MAMAW SANDERS

I really wanted to share our happiness with Mamaw.
I had shared many years of happiness with her son, Don, my first husband.
And we had blessed her with beautiful grandchildren.

Now Don was in Heaven.
I knew he would be happy for me.

When we entered her door, she was glad to see us.
We sat down on the love seat and exchanged
a few pleasantries.
I couldn't wait any longer.
I held out my hand to show her my beautiful ring.


Mamaw expressed happiness for us.
She said my ring 'sure was pretty!'


We stayed and visited for quite awhile.
When we stood up to leave
She stood, too.
She reached out to give me a hug.
Then she said
'Well, I guess that's the end of you and me.'
I was so shocked.
I told her that of course it wasn't the end for us.
I would just have two mothers-in-law.
I reminded her that she was the grandmother of
Don's and my children.
She had tears in her eyes.  She smiled.

'Well, that's true,' she agreed.
After I was certain that she had no further
doubts about our continuing relationship, Odell and I left.

To this day, I do not believe she has ever had any doubts.
She knows she is very loved by both of us.
Very much!

TIME TO SPREAD THE WORD!

Oh, my goodness!  Where do I begin?
I am engaged to the love of my life!
I couldn't be happier!
Really.
Honestly.
Completely and totally happy.
And I could tell my guy felt just as happy.
You know how most men are.
They don't always show emotion like women often do.
But Odell did!  He really got into it.
He had that really cute grin when he knew
he was making his girl happy.
And I knew that gave him so much happiness.

Wow!  There was so much to do before

our big day. . .our wedding day!

But first. . .
We wanted to drive to Arkansas to tell my Dad.
Dad had yet to meet my soon to be husband.
And we both wanted his approval.
Of course, I knew that would not be a problem.
And it wasn't.

This wonderful man I love so much was quite impressive!
He actually carried out the old fashioned tradition
of asking my dad's permission to marry me.
They had 'the talk' while I was out of the room.
When I returned, Dad and Odell were talking, laughing, and quite comfortable with one another.

                         This is my Dad. And he loved Odell very much.
Of course not like I had fallen in love with him.
But it was hard for anyone not to love Odell.

On the four hour drive back home,
We shared our thoughts of ways we
wanted our beautiful day to be.
My heart felt so full.
I didn't know it could hold so much love.

I felt like a young bride planning her first wedding.
And I knew I would love every little detail!


I had already met his mother, loved her, and felt her love and acceptance in return.
Next, we would go visit with Mamaw Sanders.
Mamaw is my first husband's mother.
She had already met Odell and really liked him.
Who didn't?  What's not to like?
Now we would go see her and share with her
our exciting news!
And show off my beautiful engagement ring.

Naturally.

THE PROPOSAL

Dear reader,
you must be thinking, 'Wow!  Isn't it a little soon to be 'popping the question?'
Perhaps it would be for some.
But not for me.
Definitely not for me.
I was so ready.

You see, we weren't kids anymore.
We knew exactly what and who we wanted.

And we both wanted a lifetime commitment.
To one another.

It was late one evening and we were sitting together.
Cozy on the couch.
Talking about things.
I wasn't expecting what would happen next.
Odell turned to me.
He looked into my eyes and smiled.
'Honey, you know how much I love you?
What would you think about being my wife?'


He hadn't planned some big, romantic proposal.
Just simple.  And sweet.  Like him.
He was, after all, a down to earth, country boy.
And he was the country boy I had fallen deeply in love with.
'Yes!  I would love to be your wife.  I love you so much!'

It was official!  We were engaged!
I just didn't have a ring on my finger yet.
As the old saying goes,
We 'got the cart before the horse.'

So when did we want to get married?
Of course I was thinking, 'the sooner the better.'
We decided on April the 2nd.
It was to be Good Friday that year.
It just sounded so special.
The Friday before Easter.

Did we just want a simple ceremony?
Without a lot of frills?
No.
Not with my sweet Odell!
His first wedding had been before a Justice of the Peace in the Phillipines.
And this time he wanted the real deal.
I would be in a traditional wedding gown.
He would look amazing in a tux.
Or as he called it, a 'monkey suit.'
You know.  The whole nine yards!

Looks like my guy is somewhat of a romantic, after all.

Okay!  Sounds good to me.
I needed to get busy!
I had a beautiful day to plan.
And not a lot of time in which to get it done.

