our anniversary story

It’s Our Anniversary: Celebrating Our Happily Ever After

Kent and I were married on December 16, 2000.  A few years ago I shared the following story for the first time.  Who doesn’t like to read an uplifting story of lasting love?  I certainly take no credit but I share this to give God credit for being the author of this love story.

My husband and I have been married several years now.  I could say several years of wedded bliss, but both you and I know that life happens.  And to be very honest and open, we’ve had a couple of years that were a bit of a struggle and more work than the the first ten or so for sure.  But we’re here, and we’re in it for the long haul.  And we did some recouping after the tough seasons.  I can’t imagine trying to do this thing called marriage without our faith.  

In this post I’m stepping away from faith and fitness and sharing a story of God’s faithfulness in my life.  I’m sharing with you our story that I wrote for Kent shortly after we said “I do.”  I don’t think I’ve pulled this out in more than ten years.  If you’re not into sappy or silly, you can go ahead and move on.  I’m really not sappy either!  But maybe you’ll want to grab your coffee and let this story put a smile on your face.  It might even give you a renewed sense of hope in your own marriage or an element of anticipation while you wait for your Prince or Princess to come.

murat2
Photo taken in 2015.

Once upon a time, there was a lonely princess named Marsha… 

Marsha had been by herself for awhile and was adjusting well to her life on her own.  Marsha began enjoying the social life with her friends and forgot about looking for “Prince Charming.”  From time to time, Marsha had a date with a suitor who never quite lived up to her expectations.  Even while the Princess was enjoying her free time, she was praying to her Father above for His perfect plan in her life.  On an exceptionally low day, Princess Marsha had a revelation.  Her thoughts brought her back to the story of Creation.  She remembered when God created Adam and how Adam had everything he needed.  However, God saw fit to create a woman to come alongside Adam to help and join him in his journey through life.  This story was a lesson for the Princess.  

Princess Marsha realized that what she was waiting for was an “Adam.”  The Prince Charming that would sweep the Princess off her feet would be an “Adam,” someone that is already established.  He would not need a Princess, but he would be a man that is ready to share his life with someone.  The Prince would find Princess Marsha to be an added enjoyment and blessing in his life that could accompany him along the rest of his journey.  

Who doesn't like an uplifting story of lasting love? #happilyeverafter Click To Tweet

Princess Marsha was happy with this thought and tucked it away.  She knew that her destiny was changing.  Always in the past, she has had to help others along their way, and although Princess Marsha was a very helpful person, she knew this was not the way it was to be.  A relationship is two-way, and the Princess believed it could be different.  

In the meantime, Princess Marsha continued to socialize.  One particular suitor sidetracked the Princess for awhile.  In fact, she even told her friend that she knew he was not her “Adam,” but she continued to see him.  Then, a little bird told Princess Marsha about a certain Prince named Kent.  Kent was a bit older than the Princess, and he was of the upper class in Princess Marsha’s town.  In addition, this Prince Kent had a young son who lived with the Prince.  The little bird mentioned that Prince Kent had been admiring Princess Marsha.  This information shocked the Princess.  Although Princess Marsha knew exactly who Prince Kent was because their work brought them together at times, Princess Marsha could not believe that the Prince had even noticed her.  Princess Marsha was amazed that Prince Kent, being of the upper class, was interested in her because she saw herself in the lower class.  Princess Marsha had been seeing this Prince professionally off and on for more than one year.  She had spoken to him on occasion but was completely oblivious to any interest he may have ever shown.  This was amazing to the Princess, and she did not know what to do with this information.  But, in the back of her mind, the Princess remembered the story of Adam.  Prince Kent was certainly an “Adam,” but was he hers?

It's my wedding anniversary so I'm sharing our love story. #happilyeverafter Click To Tweet

The next time Princess Marsha was to see Prince Kent in the working environment, she took a little extra care to look nice.  She also made herself more available for conversation.  AND, she was extremely nervous.  This went on for what seemed to be a very long time, even though it was a matter of weeks.  Meanwhile, the Princess continued to date around.  Finally, Princess Marsha made arrangements to call Prince Kent upon his prompting, of course. The late evening phone call went very well, and the Princess was pleased with the outcome.  During this time, the Princess became more confident and finding Prince Kent to be very down-to-earth and likable.  

