Stacey and I are reading Love and War, by John and Stasi Eldredge as part of a marriage study. We are really getting a lot out of it. One of the activities that they suggest to do is to tell your spouse your story. After thinking about it for awhile there were parts of each of our stories that neither one of us really knew. Anyway, the point of my post is to share my story.
So here is my story. I don't remember much of my childhood. That is not to say I didn't have a good childhood. I feel like my parents provided me with a great childhood. I just don't remember much. I do remember events. I remember things about living in Centerton, NJ. Like the time I grabbed the hot pipe on the tractor or the time I got stung by a bee in the middle of my back. I remember parking my battery operated police motorcycle behind some one's car and they ran it over. It destroyed the motorcycle completely and I never got another one. I know they were expensive and we didn't have that kind of extra money laying around, but I don't think I ever got over that. I think it still hurts. I know I shouldn't have parked it behind the car, but I was like 4 or 5 years old and I didn't know any better. I have a vivid picture in my mind of coming home from the circus and my grandparents crying when they found out the news that my brother Matthew died. That's all I remember of him.
I remember moving to Millville, NJ and being the new kid in 4th grade and being picked on because of it. I can think of happier times growing up playing sports with the neighborhood kids. I remember my first real kiss. Summer of seventh grade. I know I'm a loser. Her name was Gina and go figure she was Italian. I remember her not talking to me the whole next day. I guess I was a bad kisser. I always remember that older guys would always take care of me. They would pick me for their teams or watch out for me. I remember the pride and effort I would put into a sport or a team because I was picked. I remember being an all star in little league. I remember not playing alot, besides an inning here or there in the all star games. I remember catching a fly ball in the outfield when I never played there all season. I remember getting a big base hit. Well, it was a bunt, but it still was a hit.
I remember in 6th grade our teachers showing us the Witness as a reward for good behavior. I don't know how they got away with it. I mean really rent it and watch it you will see what I mean. I remember dating a senior when I was in 10th grade. She was also Italian, go figure, notice a pattern. I remember family trips to the beach, Florida, out west and to baseball games. I loved that time. The baseball games with my Dad are the most memorable moments with him. I remember scoring my first soccer goal on the freshmen team. I also remember getting my first yellow card in the same game.
I remember my parents moving to Indian Mills and how they allowed me to stay in Millville with high school friends. I remember moving back home after 6 months and I remember what it was like to find my Dad. I remember what that felt like, but I also remember the outpouring of people that came to the funeral. I specifically remember Mike Loyle and Paul Wilson coming to it and how that made such a difference. I remember when Dave's Place opened in Millville and how proud I was to be Dave's son. I remember how hard life got and how spread out we became as a family. I remember how strong my mom was though all of that.
I remember visiting WVU and then coming to WVU basically on a whim. I remember alot of partying, well not really remembering that. I do remember great friends that I still have today. Most importantly, I remember meeting Stacey. I remember working and just talking about ourselves and our lives. I remember her wrapping presents for me at Christmas time. I also remember some great kisses while wrapping the presents. I remember talking about her to my family and how I couldn't wait for them to meet. her. I remember flying her into Philadelphia and I remember how sick she got. I remember our car rides and our stops along the way. I remember visiting my grandfather with her and how she helped me tell him I loved him. I remember our wedding day and how beautiful she was. I remember the excitement of the honeymoon and almost missing our plane. I remember specifically coming home from school and she was waiting to tell me we were having a baby. I remember what a trooper she was for 22 hours giving birth to Drea. I remember her water breaking with Charlotte and how God answered our prayers for an easier labor. I remember fixing up our house and making changes to fit us. I remember how she thought I died after tailgating all day. I remember her surprising me with family and friends for my 30th birthday. I remember lots of things we have done and shared, good or bad I am glad that they have been with her. These are the things that I remember and this is my story. So far...
