I met George at Ben Hill United Methodist Church. As young adults we ran in some of the same circles, and through that I found out that George was and still is extremely smart and gifted with an excellent understanding of Math. I was in school at that time to become a nurse and was failing miserably in my Algebra class. I reached out to George to tutor me in Math. I stated, “I have no money to pay you as a tutor should be paid.” I promised him and stated, “If you get me out of this Math class, I will take you out to dinner.” George accepted my ask; I passed the class with a "B." I held up my end of the deal and we went to dinner at a restaurant named Bennigans. So, if I had to draw a romantic roadmap for George and I that would be the start of our romantic journey. Did I know we were made for each other at that time? Absolutely not! Go with me as I reflect on our journey.
The Early Years: Building a Foundation
Being a lover of Hallmark I like to say our story began like a classic romance. We met, fell in love, and soon knew we wanted to spend our lives together. The early years of our marriage were filled with passion, discovery, and building a strong foundation. We navigated through the excitement of starting our life together, buying our home, and establishing our careers. Every day was a new adventure, and our love for each other grew deeper with each passing moment.
The Parenting Phase: Balancing Love and Responsibility
The arrival of our children (Aria & George III) brought a new dimension to our relationship. As parents, we found joy in nurturing our kids and watching them grow. However, balancing parenting responsibilities with maintaining our romantic connection was not always easy. There were sleepless nights, hectic schedules, and moments of exhaustion. Despite these challenges, we made a conscious effort to keep the spark alive. It didn’t always work as planned but we intentionally tried.
Date Nights: Through our couple’s class we learned that we should prioritize date nights, even if it meant a simple dinner at home after the kids were asleep.
Communication: Open and honest communication became something that we decided had to exist. We shared our thoughts, fears, and dreams, ensuring we stayed connected emotionally.
Support System: We leaned on each other for support, understanding that teamwork was crucial in navigating the complexities of parenting. Probably the hardest job that we will ever have.
The Empty Nest: Rediscovering Each Other
As Aria and George III grew older and we watched them finish college, and start to make their own path, we found ourselves in a new phase of life. The phase that most like to call “The Empty Nest.” This transition has brought mixed emotions; pride in our children’s independence, but also a sense of loss (mainly for me) as the very busy energy of our home has quieted down. In full transparency, I hate that phase and that title. I always want to think that my children will always find their way to wherever we are and that this will always be home. (Ok that’s a different BLOG. LOL!!) However, this phase has provided an opportunity to rediscover each other and reignite our romance.
Reflecting on Our Journey
Looking back, our journey was nothing short of extraordinary. We have grown together, facing life's challenges and celebrating its joys. Our love has matured, transforming from the fiery passion of young adults to a deep, lasting connection that strengthens the foundation of our existence, our family, and our lives.
Gratitude: We are grateful for the love and support we have given each other. Every obstacle we overcame together strengthened our relationship.
Commitment: Our commitment to each other has never wavered. Through thick and thin, we have stood by each other, proving that true love endures.
Romantic Gestures: Simple romantic gestures, like sending a texted love note during the day, planning outings, and celebrating milestones, have become a regular part of our lives again.
Future Plans: As we look to the future, we are excited about what lies ahead. Whether it’s starting to travel, find new hobbies, or simply enjoying each other’s company, we know that our love story is far from over, and our romantic roadmap continues to lead us to new adventures.
Conclusion
Thirty years of marriage have taught us that love is not just about the big moments, but also the small, everyday acts of kindness and affection. With two grown children and a lifetime of memories, we continue to cherish our romantic journey. Our love has weathered the test of time, and we are excited for the adventures that still await us, together. At the end of the day, we didn’t know that we were made for each other, but God did!!!