A short time later, we went ring shopping.
So many to choose from!
And then there was the wait while they were sized.
But I didn't mind.
I would soon have my beautiful ring.
My little heart felt so full
I didn't see how it could hold any more happiness!

But it did.

It just kept expanding.

Making a little more room.

For each lovely memory.

We knew God had brought us together
and each new day would be like opening
a new gift. 

We eagerly untied the ribbons.

A LITTLE BUMP IN OUR ROAD

Please allow me to refresh your memory just a little.
Remember when I told you about my daughter Christy and her concerns for my love life?
She felt that my previous, short lived relationship had been a 'train wreck.'
And she was pretty accurate, I might add.

Anyway, that 'train wreck' had a name.
We'll call him Tim.
We had met, before Odell came along, through a connection with one of those three jobs.
Tim had driven over 700 miles for us to meet.
However, to sum it up, this guy just wasn't for me.
After it was over and he had gone home, he continued to call me.
Continually.
He wanted to try and work things out.
Because 'he loved me.'
Even when I told him I had met someone else, the countless phone calls wouldn't  end.

One evening when I came home from work
Odell was there.  Sitting in the dark.
Looking not so happy.
'Tim called,' he told me.
Then he looked straight into my eyes.
'I won't play second fiddle to anyone.'
I put my arms around him and assured him
he would never have to do that.
I told him that he was the only man I wanted.

I didn't take any more calls from "Tim."
And deleted the countless voice mails.
Then I received a beautiful card from him.
Which I read.
And promptly tore up.

It had been over for me before I had even met Odell.
Now it was finally over for Tim, too.
I haven't heard from him since.

The love and happiness I had been blessed to have with Odell
was not something I ever wanted to lose or even considering placing at 'second fiddle' level.

After this little 'bump' in the road
Everything was back to wonderful!

'IT'S PAYBACK TIME, HONEY!'

Remember when Odell hid from me?
Between the wall and the headboard?
Yes.  That was the time.
I knew I would get him back.
And did I ever!

One evening when I was still
working one of those 'three jobs'
he always loved teasing about,
I came home early.
I came home because they told me to go home.
Apparently they no longer needed me.
Well, they needed me.
We just didn't always see eye to eye on the scheduling.

Knowing Odell would be coming over
when I got off work,
I hid my car and went inside.
When I heard his truck, I found a place to hide.

Behind the shower curtain.
I waited, almost holding my breath in anticipation.
Trying not to laugh.
I heard the door open.
He had stopped at the store.
I knew because I could hear him setting sacks on the table.
I waited until I heard him sit in my recliner.

Squeeek!  The feet came up and I knew he was
getting all comfy.
I reached out and flushed the toilet.
(Did I mention yet that Odell is a plumber)?

I heard the squeeek, feet down, pitter patter to the bathroom.
Light switch being flipped on.
Jiggle Jiggle of the toilet handle.  Pitter patter back to the recliner.
Squeeek.  Feet up.  All comfy again.

I held back the giggle as I reached out from the shower curtain.
Flushed it again.
Squeeeek!  Pitter Patter.  Light switch flipped on.  Jiggle, Jiggle!
Pitter patter. Back to recliner.
Squeeeek!  Feet up.  All comfy again.
Okay.
Yes.
I really did it.
I did.
I flushed it for the third time.
However, this time I came out from my hiding place and was washing my hands when he made his
entrance outside the bathroom door.
'Dad Blame!  Where did you come from?'
Was I laughing?
You bet I was!
He looked totally dumbfounded, standing there staring at me!
Then we were laughing together!
Yes, he was really getting to know this girl!

I decided then to share with him the reason I was home early.
Down a job.
That still left two according to him.
Maybe his retirement was still just around the corner!


I am thinking that 'life with Odell' is going to
be one wonderfully, crazy adventure after another!

And I can hardly wait!

A CHRISTMAS BRUNCH...

And a perfect time to meet more of the gang!
That would be my oldest daughter and her family.
And my youngest daughter and her soon to be husband.

Odell had already been to church with me and met my Pastor.
A big deal as you will soon learn more about.
He had spent the evening with my two sons and their families.

And guess what?!  This dear man was still hanging around!


Definitely time to meet the girls!
What a sweet guy!  He was there very early.
Totally ready and willing to help his girl prepare the brunch.
'So he enjoys cooking. . .hmmm. . .that could be really nice!'
Having the man I love in my little kitchen and standing so close beside me.
Close enough to enjoy his aftershave. (sigh)
What more could a girl want?

