The Virtual Love Affair

Sometimes fairy tales are not just stories. Sometimes they are real. They can be so real that they almost scare you. They can be so real that they almost break your heart. They can be so real that they take your breath away.

For those of you who follow me, you know that I love holidays. This one is no different, however it is very special today. I'd like to talk about someone I don't know personally... yet. And if you bear with me, I will tell you all about them.

I met Kellie in December of last year. She has asked me to write a book about her life story. (I am so excited about that.) We have talked on the phone several times since and are becoming fast, furious and wonderful friends. I would like to dedicate today's piece to her son and his wife.

The happy couple's names are Travis and Adrea. They met in grade school and lived not far from each other growing up, not exactly the 'girl next door,' but close enough. Long story short... they fell in love and got married. End of story, right? Wrong!

They are in their early twenties, married an ancient year and a half now. They are just beginning their lives together. Their futures are like every young person's future... bright with promise and alive with hope. The future lays before them like a blank canvas begging to be painted upon.

On Monday, the 15th, Travis leaves for Army boot camp. They will be separated at such an intense time in their lives. I am sure much thought was given in the decision-making process. I am sure many nights were sleepless and many tears were shed. But in the end, this is what this couple has decided for themselves and for their future.

He takes with him many memories to sustain the inevtiable feelings of 'aloneness' he will have. She will sit by the window many nights yearning to see his face and feel his touch. Will their love endure? Will he come home after all is said and done and find that their lives can resume after all, that they were merely on hold?

For me it seems like such hardship for such a tender time. But God will carry them both through their trials so that one day they can look back and see all the good that happened... and why.

So to you, Travis and Adrea - I wish you the best of times, the most loving times. Cherish your memories. In the end it is all any of us have.

Wander with me now on a Virtual Love Affair. Perhaps you have experienced some of these things. Maybe one day you can say you knew them all. One thing is certain... you will have your own experiences that are unique to you and your marriage. Hold on to them. They will serve you well.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

(Come home safe, Travis. You and Adrea will be in all our prayers.)

It all started innocently enough. It was the kiddy Valentines that everyone hates to give and no one will ever admit that they love to get.

After a short span of conditioning, the favors grew in sweetness.

It didn't take long for the upgrade to follow in its magnificence.

But it would be a while before actual flowers would arrive.

As time took its time, the couple found other subtle ways to get their messages across. Dedications on the radio flew over the airwaves proclaiming, "This is our song."

The shock would come (but not soon enough for the girl). As the boy is sitting one day just thinking about life in general, a thought comes to him...

He thinks, "No, this can't be!" But alas, it is too late. He caves under the weight of his own feelings and realizes it is true. And then he contemplates how wonderful she will look on his arm as they attend the Prom. And he musters all the courage he can find (and then some) and asks her to be his date.

She has been patient for what seems like forever for she knew the extent of their love (if only he would see). And she looks beautiful when the limousine arrives.

They look so nice together. Everyone has always said so. Maybe secretly they always knew too. But inside their hearts are taking wing...

... and those hearts are beginning to speak in the language of I Love You.

In that perfect moment during that perfect kiss, everything changes. They are on a collision course with the rest of their lives, forever in love.

It wasn't just any kiss. Oh no! It wasn't like one of those friendly kisses back in grade school.

The kiss sealed with the hug creates...

In no time it seems he stands before her with a rose in hand. Enclosed within it is his promise to always love her.

And as he bows on bended knee before her, he asks for her hand in marriage.

She accepts and their new life begins engulfed in hope and love. They explore it with vigor and curiosity. Although they have always known each other, it is quite different from living together. What adventures they will have! Silly little coupons for a back rub or chores done.

A candlelight dinner just for the two of them where they can make new memories.

Romantic rendezvous with no TV allowed!

And this is where our journey turns... Just a few more days and they will be separated. In some sense, he will have another love. But not to worry, Adrea. He will be a better man for the experience. And you will be even more proud of him than you already are. You will come to love him in a different light. A red, white and blue light.

But when all is said and done, when the Papa comes home for good, you will have so many more adventures to add to your already growing list. Maybe a billboard or two?

Or skywriting?

Proclaim your love every day... twice a day or more. Begin your life anew once more. And when you're settled in and ready, maybe we will see bebes in your future. ???

And before you know it those bebes will have bebes will have bebes... OMG!!!

And one day as you look back over the landscape travelled you will know a peace and happiness you didn't have before. It comes in the knowledge that all things were done in love and by love. For it is in God's Grace we find the true happiness in knowing we have done his will.

All this because two people fell in love and once more proved that Fairy Tales can come true.

Where every day in love can be

Valentine's Day... Godspeed.