Saturday the 14th - a True Love Story
Posted: Saturday, February 14, 2009
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
She lies awake half the night--shifting from side to side. Outside in the darkness he is there, moving closer to her with each passing moment. "If only the night would pass quickly", she says to herself.
Anxiousness fills her thoughts, the endorphins flow--the butterflies arrive--and suddenly she feels like a 13 year-old girl with her first crush. She is tempted to get up and begin her day, but she forced herself to stay in bed knowing impatience would take over if she did. After all, 2:30am is too early. What could she do? The local grocery store is closed and earlier in the evening, she cleaned the house, giving it an extra special touch to ensure a warm homey feeling--everything was perfect, well almost perfect.
~~~~~~~
Okay, so I'm not Danielle Steel and my novel isn't on the list of upcoming, made-for-TV movies. I'll settle for a commercial--no, you say? Dang, I guess I won't quit my day job. How about I stick to sharing my heart and see what happens?
I really did toss and turn all night; I couldn't sleep knowing my husband was on the road at 2:00am this morning. I did manage to fall asleep and didn't wake until 7:45 this morning. He is traveling in bad weather, so I went to tripcheck.com to get the latest weather, and road conditions report before calling him.
When I spoke to him, he told me he passed three accidents--it looks to him as if the vehicles slid on black ice. I'm praying for all drivers and their safety!
If all goes well, he should be home by 4:30 this afternoon. Which is a treat, as I wasn't expecting him until tomorrow. Bless his heart, he is anxious to be home, and opted to leave at 2am so he could drive straight through.
Being apart has been tough, but it has given us opportunities to "date". We have come to learn it is a conscious choice, because being apart for so long, does give way to independence--and though in some ways this has been good, it is something we don't want to get too comfortable with.
Getting back to the dating thing-spending hours on the phone sharing our day, talking about stupid stuff just to hear each other's voices has brought us closer together. What an unexpected gift in the midst of an unwanted circumstance. As they say, God really does work in mysterious ways.
One of the most valuable things we have learned is that we never want to stop talking about stupid stuff. I don't know how long we are going to be apart, he will be home for three weeks, then gone again for two months. It may be that we will be moving, but we are not sure--our son graduates in June, after this, only God knows what we will do.
One thing is for sure, we will not continue to live like this for too much longer. We know God is doing something great--though we not sure what it is.
I really don't have much more to say, accept that I would encourage everyone to get back to that "remember when we were first dating", feeling. Keep the newness alive and don't take each other for granted. Marriage is a gift that is made to be passionate, fresh, and exciting--even after 50 years of marriage. If I am alive at 75, I want my husband to look at me like he does now and I want to be one of those old couples that stroll through the park holding hands, stopping for a kiss on occasion, just like when we were first dating.
For the record, I was 13 years-old when I met Art; he was my first big crush. In fact, the day I met him, I told him he was going to marry me. Don't be silly, we didn't start dating until I was 16.
I pray we all choose love.
hi t,i've always said, because of course, my mother always said, "it's the little things that count." i believe it to be so. i took my son to the dollar store at 16 and told him i wanted him to learn about caring and giving, and picking something out for someone, so i gave him money and told him i wanted him to buy something for me, i said nothing else, he did, and it was a statue of an angel, with black writing that said, "Faith." now, you know how perfect that was for me, and it cost a dollar. it's right here on my computer desk.i love the little things.i wouldn't mind a corvette, though, it's little....my best to you,sueHI Sue, I love that idea! Britt and J always made us gifts with things lying around the house and even gave us some of their toys. I have a big bag of these gifts that I will never get rid off.You did a great job with your kiddies :-)
Hi Sugar,
I'm glad Art will be home with you for whatever amount of time. Love never dies, sometimes it just takes a trip. Actually, after Pete and I went out a couple of times when I was 18 he told me that I was the girl he was going to marry. I thought to myself that no way was that going to happen, I didn't even like him - well, that was almost 43 years ago as our anniversary is June 18th. God always knows what's best for us and I KNOW he has a since of humor. I never say never to God, because He has a way of sitting me straight! (smile). Keep on loving! Give Art a hug for us.
