It was freezing, and the wind was wicked. I had been invited to a high school football game, and in spite of the fact that it had been years since I had been to a football game, I decided to go. Especially since the guy inviting me had been one of my good friends throughout high school - more so, my senior year.
It was Burke County versus Thomson, November 2011. Burke was on a roll and this was one of the biggest games of the year. I dressed in my blue and black, convinced a friend to go with me, and off we went, to brave the cold at one of the wildest high school games I'd ever been to.
It was frigid.
I caught a glimpse of Sean as he was leaving the field and he shouted a quick hello. And then he disappeared, blending in with his team. "He looks exactly like he did in high school," my friend said.
Yes, he did.
The Burke County Bears won that night. It was my first taste of the excitement of watching a team that plays to win. These boys were bad. The coaches were bad - the head coach being a hall of famer. And, the more I looked, the assistant coach was pretty good looking himself.
Because my divorce was not yet final, Sean and I agreed that we would not see each other until it was. I knew in my heart it was wrong to even entertain the idea of dating before the divorce was complete, and Lord knows, I didn't want to do anything to jeopardize my morals and especially my time with Miles.
And then, it was final. And I think the first time we really hung out was at a wedding. He was a groomsman, I was just an innocent bystander. I had no idea what I was in for. That night we talked and laughed and just enjoyed ourselves. It was really the first time I had fun in months. Months after realizing that I was drowning in my tears, and my daughter was suffering from my sadness.
Miles first birthday party and baptismal day was that December. The night before, Sean's team played at the Georgia Dome for the state championship. Decked from head to toe in my blue and black and cowboy boots, I watched his boys take State. I couldn't have been happier for him. I'm not sure I've ever had so much fun. Running down onto the field, grabbing a quick kiss, I knew I could get used to being in his big arms.
I drove home from Atlanta that night on a high. I was so excited. Finally excited about life.
That was the start of a great year. Sean built me up from a 90 lb. skeleton, into a 110 lb woman who loved herself, took care of herself, and valued trust and family again. We went walking every day, worked out together and he got me on a protein regimen. The scars of a failed marriage were starting to fade.
Miles would go with us on our daily walks, she getting used to Sean and Sean getting used to her. She loved him, and he was slowly falling in love with her. How could you not love that sweet baby?
And then, one day, I knew that Miles and I could no longer live with my parents, or my grandparents. As much as I love them, I knew that she and I had to build a life together on our own. I began searching for an apartment, when Sean offered us his home. I couldn't believe it. What man would offer a girl he'd only been dating for 3 months his home, and move back in with his parents? He paid the mortgage, he paid the bills, and Miles and I began to rebuild. I was completely moved by his generosity and willingness to put my daughter and I ahead of himself.
He truly loved us. Miles learned to sleep in a big girl bed in his house (although most nights she slept with me). And I loved him for that.
That May, we were walking around the track, just he and I. I could tell he was nervous and something was on his mind. He walked ahead of me and we sat on a bench together.
And he got on one knee. Inside a green box was my great-grandmothers wedding ring, that had been completely restored. The ring that I had always wanted, the meaning more beautiful than the diamonds themselves. Almost 15 years after first meeting this man, I was engaged to him. I didn't say yes without reservation though. I have to admit that I was scared out of my mind.
But Sean eased it. He did everything to erase those reservations. He would get off from work, and would meet me at his house. I would cook or he, Miles and I would go to dinner. We would both say prayers with Miles, and then he would leave, knowing he couldn't be there after she was in bed. I have to say, Sean and I did everything right when it came to that precious child. And I just knew.
There were times when I would get down, and grief would rear it's ugly head. Sean always had my back. He never judged my tears, never chastised my hurt. He only wiped them away.
We made it through another exciting Burke County football season, this time only making it to the playoffs, but making a fantastic run of it.
We were married in December - a Christmas wedding in a twilight barn. It was beautiful, but cold. And I wasn't a bit nervous walking down that aisle. I knew I was making the very best decision for Miles and I. Sean was the best decision I could have ever made.
The next day, life was back to normal. Normal for Sean and I anyways. I went straight back to work, and he was on Christmas break. Our family's first Christmas was more exciting than you can imagine.
And our next year would bring more miracles!
That cold November night, God was showing me "The Grace." And it's a grace that I will always, always thank Him for.
Humbly His,
L.
"And the greatest of these....is love..."
