Old Pictures

Yesterday, my brother-in-law helped me download over 26,000 pictures onto G's computer from an external hard drive. Over 26,000!

I spent today uploading them to my online account and looking through some of them as I went. What treasures I found.

Gosh were we babies when we met! 19 years old when we started dating. Probably more mature than a lot of people are when they start dating at that age. From the get-go we took it seriously.

I knew very early on that I would marry G. The day he asked if he could "pursue my heart", I felt/heard/knew God was speaking to me and he told me that "this was the last boy I'd say yes to". That's what I remember being impressed on my heart.

I wasn't in love with G. Honestly I barely knew him! But I was so intrigued by him. He felt like home. I loved his hugs. I loved being with him. He challenged me. Stretched me. Pursued me. Made me laugh. Took care of me. Wooed me. Cherished me. He was my best friend. We worked hard on our relationship. We didn't kiss until we were engaged (2.5 years later!) so we did a LOT of talking!

I told him very early on that I thought we could last and because of that I didn't want to say I love you or kiss until we got engaged. I wanted the next guy I kissed to be my husband. That's a pretty crazy thing to say to a 19 year old guy, but he agreed and then went to his favorite diner to celebrate with his best friend (one who carried his casket at the burial)!

Gosh, I had a good one.

And seeing all the pictures of us so young and in love and care free in so many ways was so fun. Falling in love young and growing up together is such a gift. I'm so glad the love of my life came into my life when he did. 19 years old. Babies. Holding each other's hands and facing whatever came together. What a gift.