Anniversary Issue

21 years ago my parents moved our family to Lynchburg Virginia. It was my sr. year in High School and I can tell you I was not happy about it. Soon after moving, my mom and I visited a church in the area where the Pastor had visitors stand up to introduce themselves. My mom and I stood up, introduced ourselves and then the Pastor (trying like so many pastors do to be funny) asked if I was single. Ha, Ha, Ha.

The lady behind me said "Jeff Ward, there's you a brunette" - I had no idea what she was talking about, but everyone else did and laughed.

One year later, our little youth group from that church got together for a Sr. Banquet at the Bonanza on 29south. There were only 3 seniors in our group - me, Becky and Jeff Ward. For whatever reason Jeff decided not to bring his girlfriend to this event, and my loving beau from the past year had dumped me the week before prom - so we were unencumbered.

I had been asked to sing "Friends are Friends Forever" and then the events of the evening unfolded into a great time with our friends. At least that's what the pictures say. Jeff and I locked eyes sometime that evening and never let go.

Several weeks later while spending some time with the Lord I felt very strongly that He was knitting Jeff and me together, Jeff later confirmed he was getting the same message. His words to us were that He was going to bind us together thru lots of battles and many years and over many miles. I had no idea how those words would come to life and what they would change and create...but wow, what a ride it's been.

16 years ago today we ended our 4 1/2 years of dating and got married.

It was a fun wedding - in the midst of yet another crisis my family opened the doors to our home while people from all over the country drove in, grabbed their sweet tea and either dug in to help, or crashed in front of the football games on the television (you know who you are all of you Academy guys!) while they polished their shoes. I have to say my favorite part of the wedding was the fun at the house before our 5pm ceremony. We've always had GREAT friends.

So the many years have translated into many battles - we've made it through infertility, surgeries beyond numbers, illnesses that linger, too many moves to count, lots of bad haircuts, our 3 kids coming to us in 5 years, career disappointments, and career achievements, Texas and Mississippi, lots of churches and friends, and houses, and decorating ideas, and fights, and more tears than I would have ever imagined could be cried, miscarriages and births - miracles ad disasters.

I am so thankful to have lived so much of my life with you by my side Jeff.

I loved walking around Lake Dillon with you - hurting together over our miscarriage - there has always been healing in holding your hands.

• I loved driving around the curve in Austria and seeing St. Wolfgang for the first time - you have always brought more to my life than I knew to look for.
• I loved getting on an airplane with you for Puerta Vallarta - and it all being a surprise - you have always loved with such authenticity.
• I love all the trips we made to eat wings and watch it snow and sit by the fire at Pub n Grub - I love the "good ole boy" hiding beneath the uniform.
• I loved season tickets to the Air Force games - even the ones where it rained, or snowed or we just got beat.
• I loved seeing you with each of our children the first time - you are truly the best dad I've ever seen.
• I love the way you STILL watch "Extreme Home Makeover" and cry - thank God and thank you for that heart of yours that is still tender - thank you for protecting and preserving that for us your family.
• I loved going to Hawaii and watching the sunset - and fighting for our marriage - thank you for always fighting too.
• I loved going to Canada and sitting and listening to the rocks on the shore for hours - thank you for letting my have my own neuroses.
• I love watching you listen to great music - thank you for David Grusin.
• I loved the 65 mustang convertible - and picking our Christmas tree up with the top down - you do have nice taste.
• I loved Germany - and walking in the snow to the corner bakery to get breakfast and watching you smile the whole time just because you were getting to share these great experiences with us.
• I love the way you make the kids giggle.
• I loved standing in the hangar at RAFB waiting on you to come home, over and over again. Always so proud to love a man who still and always has served with integrity.
• I loved driving thru the gate at the Academy when they saluted you the first time (wink).
• I love worshipping with you - and the way you always stand for "How Great Thou Art" whether anyone else is or not.
• I love your blue shirts and khaki pants and how you have remained untouched by the fashion trends of the last 20 years (ok - not so much). But you are a good looking drink of water.
• I love playing rummy with you - and winning - and letting you win.
• I love that we can name Mexican Restaurants in just about every state we've ever driven thru.
• I loved kissing you at the top of the Arch in St. Louis, at the top of the Space Needle in Seattle and the Ferris Wheel in Chicago.
• I loved going to the flea market with you and Granpa Frank and watching you love them in just the way they needed it.

I've just realized I could write for another 16 years my love - for you bring such life to my living and wow do I love you. Thank you darling. Thank you God...

Happy Anniversary Mr. Ward - from the Mrs.