The doorbell rang!  They were here!
The moment had arrived.  I was anxious to know what my daughters think of this amazing man!

My youngest daughter, Lori, slipped off to the kitchen with me.
She was grinning.  Good sign!
'Mama, he is really cute!'
How sweet.
It sounded like she was talking about a sweet new Christmas puppy.
Instead of my guy.
But I didn't mind.
He would probably look adorable in a Santa hat anyway.
Christy agreed with her sister's assessment.
 And I already knew he had won the approval
of both of my sons.

We all enjoyed food, fun, and gift sharing and more importantly just getting to know one other.
The rooms rang with laughter.
And I felt really warm inside.  Warm and special,
The man I loved was accepted by my children.
The children I loved were accepted by my guy.

I felt God's blessing on us there as I looked around at all the faces I loved so dearly.
And I could feel a big smile building in my happy heart.

The future looked very bright from the perspective of his girl.  

JUST FOR THE RECORD. . .

When Odell and I met, I was quite the working girl!
I was actually working two jobs at the time.

Later, though, he enjoyed stretching the truth.
He really did.  Just a little!
To anyone who would listen.
'Yeah, Barbara was working THREE jobs when
we met. I thought I'd be able to quit working
so hard and we could just live off all the money
she was making!  Next thing I know, she quit all THREE!'

He was joking, of course.
About him not working.
He was the hardest working man I have ever known.
Or ever even heard about.
And while I did hold down three jobs for a brief period, due to an overlap in job changes,
my working three jobs at the same time
was just a bit of a stretch!

Although I must confess he was right about part of it.
Within a month after we met,
I was a lady of leisure!

However, I didn't quit in pursuit of leisure.
Honest.
I was pretty much forced into it due
to some ongoing health issues.

But he loved to tease me about quitting
' so he could just take care of me.'
Which he did!
And he did it so well.  In fact, he quite spoiled me.
And I let him.
Because he loved doing it.
After all...How could I - in good conscience -
deprive him of this pleasure he
so thoroughly enjoyed?
Not to mention, this freed up all of my time.
You know. 
For more important details.

Like planning our wedding.

But I am getting a bit ahead of myself.
However, talk of marriage couldn't be far off.
Of this I felt assured.
After all, we had both declared our undying love
for one another.

Yes, I could most certainly feel a romantic
proposal just around the corner. . .

'I LOVE YOU, HONEY!'

I know.  You must be wondering who said it first.

Things were good.  Really good!
Feelings were there that I had thought I would never feel again!
God had brought us together. . .
With a little help from my daughter, Christy.
And from Mike, remember?  Singles Station.
And some of my own initiative, of course.
But mostly God.
He works in ways we can't always understand.

And He was doing His thing.  I knew it.
And I liked it.

Then why didn't I respond back with,
'I love you, too!'
Good question.  So now you know who said it first.

Okay.  In my heart, I felt I knew I loved him.
But I had this mental block.  I needed to be 100% positive.
No doubts.  None whatsoever.

When he said those lovely words
I smiled.
He kissed me.  Of course I smiled.
And I loved it that he told me he loved me.
You know something?
That sweet man didn't act like anything was missing.
Just because I didn't say it back.
He just held me and kissed me again.
If I had said it first and he hadn't responded in kind
I would have been completely self conscious.
Not to mention disappointed.
And embarrassed.
But I just said, still smiling sweetly, of course, 'I'm so glad!'


All the next day I couldn't keep my mind on my job.
I knew why.
It was because I hadn't told him I loved him.
And I knew!  It was like tiny bubbles bursting in my heart!
I love Odell!  I could hardly wait till that evening so I could tell him.
 I was ready to open up that little heart of mine.
The one I had tried so hard to protect from getting hurt.

He was there already when I got home.
I barely got inside the door and I could hold it in no longer.
'I love you, Odell!  I really love you!'
I can still see that cute, almost shy grin when he looked at me.
"Yeah?' he drawled out slowly.  Then I was in his arms.
"I love you, too, honey.'
I tried to explain why I hadn't said I loved him the night before.
I was just a little afraid.
I had to know it was more than just emotion.
He understood.  He always understood me.
It was just one of the countless things I loved about my guy!

As our story continues, you'll be hearing
more of those 'countless' things I loved about him.
This man I still love so much.
My dear, sweet, handsome, amazing Odell.
The man who took very good care of that little nervous heart of mine.

Just a Little About My Blog...

