It Was Just A Matter of Time

Do you remember? For the year and a half we lived with an ocean between us, we send this image back and forth to each other. Sea otters hold hands when they sleep so they never drift apart.
For the year and a half we lived with an ocean between us, we sent this image back and forth to each other. Sea otters hold hands when they sleep so they never drift apart.

Do you remember? I was a Resident Advisor in the girls dorm and you in the boys. We were from different worlds, living in separate towers, but it was just a matter of time before our paths crossed. No matter that you had spent your life traveling the world as the son of an Army soldier. No matter that I had remained in the same town I was born for the first seventeen years of my life, with never an illusion of going elsewhere. It was just a matter of time. You spoke up during a weekly meeting, and our eyes met across the room. I would later learn just how outspoken you could be when you believe in something. You’re always up for a good debate, and passionate about your beliefs. I love that about you.

Do you remember? We danced the nights away, every two-step taking our friendship to a deeper level on a path to a future we never imagined. Well, you did from the start didn’t you? It was I that needed convincing. It was I that was too fearful of losing my best friend by wading into uncharted territory of romance and stolen kisses. Yet, I was chest deep from the beginning without even knowing it. It was just a matter of time.

Do you remember? You worked the night shift at the front desk, and rushed up to your room for a little sleep. Most mornings you woke to the phone ringing and my voice asking you to come down for breakfast with me. I would wait in the Commons Area sometimes ten minutes, sometimes longer. Then, you would exit the elevator, sleepy-eyed and ruffled hair, missing your warm bed I’m sure…but you would always come. It was just a matter of time.

Do you remember? We planned a road trip to visit my family, but the day before we were scheduled to leave my car broke down. We booked two tickets on the Greyhound bus. Two poor college students, with a bag full of change we hit the vending machines at every stop while the rest of the passengers enjoyed a warm restaurant meal. The bus stopped at every tiny, out-of-the-way town. It took us twice as long to reach our destination, but for us it was the ride of a lifetime. It was just a matter of time.

Do you remember? Early on in our marriage, we would walk the store aisles creating a wish list of items with which we would one day furnish our first family home. We dreamed of the day we could afford it all, sit back, and take immense pleasure in watching our children enjoy it. We had big dreams, and spent years making them a reality. It was just a matter of time.

Do you remember? My dad was diagnosed with cancer, his battle lasting only four months. I moved back home to help my mom sort things out emotionally, physically, and financially. The morning of my departure, I rushed around aimlessly trying to get packed while I was completely out of sorts. You made me stop, played our favorite song as we slow danced in the living room, savoring each moment, not knowing how long we would be apart. Six months later, you picked me up at the airport with flowers in hand and I ran into your loving arms. It was just a matter of time.

Do you remember? You asked for my dad’s permission to marry me, when you realized his days on earth were numbered. You said you wanted him to rest peacefully knowing his daughter was loved and cared for…you weren’t yet a father, but you knew what it would mean to him. Some thought we were rushing things, but we knew we would eventually marry. It was just a matter of time.

Do you remember? I remember all these moments and so many more that have left an indelible imprint on my heart and my soul. Our love is made up of these memories, these moments, telling a love story like no other…our story. “For better or for worse.” “In sickness and in health.” “For richer or for poorer.” Marriage vows one speaks without truly understanding the meaning of them at that moment. Ceremonial words shared easily at a time when we can only imagine a bright and carefree future. Eighteen years later, we have lived these words and gained a deeper and first hand understanding of them. It has made our bond stronger, our life fuller, and our love richer. It was just a matter of time.

Happy Valentine’s Day My Love!

Here are a few more Valentine’s Related Posts:

Sixteen and Never Been Kissed

Adam and Becca’s Virtual Valentine’s Date

A Letter To My Curly Headed Valentine

The Politics Of Giving Valentines

Valentine’s Candy Messages For The Cynical Single Person

Daily Prompt: Cupid’s Arrow

Butt…Butt It’s Valentine’s

59 thoughts on “It Was Just A Matter of Time”

    1. Thank you. I tell all my singke girlfriends how important it is to be friends above all else. When life throws you curve balls, there’s no one better to have by your side. Enjoy your weekend my friend!

    1. Thank you Vivien! I’m definitely going to keep watering and appreciating what we share. I hope you’re having a great weekend.

  14. Okay, you did it again! You brought tears to my eyes. Your story about young love obviously hits close to home. The scene of you two traveling by bus with pocket change really struck a chord with me. My husband and I had a rocky start financially. Maybe that’s why I cooked Hamburger Helper often because that’s all we could afford. I feel a little richer today knowing that another couple across the country is also celebrating their gift of friendship and love!

    1. I’m telling you! The similarities between us are uncanny. Tell me, are you making Renaissance Man a romantic candlelight Hamburger Helper dinner this evening? You know, for old times sake? 😉

      1. I wish I could bring myself to cook from a box again. But fortunately those days are long gone. At this stage in our lives, I buy everything fresh and organic. As for tonight, zero chance of me slicing or dicing. I’m hoping to take the kids out for a bite to eat! 🙂

  15. Oh Miss Wordy…that paragraph about your Dad and his passing and your husband taking the time (you couldn’t) to nurture you. It’s hard to breathe, really, that is so moving to me. You 2 are inspirational!

  19. This post was beautiful. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. I love reading about love, and this is the best Valentine’s day post i’ve read so far. Happy valentine’s day to you and your husband. 🙂

  26. You have a way with wordies, Miss Wordy. I’m a Valentines Day sap too. It’s a bummer when you don’t have anyone to spend it with…or the other 364 days with for that matter. Enjoy yours. Sounds like you already started!

    1. I am quite wordy aren’t I? 😉 From one sap to another, I think it’s a beautiful thing to be a Valentine’s Day sap! Loved your virtual date with Becca. Happy Valentine’s Day my friend!

  29. What a beautiful story. It is truly an amazing path our lives take when we just let faith take us where we are supposed to go. You guys share something wonderful and that is something to be grateful for.

      1. Hi Adriana! Thank you for your sweet words, and for taking the time to read my post. You are so right you know. We can plan all we want, but God has a plan for us and we need to have faith in Him especially when we can’t see two feet in front of us. Relationships are something we need to nurture and mold through time. It’s ever changing and that’s okay. Hope all is well in your world my “old” friend! Hugs! 🙂

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