Read this for back-story.
I had been walking around in a clumsy prayer high, listening to God in the falling of an acorn. I could lapse into long spiritual metaphor simply by hearing my alarm clock. I was giddy, and I didn’t need cigarettes or anything else – not a cute toosh, no night-long blitzes, not a man.
I had joined a club (Ju Go Ju) – the christian school equivalent to a sorority. I couldn’t believe it either. They made me wear a bow in my hair, but the girls were nice. We’re at the Student Union, and everyone flocked like gulls on fresh french bread to some tall, shiny-haired guy. I was interested to see what all the cuckawing was about, and I normally would have been too cool to bend my neck, but alas, I had to get all the Ju Go Ju Beau’s to sign some sheet of paper, and I heard this one’s a beau.
Seth was cheery and had on a worn Polo shirt. He had a firm handshake and was confident. He did not seem mysterious or at all like he would ponder endlessly in dark corners. I stood. He walked straight to me, and this was our conversation:
Hi. My name is Seth.
Oh. Hi. I’m Amber.
Where are you from?
Alabama.
Are you an Alabama fan or an Auburn fan?
Uh. I don’t care. I don’t watch football.
Okay. Well, nice to meet you.
Yeah. You too.
It certainly wasn’t romantic – hardly anything to note. I picked up my things and scooted to the other side of the room to study. As I read through notes, I was drawn to watch him. I couldn’t stop. The more I looked (and I tried not to) and the more I prayed was the more I developed a full-on crush. It happened within seconds that God gave me the news, and I thought, yeah, it would be crazy if he is the one I’m to marry.
Back then, though, was when I had first been born into that believing heart. I felt encased and protected. I was secure. I told the Lord that He could pair us if He wanted, and then I stood back -
except for this one night before church when I wondered if it was the same place Seth would worship. I spiffed up as if Seth were to be there, and when I arrived and found my seat, I was guilty. The congregation sang, and I realized I was going to church for a man. I was sorry. I talked to my invisible daddy, and He was so sweet, so I sang to Him.
And behind me started a voice, one unique and beautiful voice. Without thinking, I looked over my shoulder. Seth was standing there praising – unconcerned with me – and, let me tell you, he was strong on handsome.
We talked after service. He left for a week, and when he returned (Oct. 25, his birthday), he came straight to my dorm and called me downstairs. I ran down the hall in my torn jeans and socks. We had thirty-five minutes before curfew, and we took it. We took every spare minute either of us had. I knew.
Over Thanksgiving break he bought my ring, and over Christmas break he proposed. I had known him for two months, but I would have said Yes after two weeks.
During this time, I laughed uncontrollably even while alone. We were every cliche and everything new – all trust and rest and wide-open love, revised specifically and intimately – on behalf of eternity.
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh, Amber, what a story. I fell in love with him the first time I saw him too. On that first October 25, the Louisiana sky was ablaze with fireworks from the fair. We could see them outside our hospital window. I cuddled him and held him up to see the burning sky. It’s good to know he’s still capable of inspiring fireworks. You, gentle soul, are a treasure to this mamma…
Sue Sue
Hmmm… so, mom… that was embarrasing.
Time for the running commentary:
I had never seen such beauty wrapped in a purple jersey (as was the custom of certain ladies on Friday) and tied up with a purple bow. She was shy and said that she could not care less about football with a wry little grin. That was the hook in the lip. She set it and started reeling as she walked across the Union.
Several days later I would meet her in her dorm room. The jeans, those ripped ones? It was high-fashion–the kind that sets a college junior’s mind to flirtation. Flirtation over coffee at the local shop. Matt made two and then gave us a piece of cheesecake. He and his wife sat behind the counter, steaming milk, and watching us with giggles covered by the ssssssssss of the frother.
By the time our coffee was finished, so was I.
Seth’s last blog post..The Mother Letter Project–Social Networking
Beautiful story, beautiful story-teller….
Do we have to wait until next Tuesday for more? Keep telling it, friend!
Jo@Mylestones’s last blog post..no result
Sweet words from ALL (3) of you! You all write so beautifully and it’s as though I can see it all playing out like a movie in my head….
Thanks for making me smile and cry this morning!
See, we Bama girls DO have intelligent, creative beauty!
I’m beaming….really. Thank you for writing this all down so we can read it. It’s beautiful!!!!
seth is hot. quote me on it.
hamster’s last blog post..Dark Knight, Schmark Knight, or the Power of Mammy
This reminds me a lot of when I met John, and the story of us — though our story is different in a lot of ways. True love feels familiar, I guess.
