Kevin and I are both from Byhalia, MS. He is 7 years older, so we never ran in the same circles nor did we go to school together. I worked at Big Star when I was in high school, I was in the 10th grade. I was a cashier, so I was in the front door and there was a large window in front of the registers, so we could see into the parking lot. I remember seeing Kevin get out of his car...like it was yesterday...and I'm thinking 'what a handsome young man', or something like that, lol! I asked another cashier about him; she knew him and stated he is "too old" for you - as he was her older sister's age. But, I am always up for a challenge, so I talked to him briefly, and gave him my number (ok, mom, I know). Eventually he called, we talked...I lied about my age because I knew he was older. Later, I told the truth, thankfully he forgave me:) When we met, I was 15...we talked casually, eventually dated and were exclusive. I had only had like two other "dates/boyfriends" before him, but from the first time I saw him, we had a connection.
One of the more challenging parts of our relationship was dealing with our families. His, of course, thought I was too young. Mine, of course, thought I was too young. When we decided to get married, my parents (reluctantly) supported me, as did his:) My extended family was not so supportive. They really had more opposition because it was different, I was young, and mostly because he was black. Not having them support me was the hardest thing I have dealt with to date, but I think it made my marriage stronger because we did it mostly alone. We did not have many people to lean on, but that forced us to deal with issues amongst ourselves and work things out. I was told I was going to Hell, but knew God loved me...I was told I was probably "just pregnant" but did not have my first child until SIX years later. Thankfully, now our families are supportive and the brokenness mended. I wondered for the longest time if I would be able to attend another relative's wedding in which my family willingly supported, but I did not have to make that choice. Only my brother has married since (twice), and though not many of us agreed with his first marriage, we all attended to support his decision. I did not want anyone else to have to get married the same way I did, with disappointment clouding their "happy day."
Ten years later we are still going strong, though not without our bumps in the road. Our two girls are such blessings and the opposition we once faced forged us closer, making us better people and parents. I had no idea how to pick a husband at age 18, nor did I know what a challenge marriage was in general. It had to have been God and he chose for me my one true soul mate. When you have something worth fighting for, take a stand and fight, knowing you will be better for it in the end:) Love!
