The Viking and His Lady

This is actually a tongue-in-cheek drawing of my darling husband and me. I was a LOT younger, and with my pen, I was able to remove most of our wrinkles. (grin) I have had the blessing of being married to a man who loves me. This man's love is a gift from God, because I do not deserve that kind of unconditional love. I am so very grateful to God for my husband.

I just read the funniest romantic story about young love at Smart Mouth Broad's blog, and was inspired to share a story of my own.

27 years ago, I had just emerged from a very terrible time in my life. I had been on drugs, living in a world which was not very healthy. And then along came a man, who saw me and loved my smile. He had been in the ministry, so on our first date I knew I had to set him straight about me. I liked him, but I was cautious. Before I met Alan, I had fallen in love with a man who, when he'd heard only a portion of my story, never called again.

Alan took me to the Fernwood Inn, a wonderful restaurant housed in a beautiful old mansion in historic Oregon City. After dinner I said, "I know you're interested in me, so I think you should know what you're getting into."

I told him about my life over those past four years, and spared none of the ugly details.

He quietly sat back in his chair and my heart pounded with sudden fear. Because you see, I liked him a lot.

Then this strong, funny man tenderly smiled and said, "When I look at you, all I see is a beautiful white rose. All I see is the miracle of what God has done in you today."

I am blessed to have this wonderful man in my life.