A short time later, Prince Kent took a vacation, and Princess Marsha thought of him often while he was gone.  Princess Marsha determined to phone the Prince a couple of days after he returned to ask about his trip.  On the evening before the Princess was to call, her telephone rang.  On the other end of the line was the Prince.  Princess Marsha couldn’t help but show her surprise to hear the Prince on the line.  They talked for some time, then Prince Kent asked the Princess on a date.  Finally!  the moment she’d been waiting for.  Of course, the Princess accepted the invitation.

It was the day of the date, a nice spring day.  The Princess was nervous.  She had consulted with her friends on what she should wear, and she hadn’t eaten for a week.  She was so excited for the Prince to come, and finally the time arrived.  The Prince was handsome in his suit and treated the Princess so kindly all evening.  When they returned to her humble home, the Princess invited him in.  Prince Kent accepted the invitation, and they visited until the early morning hours.  The evening was delightful.  They agreed to see each other again.

This is a real life once upon a time. #lovestory Click To Tweet

The following week, the Princess thought of Prince Kent often.  Finally, late in the week, the Prince invited the Princess to visit his castle.  She happily agreed to stop over one evening.  The Prince had a beautiful castle.  When he came to the door, Prince Kent was dressed in light jeans and a peach polo shirt.  Prince Kent and Princess Marsha had a wonderful visit.  They shared very intimate details and spoke openly about life, love, and past relationships.  While Princess Marsha was still guarded with her feelings, she was surprised to hear Prince Kent share his desire for “the fairy tale.”  This was amazing to hear a man speak so candidly of falling in love and how that was his wish for his own life.  With that revelation, Princess Marsha felt her guard begin to come down.  The Princess began falling in love.

From that evening, Prince Kent and Princess Marsha began spending more and more time together.  Soon the Princess met Prince Kent’s son.  He was a fine young man; the Princess knew she would have no problem getting along with the Prince’s young son.  The Princess, you know, was accustomed to young people, because she worked with them daily.

Summer came and went.  Soon Autumn arrived.  The Prince and Princess had been together six months.  The Princess went on a short vacation with her good friend.  While she was gone, the Princess spoke to her friend about Prince Kent.  The Princess was certain that she wished to spend the rest of her life with Prince Kent.  In him she had found her soulmate.  Prince Kent had become her friend and lover.  He was becoming her life partner.  Princess Marsha told her friend how the Prince made her feel as she’s never felt before.  He made her happier than she ever thought she could be, and she knew that something would happen soon.

Princess Marsha was so excited to see Prince Kent, and Prince Kent was excited to see the Princess.  In fact, he took a day off work to spend with the Princess when she returned.  The Princess was happy to spend time with Prince Kent.  Around noon, the Prince and Princess relaxed on the couch and began to speak about how much they had missed one another.  They both agreed that they didn’t wish to experience time apart again.  With that, the Prince spoke the magic words.  He asked Princess Marsha to marry him.  After a moment of pleasant surprise, Princess Marsha replied, “Yes” then Prince Kent gave the Princess the most beautiful diamond ring.

Our anniversary is a time to celebrate God's goodness and faithfulness. #blessed Click To Tweet

It was the happiest day for both the Prince and Princess.  They were so in love and so excited to share the delightful news with others.  Prince Kent’s young son was accepting of the news and seemed to be pleased to see his father happy.  It was evident to all who knew them that they belonged with one another.  

Because they were so excited to begin their lives together, the Prince and Princess started planning their wedding day.  The Princess especially did not wish to wait a long time.  She was ready to move to her Prince’s castle.  She was ready to begin her life with her beloved.

The merry event took place on a beautiful winter day.  They shared the blessed occasion with their family and friends.  It was a simple ceremony but delightful nonetheless.  Thus their life together began.  The two became one.

Princess Marsha was given her Adam.  Her Heavenly Father had smiled on her and blessed her with a gift of a wonderful husband and a delightful stepson.  She could ask for nothing more.  Prince Kent had become her Prince Charming, and there is no doubt that they shall live happily ever after.   

Apsley family
Kent, Marsha, Ethan, Ben – 2016
Thanks for reading our story.  I hope it made you smile and gave you hope.  If you are lonely or struggling in your marriage right now, I’m praying for you.  I understand feelings of loneliness both in and out of a marriage (I was married before God brought me and Kent together).  And to be sure Kent and I have had our ups and downs.  And taking on the role of stepmother is not always an easy one.  All I really know for sure is that God remains faithful, and we can’t do a day of this without Him.  

Here’s to many more years with my Prince!  

 

Let's Get Started!

Add your name and email to receive faith-focused fitness inspiration and motivation to your inbox weekly!


Powered by ConvertKit

Comments

Add A Comment