Prayers...

In April, 2010, when Andrew was 2 1/2, a tumor was discovered behind his eye. The tumor was removed, but it was found to be an aggressive cancer. He endured seven months of chemo and six weeks radiation. In December of 2010, the day after his last treatment, he was rushed to the ER with an almost fatal bacterial infection. He survived.

He is now seven-years-old!! I don't visit here much, because during the ordeal, this is where I dumped everything--my rage, my fear, my sadness, my ugly, my hope, my everything. But I want all of you who supported and prayed for us to hear his updates. You helped me survive, and I am deeply thankful. Every once in awhile, I will check in to let you know how he's doing. Please continue to pray that cancer will never return to his body. Thank you.



Sunday, February 13, 2011

Conversations and Valentines


Unfortunately (as this story is repeated whenever someone asks, "So, how did you meet?"), John and I "met" on opposite sides of a glass window, separated by a buffet line of trays, and a pan full of shredded cheese.  As much as I would like to deny that I ever worked for the University Student Union serving beans, it has forever become a part of  "Our Story."  I think John's first words to me were, "Huevos Rancheros."  I'm not even sure he included a "please."  And our first conversation ended there.

The next time we spoke was in another Mexican restaurant, following a church event.  Thankfully this time, I was a fellow consumer.  We were sitting next to each other at a long wooden table full of college students.  "You gonna eat that?" he said, when he noticed an uneaten taco on my plate.  I replied, "No, help yourself." I thought a few more things (like, "really?"), but the outloud version of our second conversation ended there.

The conversation that changed our lives, occurred several months later.  After a heated church group discussion in which I dissented from the rest of the crowd, he escorted me home and we continued to consider the same topic.  Soon, the conversation turned more personal and we hardly noticed our feet walking as we wound our way through campus to get to my dorm.  We arrived too quickly at the entrance, so we lingered on the concrete entryway for several hours. Earlier that day we were mere acquaintances, but our relationship status quickly changed, and as the evening progressed we were sharing our closely guarded secrets and hurts.  This conversation continues today.

Two years later, we were married.  Since that night out on the steps, we have celebrated many Valentine's Days together: some in happiness; some in tension; some in fancy restaurants; some at home; some in joy; some in sadness.  One was spent at Shakey's Pizza in Pasadena, California surrounded by skee ball, video games, and children who were not our own...but that is a long story.

We always do something for Valentine's Day, to thank each other for that third conversation under a Tucson moon.  Tomorrow night we will continue it, in the first restaurant willing to take us without a reservation (if we can find one). Maybe Mexican.  Grandma will be watching the boys.

Happy Valentine's Day!

15 comments:

  1. I think maybe this year he should make you some huevos rancheros. =>

    Happy Heart Day to all of you!!

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  2. Ahhh! What a darling story! Happy Valentine's Day Julie! Have a wonderful time tonight with hubby!! Sharon

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  3. I love that your story is based around a conversation... and that you remember it. That sounds simplistic and silly, but the way you told the story, it's so lovely. Like a continuing conversation :)

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  4. Such a great story. The taco part reminded me of my husband way back then and now my 18yo is like that too, they can't leave uneaten food alone. Must be the whole "growing boy" thing. :)

    I hope you have a wonderful valentine's day!

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  5. Too cure for words! Happy Valentine's Day my Friend! xoxo

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  6. You know it took me a few moments before I could focus on your words because that stunning picture is so distracting! Thanks for sharing and Happy Valentine's Day no matter what cuisine you two end up sharing ;)

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  7. This is so sweet! (Although "opposite sides of a glass window" made me think of jail -- at least that's not your story!)

    I'm so curious to know what the debate was about... Did John agree with you or did he just share his opposing opinions respectfully?

    I love the picture! I can't believe how young you guys look.

    Happy Valentine's Day!

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  8. I loved this! Sometimes things are just meant to be. Happy Valentine's Day!

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  9. You are such a good writer, Julie. Really! I love your story. :)
    Happy Valentine's Day to you and your family. XXOO

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  10. This is hilarious. HILARIOUS!
    And that picture is the icing on the cake, or the eggs to the Huevos Rancheros.
    MORE PLEASE!

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  11. Ahhh, what a sweet story! I never knew how you guys met...Wish you and John a very happy Valentine's Day. Hope you had a lovely dinner tonight!

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  12. I think it's a perfect story. I hope you both had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

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  13. What sweet memories. I love a good "how I met my husband" story, especially when it involves beans and tacos! I love that your "conversation hearts" continue to this day :) Happy very belated Valentine's Day to you and yours. Can't wait to read more and catch up with where your journey has brought you.

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  14. That is such a cute picture... and I love YOUR story, despite John's first words to you! I hope that you had a great Valentine's Day evening out ~ you two deserve it!

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