On this day, September 25th, in 2004 at 6:00pm I was privileged to marry my best friend.  This was one of the most monumental moments in my life, 2nd only to accepting Christ in my life.  We've had quite the journey over the years with many stories and two beautiful children to boot.  I wanted to share some of my favorite moments of our last years, some happy, some funny and some sad that has helped shape us to the couple that we are today and why I believe that our love and bond will stand the test of time.

1) The day we met.

I was an intern at a church in Snellville, Ga., and had joined a Sunday School class.  The class was talking about how some folks were returning from a mission trip to China and were going to talk about their experiences there.  This beautiful girl that I had never seen nor met before walked in the room with a black dress with pink flowers on it and made my jaw drop.  Stunned I began to say to myself that I had to introduce myself.  I tried to muster up some words, but nothing would come out. I heard everyone call her Mary Wo so immediately I thought maybe she's from China or has one birth parent that's Chinese.  Thinking I was so suave I said to her, "So, you're Chinese."  Of all the things that I could have said, that's the genius line that emerged.  "Um, no," was the retort and I felt like a moron.  I blew it.  Weeks later we went on our first date, fortunate for me, and we haven't been apart since.

2) The day she met my Grandfather, Emmette.

I invited Mary over to my parents house to watch a UGA game.  My grandfather loved her immediately because she yelled and screamed at the TV just like he did as the game ensued.  Other than her beauty, Pop always would say how amazing it was that she never moved off the couch, especially when the bathroom was concerned.  "You haven't moved for three hours!  Are you sure you don't have to go?" 

Pop basically thought that was more interesting than the game we were watching.  "You must have a cast iron bladder." Beyond his concern of Mary using the restroom he told me, "If there ever was a girl made for you, God got it right with this one."  Pop, you were right.  100% correct.  Miss you, Pop.

3) The day we were Married.

I can remember it like it was yesterday.  It was a beautiful, fall Saturday afternoon at Lake Lanier.  Both of our families were there (mainly because we scheduled the wedding on UGA's bye week, both for family and for us) at Mary's uncle's house.  All of us boys were downstairs taking in the various football games on the TV while Mary and her crew were getting dressed.  When the time came for me to make my way up to the wedding area I remembered thinking, "Don't cry.  Please don't cry."  When the back door opened and she stepped out I cried.  Imagine that.  She was so beautiful and I couldn't hold it back.  My wife is beautiful always has been and always will, but that day will always stick out in my mind and my love for her grows daily.

4) When our children were born.

The day our doctor told us that we were going to induce, I almost threw up.  Having kids changes everything.  It's no longer just you and your spouse.  I always felt inadequate of being a father and that was going to have to change.  I couldn't get over the fact that I was responsible for another person's life from birth.  They'd be completely dependent on Mary and I and I justdidn't think I was ready.  But the moment Joey introduced himself, I was hooked.  Nothing could stop me from taking care of that beautiful baby boy and I even had my wonderful wife alongside me as well.  Sophie was icing on the cake and my family was complete. Or is it?  We'll just have to see about that one.

5) Diaper stories.  Sorry, can't help it.

Joey was barely a couple months old.  His poor little tummy had to have been hurting him.  Mary told me that she took him into his room and started to change him.  First, she placed the "pee-pee tee-pee" where it needed to be and he proceeded to launch it in the air like a rocket.  All I can say about that one is just wow.  Second, she lifted his legs up and in a tucked position and he fired poo on the lamp shade and the wall.  If that'd of been me, I would have died.  Next, we had just came home from Longhorn's and it was my turn for diaper duty.  I opened up the diaper disaster and I got so sick i started to throw up.  I called out to Mary for help and she came laughing because she knew what was happening.  My steak dinner was no more.

As we enter the next chapter in our lives I hope and pray that God continues to strengthen us and bring us closer even still.  For those who are reading this, thank God for the people in your life that He's blessed you with and cherrish everyday you have with them.