Love is...

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  

Monday, February 4 will go down as a very special day in our family history.  It was on that morning that Matthew proposed to my dear niece, Anna.  He took her to the Sunken Gardens on Truman's campus and presented her with a ring he had designed just for her.  Understandably, she missed her next class (only 5 minutes after the proposal!) but was rewarded later with the news that the class had, in fact, been cancelled anyway.   :D

While this isn't necessarily a 'surprise' it IS a joyous reason for celebration.  There are times when you see a couple, even a young couple, and just know deep down that they truly are meant for one another.  This is certainly one of those times.  Matthew has always embodied the traits described in 1 Corinthians in his love and care for our dear Anna.  This remarkable young man has shown maturity far beyond his years, kindness and care in all situations, and a deep and abiding love for my precious niece.  He has stood steadfastly by her side through years of undiagnosed illness (recently diagnosed as Lyme Disease) and has shown that he is an honorable man over and over through his actions.  How could I not want that for my beloved niece? 

His family are among our very closest friends... how could I have chosen a more wonderful union than the one that their marriage will make official?  We love his family as our own family and rejoice in this coming together.  

I am so very thankful for Anna and for Matthew and truly rejoice with them as they move forward in their journey together.   

Their first date back in 2008.   :)

I remember being so AMAZED that he actually managed to have his tie match her dress, sight unseen!  Impressive.   :)

After Anna's 2nd degree black belt test.

This makes me smile... Matthew playing water guns with my boys, Jackson and Jonathan (long ago...)

He always helps Anna soar....

Matthew's wonderful family, Matt, Brenda, Matthew, Melina and Megan.  How could we love them any more than we already do?? 

Matthew, Julie, James and Anna

always protective...

Megan, Matt, Anna, Brenda, Matthew and Melina

I love this old photo of them taken at the lake - 2 black belts.   :)

The day of Matthew's Eagle Scout Court of Honor.

NYE 2011 with all our families.

Congratulations Matthew and Anna!  Know that you are loved!  Here's to a bright future together!