Finding Love Again

One of my favorite love stories is about a boy and a girl who meet in high school. They both come from broken families, but at 16 and 19 decide to defy the odds and get married. They move to Turkey with the Air Force and then proceed to have a beautiful marriage and 5 perfect kids. (ha ha!) It seems like it is happily ever after. Unfortunately the boy became really sick and after 36 years of marriage, he had to leave her and go to heaven.

There is another boy and girl who met at the same high school. Their lives started out as a fairy tale also. They had 2 boys and life was good. Their lives together were cut short also as the girl became very sick and passed away.

Through modern day technology (aka Facebook!), the lonely boy and girl found each other! They became each other's friend, confidante, and shoulder to cry on during the toughest times of both of their lives.

If you haven't figured this out, it is the story of my wonderful mother, Denise, and her love for the second half of her life, Harold. I will admit I was nervous to meet Harold for the first time. It wasn't because I didn't want my mom to be happy. On the contrary, I feel that she deserves all the happiness in the world. It was because I was afraid of what my reaction would be. I was nervous that I would not control myself and I would burst into tears.

Well, the first time I met him, he bravely agreed to join Jeff and I and the 3 kids (and my mom, of course!) at Legoland. It was a fantastic "test" and he passed with flying colors! He was great with the kids, I could see how well he treated my mom, and he has the goofy personality that I adored in my father. I could see they were a good fit and I was truly happy for both of them.

They were married on January 15, 2010. They just celebrated their first anniversary and I am so excited that they both found love again! What an amazing story! I am so grateful that my mom has someone to take care of her again, someone to laugh with, and someone to cry with. I also love that they share in their grief over their spouses. They were both in committed, loving marriages and bring that commitment to this marriage.

They came out last May to join in a family race and I enjoyed getting to know Harold even more. He said to me, "I don't know if we have laughed more or cried more this year." I think that is beautiful. We love you both! Happy Anniversary to a great couple.