And Than He Kissed Me......

The year was 1996. The month was September. I was 14 and he was 16. My freshman year of high school in a new town with new friends. He was one of the first I would meet.

"Shannon, this is my brother Sean." (His sister, my now sister-in-law, is a life long best friend. How awesome is that!!!!)

Friends for years. A short summer romance and birth months in common. There is no way this man would be my sole mate.....

Fast forward in this life 14 years, past his military achievements, my new career, beyond the babies we made (not together) and the growing we did while apart.......

It was May, that birth month we both share. Through myspace of all places we found each other again. The date and time were set, we would see and talk face to face for the first time in 9 long years.

I never stopped thinking about him. He seemed to be the bright spot of my teenage life that I could never forget. I just didn't realize why this was. I figured it was really the loss of innocence and the new found responsibilities that came with being an adult, that I really missed.

We talked all night, right through the sunrise. It was pure magic.

I was not looking for love, for him, for anything other than to find myself. But for once, I let life happen.

He was a ray of sunshine in my so dark life. He gave me air to breath again. Passion to fulfill my dreams again. The courage to try new things. The inner confidence that I was so longing for. The insight on how to be a better mother to my sweet baby girl. He was and is my sole mate. I should have listened to myself, but what did I know, I was too young all those years ago.

While on vacation in Orlando, Florida he proposed.

June 27, 2007

Down on one knee, so nervous even though I knew it was coming

"Will you marry me?"

Of course I said yes. I would have been a fool to say no.

We were in no hurry to be married as we were enjoying just each other. I brought with me my daughter and he brought with him, his daughter. The time had to be right. After all, two very small harts are at the center of it all.




July 1, 2009 at 5:30 in the afternoon



Can you believe we were at this point. Back in Florida, we were married on Coca Beach. It was perfect! Simply, easy, and it felt so right.

His family was there, most of my family was there (though I wish they could have all been there), my best friends were there, and we were there.



As we spoke the vows before God and our family, I could not help the tears from coming. I tried. OH, how I tried.

When I looked into his eyes on that day, the tears started streaming down my face. Tears of joy and happiness for all that had been given to me. His eyes were filled with passion and love.





You could just see that every word he was saying was meant to be said.

I knew that without a doubt this was the person I was to be with till the day I left this Earth.








We spoke our vows, we exchanged the rings and kisses. We were married, my new HUSBAND!!!






We had dinner after. Seafood of course. A private room over looking the Ocean and a perfect calm in the air.

They say you will just know when the right person comes into your life and I had never believed it more than I did in those moments. No doubts in my head, no questions. I just knew, he was the one, my one.

It has been just over 6 months since that perfect day on the beach and I still know, he is the one. That is not to say we don't squabble or disagree, as we do. What couple would not?

But together we have fun, we have a family, and we have love.


So ladies, when you find that one you will know it. Don't question timing. Don't question flaws in either of you. Don't question how fast things might be moving. Surrender it all and go with it. Let life lead the way as it is meant to do. (Yes, I know, easier said than done)

This amazing thing called love will guide you, protect you and take you to were you need to go. It will give you wings and ground you all at the same time. It is kind, patient, understanding, forgiving, encouraging, and hard work. Trust in it and life will be one fun ride.




Happy Late Valentines Day From One Lucky Lady