Wednesday, May 19, 2010

YES!

I love this topic because it just happens to fall right around my anniversary.

My husband and I have been married 7 years this past Monday. It reminds me of how our relationship started.

We met in July starting a new job together. By September we were dating. More out of necessity than readiness we moved in together in October. That was fast! I was panicking. Then in December we found out I was pregnant (while on birth control). I was only 19. This CANNOT be happening. My life was over. Paul didn't seem to be as worried as I was, but he is 5 years older. Maybe he was ready?

"What are we going to do?" I asked him. I completely thought an abortion was in the cards. I was too young to have a baby and not prepared. Obviously on birth control, I did not want to have a baby.

"We'll keep it and raise it together. We'll get married" he said.

WHAT?! No way. I am too young for all of this. And I don't want some guy I barely know to marry me out of obligation.

We stayed in a limbo for a while. I didn't say anything to him about what I was thinking. More and more, I fell in love with him.

We didn't tell our family either. I was too scared of my parents reaction to the news.

I decided to keep the baby. While I was waiting to make a decision I had bonded with my baby. I couldn't see it our feel it yet, but there was a bond. I told Paul that I wanted it. We started thinking of names. I told him I didn't want him to marry me out of obligation. He said he loved me. I loved him too.

We told our parents. They weren't thrilled, but happier when they found out we were getting married.

We went to Oklahoma to visit his family. That is where he officially proposed to me. With a ring he borrowed from his mom. He got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. I cried and said YES!!!

Our wedding was small and thrown together last minute because our moms didn't want us getting married at the JOP. My mom walked me down the aisle (6 months pregnant) because my dad was deployed in Iraq.

When it came my turn to say "I do" I hesitated. I wasn't even aware of this, but watching the video later and hearing people's recollection of the wedding it was certain; I hesitated. I was worried that this was still out of obligation to the baby in my belly, not out of love. But, I said Yes!

We have been married ever since all because I chose "Yes." He is amazing and loving and cherishes me and the kids. I cannot even imagine what my life would be if I hadn't said YES.

5 comments:

  1. Happy Anniversary :) What an amazing love story!

    ReplyDelete
  2. And, you also saved some other poor woman from having to be married to Paul :p

    (Just kidding. Hope you had a good anniversary)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh man. You are an amazing blogger. Every post I read has me in tears. You are so awesome Amanda Shelton!! I am so glad we are friends.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Amanda, I have quite a similar story. Accidental pregnancy. Not wanting to marry out of obligation. But a marriage of 7 years now that has survived the silliness and surprise of our youth, and brought us two more children. I wouldn't change that YES to my first-born for anything in the world. It changed the course of my life and, when I look back and wonder what life would now be like had I said NO, I get sad.

    ReplyDelete
  5. My story is almost the same. Dated 3 years. May have been drifting apart at time of conception. Married after SECOND child. (i hesitated a lot longer lol.) 8 years later, I love him more than ever!

    ReplyDelete