Chuck and I met as traveling door-to-door encyclopedia salesmen. I was one of his trainers who helped him in the book business. I loved every aspect of the job, especially all the travel. Chuck liked the traveling part but not the sales part. So in the end we quit our jobs right before we were married to start a new life together. To this day, I look back on those times with great fondness. We were young, in love, and travelled all over the western United States it was wonderful.
After Amanda came along, Chuck was offered a position in Iowa. We packed up our little family leaving all of our friends and family behind, looking forward to a new adventure in a new state. I remember rolling down the highway looking at tall the bales of hay, corn, and cows wondering what I had got myself into. Settling into a smaller town wasn’t an easy transition for me, but it drew Chuck and me closer, for we were all we had. It helped us establish “us”. We celebrated our fifth anniversary there and we drove to Kansas City, Missouri for the weekend. That weekend was magical for us; it was the first time we left our kids. We had reached our first milestone, five years. We had survived the death of our daughter and his brother, the loss of Chuck’s job, which included our home and car. That trip brought us back to why we married each other. It enabled us to just have fun and enjoy each other without thinking about all the stress we had just come through.
We stayed in Iowa for about three years and then moved back to Denver. We have been here ever since. Yet, every anniversary he takes me somewhere. One year we went to Ouray, Colorado so I could capture fall colors. It was so romantic, just the two of us deep in the mountains of southern Colorado. As I look back on all of our trips with the kids or without I see that our perspective changed due to a particular road trip. We were able to regroup, pray, and engage in uninterrupted conversation. All of life’s responsibilities lay dormant till we returned.
I wouldn’t have wanted to travel with anyone other than Chuck through this life. With each valley or peak, he has been by my side. I look forward to entering the years of just the two of us and I wonder where the road will lead us to…
We were able to regroup, pray, and engage in uninterrupted conversation. We take road trips just like you. Our best planning times are definitely in the car. Your marriage seems so sound... despite your many losses. Bless you both!
I, too, love the uninterrupted time in the car. I love your statement that you wouldn't want to travel this life with anyone but your husband. I feel the same about mine. All of life is traveling in one form or fashion and I'm happy he is the one I get to travel with. Bless you for sharing.
Love the pictures! Your relationship started with travel too, though a different kind. It does seem that being away from the routine, even for a day or two, allows a refocusing for a marriage that little else does. Thanks for posting this story!
Beatiful post, Tonya. Last night John and I had a long uninterrupted conversation. First one in a few weeks. Makes me want to get away and enjoy him. You've inspired me as your writing and photos always do. (I didn't know you lost a daughter - I am SO sorry for your loss.)
I am a photographer and homeschooler of two teenagers, and a wife of 19 yrs. My persistence and faith have guided me through the twists and turns of homeschooling my kids for the last twelve years.
As a Christian artist, sharing my artwork is so empowering to me. My inspiration comes by seeing God's glory in His Creation.
6 comments:
Great slide show. I love the postcards. I also enjoyed your brief bit of history.
We were able to regroup, pray, and engage in uninterrupted conversation. We take road trips just like you. Our best planning times are definitely in the car. Your marriage seems so sound... despite your many losses. Bless you both!
I, too, love the uninterrupted time in the car. I love your statement that you wouldn't want to travel this life with anyone but your husband. I feel the same about mine. All of life is traveling in one form or fashion and I'm happy he is the one I get to travel with. Bless you for sharing.
Love the pictures! Your relationship started with travel too, though a different kind. It does seem that being away from the routine, even for a day or two, allows a refocusing for a marriage that little else does. Thanks for posting this story!
All of life’s responsibilities lay dormant till we returned.
Amen, Tonya. That's what I love about time away, but it also makes it hard to come back!
Beatiful post, Tonya. Last night John and I had a long uninterrupted conversation. First one in a few weeks. Makes me want to get away and enjoy him. You've inspired me as your writing and photos always do. (I didn't know you lost a daughter - I am SO sorry for your loss.)
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