Twenty one years ago today, we said our vows. Twenty one years ago today, we became one. Twenty one years ago today, two kids set out on a grand adventure.
Our beginning was rooted in friendship. We were friends who hung out as part of a larger group of older kids from different youth ministries. We would meet after church and go to parks, movies, the mall, etc. and just have fun. As I got to know Crystal, I had hopes of more than friends. However, I had been down that road before, “You’re such a good friend,” You’re like a big brother to me,” and many more shut downs from the girls I knew. I was at a point in my life where I wasn’t considering a relationship, but there was just something about Crystal…
One Sunday night, we got word the next weekend’s plans had changed. I was sure Crystal was free Friday night. So, I gathered all the courage I could and asked the question. “Are you doing anything Friday?” Of course, her answer was “no.” “Do you want to?” I know, I know, that sounds so smooth, it must have been from a movie. It was all from my suave, debonair thoughts. We still laugh about it today!
That first date, sitting in Mazzio’s Pizza, I wanted to propose. The thoughts began to hit me, “you’re a 17 year old kid. She’s a college woman. You’re lucky she came to dinner with you! She will never take you seriously.” So, we just talked about what we wanted in marriage, family, children, futures, and other non-threatening subjects for a first date. Six months later I proposed (on my birthday).
One and a half years later, on my 19th birthday (kids, don’t try this at home) I received the best present I could have dreamed of. Here we are twenty one years later. I know now the present was even better than I had hoped for. We have been through so much. We’ve had tremendous highs and lows. We have always had each other through it all.
“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.” (Proverbs 18:22)
Happy 21st Anniversary Crystal!
DAN TURNER JR. 