Boy Meets Girl

A simple wedding invitation really...


"Boy Meets Girl...Come Hear All The Details!"

That was us, oh, about 8 1/2 years ago...I can hardly believe we've been together this long! Sometimes I have to pinch myself to remember how it all came together...

About twelve years ago I was at a Christmas sing-song for our church at a local nursing home. I was toting a toddler and a little baby in a car seat. I remember like it was yesterday.

It was probably mid-evening when I noticed "him". "Him" was my future husband to be, who just happened to be caroling across the room from me. I recognized him immediately. I remember staring at each other . I approached him a bit later and we chatted. 

"Didn't you used to be friends with so& so?"

"Don't I know you from such & such an event in high school?"

So our conversation superficially continued for a few more moments... and that was it.

Fast forward a couple of years...

We were in Ottawa as a church. Small conference type event. My car just happened to break down. I needed a mechanic...hmmm, well there just 'happened' to be one available & yes, it was Jeff!

We ended up hanging out with another friend of ours for over an hour, talking and laughing. But that was all. The time ended and to be honest I don't think either of us thought much about the other one after that. 

Another while passed...I had moved to a townhouse survey. Many children were always roaming the complex, unsupervised and seemingly very bored. Boredom often led to trouble.

I decided to start a fun little 'kids' night once a week. It grew. I had so many kids that I couldn't handle them all by myself, alongside my own two children....I needed a helper. Male, preferably, to help keep the bigger and more difficult teens in line.

I asked around. Guess who happened to be available? You'll never guess :)

So Jeff, myself, and a few other young people started meeting every Tuesday for the kids night. I started to swoon a bit. But I was scared...I had been really hurt. I didn't ever want to go back to that place again...so I prayed. I waited. I talked to trusted people in my life.

After a few more months I was asked out for 'coffee'. I was so excited I could barely contain myself! I remember all too vividly leaving my younger brother baby-sitting while I headed out for the eve. My heart was pumping...The nervousness was growing.

There was actually no need for the fear. We had a wonderful time! We laughed, we chatted, we inspired each other sharing future dreams. I left thinking that perhaps, just maybe, God was here answering a prayer of mine.

I waited.

Another few months flew by and this time we were both conscious of the other's affection. We chatted on the phone throughout each week. We sat near each other at church on occasion. He finally made the 'big move' and asked me out!!! 

I felt like a princess in one of those Cinderella type movies. 

It was within the year that he proposed...and then a beautiful wedding.

Yes, I have been blessed. 

There are many seasons of life where I feel it's good to sit back and recollect about the times of old. Times to reflect about the good memories in life.


Sometimes between: paying the mortgage, running after little ones, running businesses, cleaning the house, volunteering at church, and whatever else may be on one's plate- it is so easy to forget how you came together. You know, your story? 

Today, being Valentine's Day, I wanted to remember. I wanted to share. I wanted to encourage my friends and family to remember the loved ones in YOUR life. There is always a story...

I dedicate today's story to "my Man" Jeff DeBruin. An amazing father. A man of integrity and hard work. An excellent connoisseur of quiche. A doting husband. A faithful friend.

I love you!!!