Backstory
“You’ve got to write about it,” said one listener. “I’ll be watching for the story,” said another. So now that the decisiveness of marriage has sunk in, I decided to fill the requests and tell you how the man finally got me to the altar, after eight years of keeping him waiting. It is this week’s story.
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Married – #640
In a recent story, I told how my friend Joan had encouraged me to let Bill put a ring on it. I was hesitant and she pointed out that time was passing and each day was one we could have enjoyed as husband and wife. She said, “You don’t want to run out of time!”
She was right, so I said to Bill, “About getting married, you want to do it now?” Like in time travelers, we were suddenly signing papers at the courthouse.
I called Joan and said, “On Friday, are you willing to drop everything and come be a witness at our wedding?”
She agreed in half a second. So did three other dear friends and there we were in front of an officiant, in the presence of God, saying our home made vows.
Bill was asked, “Do you take Annette . . .” and he responded with a really fast “yes,” before hearing the rest of the question. He was oh so ready to be a husband.
It was joyous, it was simple, it was fast and it was meant to be. Our home is full of love and each day is precious. And it happened because my friend Joan took the initiative to encourage us to see what was right before our eyes.
We should all be thankful for friends whose advice and guidance help us make better decisions in life.
P.S.
It was never that I didn’t want to be married. It’s just that everything was going along just fine. We had eight years with nary a bad day. There did not seem to be any need for improvement. But when I see the joy in his eyes when he calls me his wife. . . when I feel his sense of protection as my husband . . . Oh yes, this wedding was a good idea, Joan.
[Show #640]
Pat Banks says
Love your love story. Gordon would have been so thrilled with your titles of Mr. and Mrs. Gentry! You know you have my love and prayers for a long happy life together.
Annette Petrick says
The love shared by you and Gordon have always been a model for me. We are so grateful to have found each other in this valley retreat and to build a life of love and joy and simple pleasures. Thank you so much for your good wishes.
Annette Petrick says
Enjoying every minute, Pat, and accept every day as a new gift from God.
Amy & James Enman says
I smiled as I listened to this “Consider This”. My husband and I did the same thing. We invited our family three days before our wedding day with a bottle of champagne and a card. There were a lot of flabbergasted people that week, making sure we had a “proper honeymoon” and “proper clothing”. What we had a joyous occasion and a life to begin anew as husband and wife.
Annette Petrick says
Thanks for sharing your marriage start, Amy. So important to put the emphasis on the marriage, not the wedding. Your male-oriented life has been a joy to watch unfold. You chose a good man.
Elizabeth Cottrell says
Beautiful story…beautiful people. You both deserve to be happy and how fortunate we all are to witness it.
Annette Petrick says
Wish we had been witnessing each other more this year, Elizabeth. Yet every time we look at the calendar . . . Thanks for staying in touch. We look forward to our next get together, spontaneous as it will probably be.
Annette Eleanor Petrick says
Cathie – I had been waiting for something. Why? When I know the one of us who moves the action is – me! When my friend pointed out the obvious, it was like the Lord banging me on the head. And you are right, Cathie. Bill is SO happy to have the title and position of being the husband. He had never had that billing before, and I should have realized how important it would be to him. So glad that God gave us time to tie the knot. And thanks so much for your prayers that no doubt also pushed us in the right direction.
Cathie Taylor says
Good morning Annette and Bill. Bob and I was so thrilled when we heard that you were getting married! Actually unbeknownst to you I have been praying for that for years! Bill certainly looks so happy to be your husband! May the Lord give you many years together. Blessings and hugs