HIS GIRL

This is the love story of  a man and a woman destined to meet.
Who had a second chance at love.

And, yes, I am his girl!

And this is our love story. 

May 1, 2010, I had to say goodbye very suddenly, very unexpectedly, and most of all unfairly, to my best friend, my soul mate, and the love of my life. 

It is my desire to share the story of this amazing man and the forever love he had for his girl. 

A love story is never just about two people, but also friends and family with whom we shared love,
laughter, and tears in this beautiful journey together.


Please pour that second cuppa coffee and come along with us.

JUST A FEW LITTLE DETAILS. . .

 Remember recently when I left you hanging?
About all those other women before me?
I was going to tell you something I later discovered.
About all of them.

                                                     (This is how I picture them. Indulge me).

Well.  If you will recall our first time to talk.
The time he finally said he would
like to meet me and did I have any
place I would like to go out to eat?
I had told him anywhere would be fine.
What I failed to mention was...
there was a significant pause on the line.
He had appeared to be giving it
considerable thought.
About where we might meet.
Then. . .just 'off the top of his head'
'Would Metro Diner be all right?'
Nothing seemed funny about it at the time.
It was later during our very brief courtship
That he confessed.


My sweet Odell had taken 'all those other women'...

...to Metro Diner, as well.

Too funny!  I could just imagine the waitresses
wondering if this man was Casanova himself?
More to this little story.

Later.
After we become Mr. and Mrs. Odell Edwards.
(sigh)
A wedding post. Can you hear the bells?

LET'S PAUSE FOR A MOMENT...

Just for today.  Then we'll return to our story.

Today is April the 2nd.
A very special day.
It is our anniversary.
And my first one alone.

We would have been married 12 years today.

Our wedding day was so beautiful!
But I won't go into that day now.
I want to save it for later.
For a chapter in our love story.

Today, I just want to remember.
There will be tears.
There will be laughter, too.

I watched our wedding DVD.
I listened to the lovely songs.
I watched us take our vows.
'Till death do us part.'
I smiled.  I cried.
I cried some more.

Later, I will look at every picture
of our wedding album.
I will remember each beautiful moment.

And, yes I will cry again.

I am going to visit his final earthly resting place today.
I will put a shiny Mylar balloon in his vase.
Alongside the pretty Spring floral arrangement that is already there.
I might even take two balloons.
'HAPPY ANNIVERSARY' and
'I LOVE YOU.'


I can't pretend this is an easy day for me.

But my wonderful husband deserves
my highest tribute!


He is forever loved and in the heart of
his girl!

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

 I just knew Odell would be a lot of fun.
What I didn't know was how ornery he could be!
By now, he has met my family.
Oh, yes, he is fitting right in.
And feeling pretty comfortable with this girl I might add!
And the feeling is mutual.
Very mutual.

One evening while he was working late, a friend and I went out for awhile to play Bingo.
This friend lived out of town, so occasionally she would sleep on my couch if Bingo finished late.
She and I drove up to my apartment and I saw Odell's truck.
Good.  Very nice surprise!
When I unlocked the door and went in
I expected to see his smiling face.
Didn't happen.
I went through all the rooms of my
one bedroom place.
Okay, that didn't take long.
I called his name repeatedly.  No answer.
I began to worry.
I mean, his truck was parked outside.
Right?
Right.
Had he met with foul play?
(I know. Who says "foul play" anymore?) Anyway...
My friend and I proceeded to walk outside
and around the building, calling for him the entire time.
Upon returning and going inside, there was still no sign of my guy!
I looked behind the shower curtain.
And inside the dryer.
Allright. I admit that was silly.
Maybe not silly.  Just desperate!!
But, as I looked up from my dark thoughts, I saw him standing there.
In the hall.
Grinning at me.
'Where did you come from?'
He glanced up over his head to a vent
in the ceiling.
'No way.  You couldn't have gotten up there!'
He laughed.  He wasn't going to tell me.

It was a few days later that he asked if I wanted to know
where he had been hiding.
Of course I wanted to know!
'I was between the wall and the headboard.' was his reply.

'I almost lost it when you stood there and 

looked under the bed.  I almost grabbed
your leg!'


Seriously??
I could hardly believe it!
Only Odell could fit between the wall and the headboard!


Yes, he was ornery, but he was to soon find out that so was I.
As his daughter, Sally, had said when she met me.
'Dad, I'm so glad you finally met your match!'


Yes, payback was just around the corner. .  .