Happy Valentine's Day,
Cathy & PeteHi Kathy,I want to be like you and Pete :-)Thanks for all your love and prayers! And maybe someday we will get ot visit again :-)God bless you and yours.TeresaHi again,
Times are hard for so many right now but I know we will all be fine. God holds us in the palm of His hands (what better place is there for now?). When finances are better, we would love to have you and Art come for a visit. Florida is nice, just don't plan on coming between June-November unless you love to sweat! : - ) Today is lovely here. Thanks for all your articles - you make me laugh and cry. I also share them with Pete. You're a great story teller. Keep up the good work, my friend.It will take some time, but I believe things will turn around as well.Florida would be great!!!I'm glad I can make you laugh and cry, as long as it is a good cry :-) Big hugs and hello's to Pete as well.Jeff and his family and Laurie's too!
Teresa,Okay, one more time, "When are you going to write the book?"Thanks for that inspiring article. Do you think by chance it will help if I print it out for my husband to read who is asleep on the sofa in our master suite. Well, maybe I'll let him off this time. Poor guy worked all night. Still I've searched all over for the chocolates and unless they're under that sofa he's sleeping on, when he regains consciousness, somebody's gonna have a lot of explaining to do."Happy Valentine's Day"Luv ya!DeborahHi Deborah, you are very sweet and such an encouragement. Its not the writing the book, it's getting it published. Someday....Lord bless you and yours! I hope you found your candies :-)
Very SWEET Teresa! It's wonderful that you have such a Great Marriage; and can Encourage and Inspire others. You are Right that God has His perfect plan for you two. I'll be praying.Hi Heather!Thanks so much for the encouraging words!! You and Cliff are very blessed as well, and all that is going on serves to bring you even closer!!Love and hugs,Teresa
Teresa,And true love it is, and a very neat story. Obviously you have the capacity to care deeply. What a wonderful gift! My wife and I have known each other for fifty years, married most of them, and to this day have a weekly date. Most are simple times which we make great times, just the two of us. It's caring and mutual respect that endures (putting down the toilet seat helps) but likely a great deal of good fortune in that both of us have grown much in the same way. God is good.I love your writing style, spirit and positive approach to life.JohnHi John, thanks for sharing your story! I knew it was possible after 50 years :-)Thanks for reading and leaving such kind words.I am praying for your family. Always remember the Lord is your strength and your song!Teresa
Hi Teresa no more tossing and turning for you for the next three weeks now Art is home.. You said God works in mysterious ways and I believe that he does - it`s just a matter of time when mystery unfolds for you and your family.GodblessKacyAwe, thanks Kacy, what a sweet and kind thing to say. Thank you!God bless you!
What a great Valentine's Day!! I am so happy you two get some time together! Great article! Thanks for sharing your life!Hi Laura! Thanks so much!! Art is asleep on the couch and I am waiting for the potatoes to boil. We ae having a full-on thanksgiving dinner tonight :-)I was thinking of you while writing this, remembering when we shared our "how we met" stories :-)
Great story. I too married very young but unfortunately for my children I WAS an outright mental defective in full flight from reality. Thanks for you share. Linda DHi Linda, thanks for reading. Lord bless you, I am so glad you joined us!It is only by God's grace and lots of tears that we are still together and in love. I am sure we agree, marrying young is not the wisest thing to do.Hugs,Teresa
Delightful story Teresa, and wonderfully romantic. That is the key though, keep it as though you are still dating. that is what makes a marriage last! I have been married for going on 28 years, I still call my wife everyday, just to see how she is doing, and how her day is going. I love her so. She is my life, so are my children and grandchildren and I pray it will always stay that was. Your love for him , as well as his love for you "shines", and Gods love to both of you!!! Your fan and friend in pen.....Gary.Hi Gary, thanks for reading and confirming this simple truth by adding your love story here.Keep on keepin' on, dear friend!
Great story, Teresa. It reminds me of my wife and I. Since I work out of town I am gone a lot. I have grown being away, but long for the day when I can leave this area in my rearview forever, but not for a while. Thank you for a wonderful article.Hi Ken, I hear you and I am praying for the both of you. We do what we have to do and I know you are grateful to have a job to go to.Blessings to you!
More comments