I met my husband Brad a few months before I actually moved to our small town. I went with my parents to look at a house which, at the time, was converted into two apartments. The owner was also showing one of the apartments to a young man(guess who?) Of course neither of us knew that the other was our God chosen partner at the time, so little was said.

Eight months later, while shopping in the grocery store in which he worked, we struck up a conversation. One thing led to another, he carried my groceries out for me, and asked me for my phone number.

We had our first date on October 30, 1988, and became engaged two months later on January 14th, 1989. We were then married in the Church seven months later on August 12, 1989.

We recently celebrated our thirteenth anniversary. There were times, as in most marriages, where we wondered if we would make it this far. We've had our fair share of struggles, arguments, and tests, but God knew what He was doing when He chose us to be partners!

I truly cannot imagine my life without Brad. He is a wonderful father and a loving, devoted husband. He is, without a doubt, my very best friend and confidante. He's been there to cry with me when times were hard and we've laughed together during the fun times. We've shared in the joy and wonder of the births of each of our children and we've grieved together for loved ones we have lost though the years We've seen each other at our best and at our worst.He has been my strength when I was weak and my light when all was dark.

Though I don't say it as often as I should, I love him with all my heart and soul, and I thank God every day for bringing him to me.

Enough mushy stuff for ya? :-)