The Rest of the Story

When I was young, I spent eons of time at my Dad's meat locker plant. He was the owner, and mom was the book keeper/meat wrapper/hamburger stuffer/patty maker. And I was supervisor over all operations. However, I did spend a lot of time in the office trying to entertain myself until quitting time.  I remember mom always had a radio playing, and each day I would listen to Paul Harvey's The Rest of the Story. I thought it fitting to title my entry after Paul Harvey's keynote phrase.

It was February 2018, and Chris was on his way for our first meeting and visit. He was scheduled to arrive late Friday night, but due to car trouble on the way he didn't get in until early Sunday morning. I will admit while he was coming up I had my doubts of whether or not he would actually show up. However, he persevered and arrived at the hotel just outside of town. I had lined up a friend who was willing to take me out to the hotel and meet him with me. We stationed my friend's husband, who is a retired marine, at the gas station next to the hotel, just in case we needed backup.  Chris was waiting in the lobby, and my friend and I were immediately at ease. He was easy to talk with and didn't seem uneasy at all around me. We talked a while and then took him on a tour of the town.  We ended up at my house where we had a Super Bowl party. 

Chris was able to stay until Wednesday for his first visit to Iowa. During his stay, he met some of my family and friends.We definitely got along well, and he didn't seem phased by all my needs. When he left, he said that he would be back to visit, but on his way home he had more car trouble, so I was not hopeful for a return visit. We did continue talking online and the telephone. February quickly turned to September, and Chris had another trip planned to Iowa for my birthday. I was excited but terified because I had lost my voice the end of August. I truly thought about breaking our relations before he made the long journey to Iowa again. What company would I be if I could not even talk to him? However, I decided to let the decision be up to him; I told him that I had lost my voice and there was no guarantee of it returning. He made the trip to Iowa for my birthday. 

In September, Chris started talking about relocating to Sibley.  I liked the idea because the distance was getting harder, but I didn't want him to leave his family and friends for me. He had roots in Tennessee, although he assured me that he had lived in New York and Missouri. I explained that I supported his decision, but I wanted him to carefully consider the decision before deciding to move. Chris visited in December again, a few weeks before Christmas. It was at this visit Chris said that he had accepted a trucking job in Sheldon and could begin when he could make the move. He needed to pack up in Tennessee, find a place to rent in Sibley and then make the move. Chris became a resident of Sibley in mid January 2019.  Yes, he moved in the middle of winter, and he had a job delivering feed to farmers at NIGHT!! I will just say Iowa gave him a grand welcome with bitter cold temperatures, icy roads and numerous snowstorms. My family and friends found it remarkable that he stayed through the first winter and survived. 

Chris did stay; in fact, he stayed 3 years before popping the question on January 1, 2022. During those 3 years, we did what every other dating couple does: went out, got to know each other, spent time together and with family and friends, taught him some of my cares and eventually talked about the future. Before Chris had moved I specifically told him that I would never live with him without marriage; I didn't want him having false hopes or expectations. I realize today that ultimatum is against the norm, but most of my life has been against the norm. I am known to throw everyone for a loop, even when I am not actively trying to be different. Perhaps it's God's way of showing others His power through my broken body. 

Chris and I had agreed that we didn't want a long engagement; we were both older, and I make better decisions under a deadline. May 6, 2022 became our date because the first time that we talked online was September 6, 2017, first kiss February 6, 2018, so May 6 was fitting (plus it was the day after my sister's birthday -- my best friend, my mentor and my confidant). I wanted the wedding and reception simple and short as a way to honor my dad; my dad didn't like long drawn out wedding affairs. He was more of a get in/get out type of guest, but that rarely happened at weddings. I also knew that I could not physically handle a long drawn out event. When I am in pain, I am not able to focus or enjoy anything; I am just concerned about finding relief. 

January through April was full throttle wedding planning; I just remember thinking that I was thankful for having only 4 months to prepare. I had looked at several ideas prior to the engagement because Chris and I had been talking about the next step for a few months. So when the ring appeared, it was time to put plans into action. The most difficult decision was limiting my guest list to 100 family and friends; I have a large family on both sides and blessed with many friends; however, I did provide a live stream of the ceremony for everyone who wanted to witness.

As any bride says, the day was perfect, beautiful, exquisite and blessed. God gave me the blessings of not having to suction or having to be repositioned in my chair during the ceremony. We were surrounded with joy, good food and fun for the reception. But most importantly the day commemorated our love and unity as one. What God has joined together, let no one separate. 

As a side note, I want to mention that our dating relationship was not all roses and champagne.  We struggled through a long distance relationship for just over a year.  After Chris relocated to Iowa, we were caught in the middle of a worldwide pandemic the following year.  Since my immune system is compromised, we followed the recommended 6 feet social distancing guideline for 9 months. However, I contracted covid in October 2020 and was hospitalized; Mom also got covid at the same time. After being dismissed from the hospital, Chris helped out as Mom and I recovered, but then he caught covid from me. But trials make one stronger--real life is always filled with potholes and valleys. Gods strength brings one through the struggles, and the mountain top appears. It is on the mountain top that rest and recovery are provided so that the next day can be faced. 

So, my friends, that's the rest of the story... or perhaps I should say it is the beginning of a story...