Whitnee's journey with Christ

Dear Rico, Do you remember the first time you told me you loved me? I remember it just like it was yesterday. You said “I love you” and I was the least impressed by those three words from you at the time. I replied, “Don’t say that because you don’t know what love means.” I’m sure that wasn’t the response you were looking for- I mean all the girls in the Ashley to include “the pelican” were all sweating you but I wasn’t about to be fooled by your gorgeous caramel skin, glistening eyes, 360 waves, or toned abs. No, not I!

After you gave me a lame definition of love, remember what I did next? I pulled my Bible out of the back seat and read these words to you:

I still remember the look you gave me that night. We laughed, we talked, we shared BUT I still didn’t say, “I love you too.” Think back Rico, how did that make you feel? I guess not too bad because today we celebrate 13 years of marriage.

Wow! 13 years of marriage…I thought I would have baked you that sweet potato pie Madea used to talk about in those Tyler Perry plays by now lol.

No matter where we have gone, God is remained at the center of our relationship. You have helped me to define love in ways I didn’t know that was possible. Sure we know the definition of love is God but love is also an action.

The greatest gift you could have I used to believe was the six beautiful children we have raised together but I see things so differently. The greatest gift you gave me was allowing God to be the center of our marriage and taking lead as the head of the house. It’s no secret I’ve been the bread winner but you’ve never let that stop you from loving me the way I deserve. Some men couldn’t love their wives the same because that would make them feel less of a man, but it has never seemed to effect us. We balance each other out perfectly and I am grateful to our God for that.

I could go down memory lane and talk about the good, the bad, the ugly or whatever but it’s written in our history book and because of all of that we have grown to who we are today.

Rico I remember when I was “mad at God” and suffering from a bout of depression. I didn’t want to read my Bible, I didn’t want to go to church, and at times I didn’t even want to listen to gospel music…but you darling, you read the Word to me. You held my hand and prayed with me. You made me get up and go to church. It’s funny because a person who doesn’t know our story would think it’s the other way around because you are “the thug” or the “convict”. If only they knew it was the Pastors daughter who went through that season and the “thug” prayed me back to my senses.

Did I ever tell you thank you? If I didn’t I apologize and I thank you now. Being able to share lives experiences with you has been the cherry on top and I’m looking forward to the next 50+ years together.

Picture it: we are both using a walker or in wheelchairs talking trash to one another. I’m reading the Bible while you looking on World Star Hip Hop. I’m fixing dinner while you trying to come get you some sugar (not the one you find in the grocery store). Rico can you imagine us having to feed one another. I’ll probably be skinny if it were left up to you to put a fork in m mouth because all the food would be on my shirt.

I’m thankful that we are leaving a legacy to our children. The legacy I’m referring to is teaching them that God is love. The legacy of worshipping God and serving others. The legacy of faith and hope. The legacy of what it means to endure to the end. The legacy of knowing and developing that personal relationship with God.

Sure they will know how to cook, clean, play basketball, count money, tie their shoes, read and write; but most importantly they will know that God is their dwelling place.

So I know this isn’t much of a “motivational text” but this is my card to you my sweet darling to let you know that I love and adore you. I still get butterflies in my stomach when we are apart and come back together, I still blush every time I see your face, I still fake like I’m asleep just to stay in your strong arms just a little while longer.

As we wake the kids up for school, get my mom her meds, and experience today’s adventure it is my prayer we will thank the one who brought us together and made it all possible. It is my prayer we will continue to lean on Him and trust His perfect will for our lives and for our marriage. May God bless you richly and provide His strength, wisdom, and health to continue to be the head of our household.

And Rico when we finally have that big wedding we never got a chance to have, when the pastor asks if I will be your lawful wedded wife or however it goes, what do you think my answer will be?

I STILL DO! #13YEARSSTRONGANDCOUNTING