Here's To 17 Years, Baby!

Happy 17th Anniversary to my one & only!

Who knew the Lord could bring you your "the one" while cruising main at age 18?!

I love that you still have my number in your wallet....

   You were my first love, but listened to the Lord's nudge and broke up so He could get us both ready for what was next.  When you let love go and it comes back to you, you know it's YOURS.    He brought you back to me to enter into a courtship, dating with the intent of marriage, after many months apart.  I was so grateful and excited for what the future held!

And at age 19, in front of a church we loved to worship in together, I gave you my best YES.

  YES, yes I will! :)

  Married May 24th, 2002 at age 20, before a crowd of 600 witnesses, I joined my life with yours and became, Mrs. Tonya Ferguson.

  Our first blessing baby came at age 21. Surprise! God has the most wonderful plans despite our own "waiting to try for 4 years" plan.....

   Dale, when I first said I love you, I thought I understood what that meant, but as we grew a life together, and I watched you become a daddy, so my love grew also.....

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  As we nearly lost all we built together, and started anew, that love grew roots. Roots that help a marriage withstand any storm....

  When the world told us to throw away the broken, and we made the choice to embrace a second chance at a once in a lifetime love, those roots grew deep, deep down into the soil of the Father's unfailing love for His children. Beauty from ashes!

   And as you grew into the man God had called you to be, my love for you, simply took my breath away.  When you almost lose something precious, you appreciate it all the more!

  As we loved and lost our precious daddies, my broken heart drew closer to yours, and together we healed again....I can face anything with you by my side.

  Now, as we build a traveling life we only dreamed about, and a successful business together, my respect and love multiplies again and again.

  My heart, joyfully rejoicing each day we can "do life" together in such a beautiful way.

  I realize that when I first said I love you, I had just begun to understand all my heart could hold for you...

    17 years later, my heart overflows & I thank God for making you mine, all those years ago.

    Happy Anniversary to the one my soul loves!  Here is to many many many more....