Janna at Rainbow Dull’s last blog post..Why Grace?
Chickadee,
Love, love, love the last line about your love. Ain’t it the truth, sister. The poetry in your heart just pours out all over the keyboard.
Shannon M.’s last blog post..Gold Mine Giveaway: Win an Underwood’s Garnet Necklace!
i am such a sucker for a pretty love story, and i feel like such a sucker loving them because my inner cynic is such a loudmouth, but i do love them, nonetheless.
i’m here, all grinning in the coffee shop over my americano in the corner. the server has noticed, and is being especially nice to me now.
sheesh.
sucker. for sure.
angela’s last blog post..Bodylicious
ok, i actually teared up! you two loves birds. I honestly enjoy watching you two drool over each other. pretty cute. we want more of the story!!! come on, don’t leave us hanging
Oh My, I love a good love story! It just brings me right back to college, falling in love with my man.
This is like a good book that you can’t put down!
I can’t wait for the next installment!!
Sara’s last blog post..Stinkin’ Adorable.
You really just need to go ahead and write a book. That was so much fun to read and so touching. It really was.
Heather of the EO’s last blog post..Have you seen my hat?
this is nothing like the first time i met latonya. we were at a waterdeep rock-and-sweet-river-roll show. we were both in college. separate schools, separate states, similar friends. she was strong on pretty, and i was strong on body odor. but she laughed when i told stories. and i asked our similar friends about her later. now we are texans. she’s still strong on pretty, but i wisened up and got strong on patchouli. romance has never been so aromatic.
hamster’s last blog post..MALEVOLENT MATRIARCHY: AN OVERLY INVITED BATTLE OF GUILT, INNOCENCE AND BREASTSIZE
What a sweet story! You two work fast – 2 months? Good for you.
-FringeGirl
the domestic fringe’s last blog post..Lessons for a Child
love it.
Lora Lynn’s last blog post..Nature to Nurture
What a great story… thanks for sharing…
**Switching Subject**
Your blog is incredible! Holy Moly, you’ve really got me thinking it is about time to do a rebuild of my blog. Incredible!
oh love stories that involve auburn football….doesn’t get any better than that. lol. In fact I think my first conversation with my future husband involved that question. So does that mean Seth doesn’t like football either?
WOH… Easy Jennifer. Love football. I am all man. ALL MAN I tell you.
Honey, I’ll be home to cook supper in ten minutes. Please have my apron ready.
Seth’s last blog post..The Mother Letter Project–Social Networking
I love you two!!!!!
nic’s last blog post..Monday: All Over the Place But With Exciting News
Wow! This brings back so many delicious memories with Hubs. How do you pull it up like it was yesterday? Our relationship has been updated so many times (like facebook profile pictures) that I can barely remember those electric beginning days.
citystreams’s last blog post..Sneeze Poll
I am giddy, grinning like a school girl reading of such young, pure, abandoned love. Reminds me of my own story. God gave me the desire to marry Benton at 15 (so Arkansas cliche but true). To borrow a cheesy line, he truly had me at hello. Love it girl! Bring it, bring it on! Love you too! JB
Amber, I love this. Precious.
The first time I laid eyes on my man, I thought he was an arrogant hot-head, and he thought I was an uptight snob. And we were both probably right. But then God worked a miracle (the first of many in our life together), and two months later I was picking out china patterns. Almost 15 years later, he still makes me all rumbly.
Shannon’s last blog post..When Mom Leaves Town
Amber, that. was. fall-over. BEAUTIFUL.
Cindy’s last blog post..Dark Star, Bright Star
Amber, I am so glad I met you before I read this. Wow. Did you know my husband and I met and were engaged in 3 months? And of course you know we went on to have 3 boys (and since just had a girl). I love how you write.
Steph
Adventures In Babywearing’s last blog post..Dear Stay At Home Working Mom
Your story has it all: emotion and good looks and happy ending. Loved it!
Pretty sure that was the most fun read I’ve had in a long while. And bonus points that you both love Jesus.
Minnesotamom’s last blog post..Guest Judging!
Oh, WOW! Can you write or what! Linked to you form Chatting at the Sky. Great love story, great writing, thanks for sharing.
This reminds me of how my husband and I started dating too! I love when you say he was “strong on handsome”. Love it.
Love your writing style. And your story.
nancypantsgirl recently posted..The people need clothes
How have I missed this. I love the smile you both bring – listening to the banter in the comments was almost as fun as your poetic post.
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