A Love Story

Love stories are my favorite, hands down! Stories that tell of deeds and kindnesses done in love. These stories are all around us – moments in our every day lives.

One love story that I recently witnessed had its start long ago. Now I don’t know exactly when, but years ago, a young man promised his sweetheart that he would buy her a red sports car. Such a generous and kind thing to offer!

Fast forward a number of children and years later, freshly moved to a new job in a new state. Opportunity presented itself and this man remembered the promise that he had made his wife so many years before.

One Mother’s Day, while out for a special Mother’s Day lunch, the husband pulled into a car lot. There in the display room sat a gorgeous red sports car with a large bow on the hood. The husband asked his sweetheart if she wanted to sit in the car “just to try it out”. I believe the wife was told the car had already been sold, but the new owner was a “really nice guy” and wouldn’t mind if she just sat in it.

Now I wish I remembered this next bit better, but I don’t. Somehow the surprise was revealed that the husband was the owner and had bought this beautiful red car with the gift bow on the hood for his wife for Mother’s Day! What love to remember that promise made so many years ago, and what an incredible gift to give!

The wife was thrilled! Amazed! Astounded! She couldn’t believe it! At her husband’s encouragement she drove it home and it soon became their go-to vehicle of choice when running errands! I still remember hearing the husband pull up to the house to pick up his wife for a date, convertible top down, and “their song” playing! So sweet!

Changes Come

Sadly, changes came. Not that change should be sad, because it is truly part of a bigger story written by God Himself! But sometimes, in trials, there is sadness.

This change brought downsizing, making do, and selling what was of value. That included the pretty red sports car.

But this tells another story of love. The wife generously encouraged the husband to sell the car to help with the expenses. She understood the needs this season brought and was eager to help how she could.

To receive such a gift must have been incredible – unbelievable really! And to be able to give it back, to release it from being a gift and use it as the asset it was. Such love!

What’s Old is New Again

Then one day, not too long ago in fact, right before Mother’s Day, a move and a job later, this husband and wife found themselves once again considering a red sports car. Very similar, but not identical, to the one that they had sold a decade before.

Within days and after many prayers, this car became the wife’s Mother’s Day gift! Such a miracle! Such a gift from God that He would allow this man to purchase this gift for his wife yet again!

As the man went to sign the paperwork, the wife quickly prepared for the drive home. Her preparation? Loading the CD with “their song”! (I’m tearing up just writing this!)

I loved getting to witness this – the man, blessed by God for his hard, faithful work! And the woman, so grateful, recreating the wonderful memories they had shared!

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Today, this man and his sweetheart, celebrate their 49th year of marriage this year! They have eight children and I am so grateful and honored to say that I am their youngest! I’ve loved growing up watching them live life together.

Someone once told me that they my parents have a relationship that people dream of having – and I certainly have to agree with that! So many memories, so many moments and they’ve shared them all!

Wishing my parents a very Happy 49th Anniversary! May God bless you with many, many more!

Hope.