make that now 3 ;))

2 overseas assignments

7 years away from USA

15 European, 1 Latin American, 1 Canadian country/ies visited

3 islands

7 major moves

4 career changes for him - 2 for her

3 graduate degrees, 2 for him - 1 for her

6 years prolife counseling, 3 clinic + 3 sidewalk

3 years of seminary

1 year of vicarage

7 church homes

5 years in rural ministry, 2 churches

15 years active duty, 6 years reserve, 2 years guard military status

2 babies born on British soil

2 babies born on Guatemalan soil

1 baby born on Missourian soil

1 baby born on Oklahoman soil

4 babies born on Nebraskan soil, 1 baby waiting in heaven  

1 Camaro, 1 Motorcycle, 1 Nissan pickup, 1 Ford Ranger, 3 British Mazdas, 1 Pathfinder, 1 Hyundai, 1 Toyota Sienna, 1 Kia, 1-12 passenger & 2-15 passenger vans

1 poodle, 9 cats, 1 rabbit, several fish, 2 gerbils

Many = patient, loving friends & family members, support through it all

10 Years

20 Years
 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant  or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13; 4-7