A New Love Story part 1

Once upon a time a little girls was born.  Sounds like the beginning of a fairy tale.  I think as mothers we hope for a fairy tale for our little children, that everything will always turn out well and love will conquer all.  I don't know how many mothers, but I know I am not alone, look at their little preschooler playing with other children of the opposite gender and the mom's mind begins to daydream: "they are so cute together, wouldn't it be sweet if they got married someday, awe, I can see their wedding now."  Come on, I know I am not the only one out their with these thoughts, I have heard several mothers speak these words in a joking yet pondering manner.  Then as the children grow older I feel more protective when they show an interest in a certain some one.  Sometimes I would think, that is cute and sometimes I would have big flashing red lights with sirens.  It has always been David and my goal that our children would save their heart for the person they are going to marry, so we discourage dating as it is done in the world today.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if their first love be the one they spend their life with.   When one our our children has an interest in someone I ask my kids if they feel God is telling them this could be their future spouse.

Latisha has always been one to shy away from the opposite gender.  When she was a flower girl in a wedding at around the age of three, she was asked by another little boy at the wedding if she would dance with him.  She promptly turned away and walked off.  This did not slow down the little boy who  followed her relentlessly asking for a dance.  I was embarrassed that she ignored him and was afraid she would hurt his feelings.  So, I took her out there and told her to dance with him.  Latisha was not happy, and ran off as soon as she could.  I have seen this pattern in her ever since.  She has made a point of not giving the wrong impression to the opposite gender and at times I have marveled at her turning her head as a boy would smile in a flirting way at her.

Alexander and Latisha have always been quite close and he allowed Latisha to hang out with him and his friends.  She would be out there playing football with the guys and hold her own quite well.  In high school Alex and some friends started a band.  One of the band members, Brent, and Alex would write songs together.  It was so fun to watch them perform and worship the Lord.  They would compete in Fine Arts together and do well.  One year the band had made it to national fine arts and decided to make the trip.  Latisha had also made it to nationals in a drama and went along also.  When she came back something was different.

fine arts

traveling to fine arts

 Brent went away to college but Latisha and Brent kept in contact.  After Brent's first year he decided to come back here to go to college.  He and Latisha got to know each other in a new way.   They had been friends but now were getting to know each other with a romantic interest for the next half of a year.  Half way through Latisha's senior year Brent asked David if we would allow him and Latisha to "date."   Much to my surprise, I had no red lights or roaring sirens.  I felt at peace.  Over the past year Brent has become a part of our family.  He has seen the good, bad, and ugly and has been a blessing all the time.  Latisha and Brent have done their best this past year to follow our rules and we could see that things were headed in a permanent direction.

Valentine's Day

Easter

graduation

Latisha's graduation party

Traveling with us in the motorhome.  What a sport

Brent took our family photos this year.

Dressed as Clark Kent and Lois Lane

So, cute

To be continued...