« For Mom | Main | Something Cold »
June 28, 2008
Now You Know
I need to clear up a comment made on June 21st.
On December 11th, I officially introduced you to Andrew’s then girlfriend Christina. (There is a beautiful photo of her under that link.)
She can also be seen HERE.
June 1, 2007
October 9, 2007
On Friday, April 11th, while Andrew was home on Recruiter's Assistance, they went to the court house and were married.
On April 12th, we took Andrew to the Louisville Airport. This is when he went Back to Missouri. We had no idea he was married. In fact, as I was making that video, I blew up the last photo and saw a gold band on his left hand which looked like this:
I called him and flat out asked about the ring. He claimed it was just a “promise ring”. I knew they were engaged and found it odd that he would wear a ring on that particular finger. He told me Christina was wearing her engagement ring and wedding band. I thought that was strange also, but left it alone.
A few weeks later when the court house records appeared in the newspaper, Kevin and I were informed of our son’s marriage. Ashley abruptly learned that her brother was married.
Because he left for Missouri, we have never seen them together as a married couple. For a while, it was hard to visualize them in that way. She recently traveled to Missouri for a weekend visit. My parents paid for her travel and Kevin and I paid for their hotel room for the weekend. Andrew was allowed off base. They saw a movie, shopped, and went out to eat. I’m glad they had a honeymoon of sorts.
I am not upset about them being married at the court house. Kevin and I were married the same way many years ago. I never wanted a big wedding and have never regretted our choice of venue. I do wish he had been truthful when I asked him point blank about the ring. Reliving the day he left over in my head, I see the many opportunities he had to tell us the news.
He was afraid of what I would say and do. She was afraid of what her mom would say and do. I can appreciate these feelings.
I think they were both surprised by our acceptance, but I love Andrew and I want him to be happy, so I am not mad. If it helps him get through the tiring and trying days and makes him happy, I am fine with it. Being in the military is hard.
Christina is a smart, hard-working girl who is going to school to become a nurse while keeping a job. I am very confident she will be faithful to Andrew.
Of course Kevin and I wish we had been there when they were married, but we know our parent’s probably felt the same way years ago.
I guess the only question left is: why didn’t I say something about it when it happened?
The answer is simple; I was embarrassed; embarrassed that my son would do something so important behind my back. Now I realize that I have nothing to be embarrassed about. People elope every day. This was just a “local elopement” ;)
Obladi Oblada. Life goes on.
Posted by tami at June 28, 2008 2:09 AM
Comments
Congratulations, Andrew and Christina! God bless your new marriage!
Posted by: GW at June 28, 2008 3:41 AM
Oh---Wow! Blessings, blessings on them and your family.
Posted by: Lori-Lyn at June 28, 2008 8:30 AM
Congratulations and Best Wishes to Christina and Andrew!
Posted by: Dana at June 28, 2008 1:11 PM
Oh, I understand their feelings - and I understand yours too. But congratulations to them both and it doesn't stop you from having a lovely party when they get back together in the future. Please give them my best wishes.
Posted by: Liz at June 30, 2008 6:05 AM
Oh my. What a shock. Congratulations to them none the less :)
Posted by: Tammy at June 30, 2008 9:30 AM
I am so happy for Andrew & Christina! Kind of a neat love story. He goes off to war she is going to be a nurse.....they elope.....Romantic!!! Have you ever watched the british sitcom on KET called "As Time Goes By"? The military man & the nurse. Romantic! I'm so proud of Tami & Kevin for remembering how it was when they were younger and what we all do sometimes that might hurt others or our parents. Time has a way of healing scars and wounds. You two guys are very cool! Congrats to everyone.
Posted by: Becky at July 31, 2008 6:24 AM