Thirty years ago today something happened that would define my whole life. It was the day Tom and I started dating. If you want to read about that you can click here for Part I and here for Part II. I was only sixteen at the time and the last thing on my mind was getting involved in a relationship that would last a lifetime. We may have been young but God had His hand in getting us together. The picture above is a photo booth picture we had taken when we were dating. I carry it in my wallet. It may seem silly to some to celebrate our “dating” anniversary, but it’s something we have always done. There were times when we gave each other gifts and other times just cards. This year, I’m taking the day off and we are going out to a new restaurant in town. I’m always excited to spend time alone with him; it’s the best type of present for me.
I don’t claim to be an expert on love or relationships, but I’ve noticed a few things:
- Love is a decision – you may not always want to say yes.
- Love changes – it grows because if it doesn’t, it just gets stale and smelly.
- Love gives – much more than it takes.
- Love hopes – there is light at the end of the tunnel.
- Love forgives – it doesn’t keep a record of wrongs.
- Love sacrifices – it always chooses to put the other first.
- Love is eternal – it’s meant to last forever.
- Love protects – you from the storms.
- Love laughs – when you have sorrow.
- Love makes you smile – it brings more joy than pain.
- Love is worth it – because there is nothing else like it.
There is so much more I could say about love, but I’ll leave that for another day.
Today, I want to thank God for the man He’s given me. He’s been a great husband, father, lover, friend, encourager, protector, and I’m glad he’s mine. He is perfect for me and I love him more today than yesterday (and that’s saying a lot). I love you Tom and I will always remain,
Forever Yours,
Nadine
If you would like to read a wonderful post Tom wrote about this special day, go and visit his blog. Click here. Let him know you dropped by. Thank you honey for loving me so.
© Nadine Z. 2008
31 comments:
I have never been worthy of you or your great love for me but I am forever grateful... forever grateful.
With all my heart I love you and I will always remain...
Forever Yours,
Tom
oh so sweet!!!
thank you for sharing your wonderful day with us!
What a great picture! My dh and I always remember the anniversary of our first date - not necessarily with gifts and such. Sometimes it's dinner, other times, it's just a comment. But it's a very nice day to remember. Thanks for sharing your story.
I have always enjoyed both your journey thus far and there's so much to learn from you and Tom that I want to be just like you with my hubby too :D
awww you guys are are too cute! i love it! hard to believe 30 years already isn't it? time goes pretty fast!
VERY VERY SWEET. And Y'all look so sweet together! It's not any wonder he fell head over heels in love with you. I know you have a beautiful heart, from your blog. And you were and are, beautiful on the outside!
I left a thank you note on my comments section from yesterday's post. If you get out and about on blogland, and have time, stop back by.
Thanks for sharing the Love in your heart today....Jennifer
That's great. Congrats Nadine and Tom!
PS - I love the pictures ;)
Sweet, sweet, sweet. I'm going to read Tom's blog now.
Hello Nadine,
I just wanted to thank you for coming to visit me in Mel's World. I absolutely love this post dedicated to love and to your husband. What a beautiful testimony to the gift that God has given you both.
Melissa
Aw, your guys' love gives me excitement for my "30 year"
**Which is a LOOOOOONG way off, by the way. :)
The more I read your blog, the more I realize how perfect you are for each other. You're right, God was there to guide you at 16 and He's there now blessing you with this beautiful love story.
People who don't believe in love or have given up on finding Mr/Mrs Right should read your blog. Both of you are an inspiration.
Love the post. You always make me think.
I talked to my mom about you tonight. It was her mom that had alzheimers. She will pray for you too Nadine. Thinking about you! Jennifer
Wow!!!!
You both were beautiful then and you are still beautiful now...inside and out.
Congrats on being together for so long...I am amazed and marvel at the love you have for each other...it's uncommonly awesome!
Love it! The fact that you started so young, and still have those pictures - great!
wow! Iread both of your posts and all I can say is I can feel the passion in your writing and wow! You 2 are so Blessed! may you have many more yrs!
That is beautifuL!!!
Love the thoughts onLOVE!
Awww!Nice picture. That's sweet. We celebrate our dating anniversary also. This May 12 will be 10 years for us.
Congrats! 30 years is awsome!
WOW u both looked great! And still do.
Keshi.
What a really lovely post. You are 100% on the mark with your words. I love murder mysteries..glad I stumbled onto your blog.
You two are such an inspiration to everyone who loves and wants to be loved.
I hope your day was so very special!!! I LOVE those photos of you two from back in the day!
Jane, Pinks & Blues
VERY VERY SWEET.
aww you guys are sooooo sweet! I love that you allow yourselves to be foolishly in love with one another. I strive for the same in my marriage!
I loved reading the "how you met stories!" (Pick again? HA!). The priest that celebrated our wedding told Dear Hubby and I that love is 20% emotion, 80% decision. That's an estimate, obviously, but it always struck a chord. Every day is a choice: Do I choose to commit myself fully to this person for another day? (Sadly, people too often stop thinking about it and complacency sets in.)
Congrats on 30 years! Wishing you both 30+ more.
(BTW, Dear Hubby and I celebrate our dating anniversary, too, but it's very close to our wedding anniversary - within 4 days.)
Aw, look at you young lovebirds! I love this post. I think you should write a book about love.
PS My husband and I also mark the anniversary of our first date, which is the day after Christmas.
You guys are my inspiration. Talk about keeping it alive!!! I just adore how much you genuinely care for one another.
And I love the pics....Happy Belated Valentine's day. xo.
Off to read the hubby's post.
I think it is so cute that you two celebrate your dating anniversary. I love the wisdom you shared on love :)
And the photos are cool - I wish we would have made photos when we were dating.
Going out for dinner with my husband is my favorite anniversary present also.
I love the pictures. Thanks for sharing them.
it doesn't seem silly at all, it seems like exactly what you and Tom would do. you celebrate your oneness every day, so why not a special celebration for when it first took off and began to fly? My guess is it will bless the waiter tonight as it blesses those who know you. Ginnie
Nadine, this story would make a great classic movie, don't you think. ...and they lived happily ever after. No matter what, your love will stand strong. Congratulations on the anniversary of your beginning. Love you both.
<3 Donna
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