Our Love Story
25 March 1983 time change Sunday was a beautiful sunny Sunday morning. When Sunday School started many of our single men from the barracks were missing. So we figured that many of them had overslept, therefore missing the van. Several of us left Sunday School a little early and went back to the barracks to pick them up.
As I approached the gate of Torrejon AFB (Air Force Base) just outside Madrid, Spain, I spotted two figures walking along the road. The tall one I recognized from church, so I stopped to see if they needed a ride. The guy with him caught my eye. Very good looking! Ken introduced him as his roommate, Mark. We continued on to the base where I picked up my fiancée Brian and his roommate, and headed off to church.
After the service we all hung around talking and fellowshipping. I sat on the back row waiting; Mark came up and started talking to me. I was very shy but he was easy to talk to! He was from Houston, Texas, and worked in the bomb dump. His eyes were amazing; they were brown with long, black lashes. I was taken in, and realized I felt more comfortable with him than Brian. Things hadn’t been going well there. I was having doubts it would work out. Brian would find excuses to not go out, he had delayed our wedding date several times.
I took the guys back to base and we all went to the chow hall for lunch. I went home and didn’t think much more about Mark. I had enough on my mind trying to figure Brian out. A couple days later I ran into Mark at the BX (Base Exchange store) and we spoke briefly. The next day I saw him at the hospital. It was almost lunch time, so he asked if I wanted to get a bite. I told him I needed to check with Brian, so we went over to the shot clinic where Brian worked. I asked him if he wanted to go to lunch. He said no, even though they weren’t busy. So we went to the chow hall without him and though the food was the same as always it was one of the best lunches I had there.
It seemed now I was seeing him all over the place. The barracks that we lived in were right next to each other. I had been there a year and Mark about 9 months. I had been living off base most of the time though with another girl who was pregnant and needed a roommate. I only stayed in my dorm room from time to time when we had alerts.
Mark began calling me at lunch time to see if I wanted to meet at the chow hall. At first I would check with Brian, but he never seemed to want to go. So I would tell him I was going to meet Mark there. He didn’t care, he didn’t want to get together after work either. I realized that if he was going to be this way now, he would be worse after we were married, so I broke the engagement. We had already gotten the rings, even the fabric for my wedding gown and bridesmaids dresses. But how could I marry someone who didn’t want to spend time with me? This left me free to spend time with Mark in the evenings. I would pick him up after work and he would come over to the apartment, guitar in hand. He would play and sing for me, and we would sit and talk. Then about 8 or 9 P.M. I would take him back to the barracks.
Mark asked me almost right way to marry him. Though my heart wanted to say yes right away, I was too scared. I loved spending time with him, but to me it was too soon after breaking up with Brian. Mark understood. After a couple weeks I stopped by one Friday to pick him up and he wasn’t waiting outside for me. I went up to his room. He opened his door armed with 2 dozen red roses for me. Then he got his guitar and played and sang me a love song he had written for me right there in the barracks hall. I could barely breathe, and my heart was pounding.
His roommate came to the door and told me that I was going to be queen for the day. I showed up early Saturday and we caught the train to down town Madrid. We walked around for a while. Then went to the park, where we sat and watched the ducks and talked. Ken got up and walked off, taking pictures. Mark again asked me to marry him. I gave him the same answer that: I wasn’t ready yet, but when I was I would tell him. It was a beautiful day and I felt so special.
The day did end on a sad note, though, for when I dropped them off Mark told me he was going TDY (temporary duty) on Monday. He was supposed to be gone a month. When he got back I would be away at home for my dad’s college graduation. He said he would join me there.
Monday wasn’t too bad. At work I stayed busy and I wasn’t use to being with him, except at noon. I found the evenings to be very lonely. The days began to drag. The TDY location was secret so I didn’t know where he was, and he couldn’t call me. I realized that I was in love with him and when he returned I would tell him yes. I wrote him everyday, though I couldn’t send the letters to him do to the location being secret.
About a week after he had left I got a call to come to the front desk: I had a visitor. Nothing unusual about that: we often had to escort people through the warehouse. So I went up front, opened the door to the entrance area and there he stood, holding a golden rose and a vase. As I walked up to him I said, “Yes!” He knew it meant I would marry him. Even though we were in uniform, like the last scene in “Officer and a Gentleman”, he swept me off my feet and kissed me.
He was able to go my dad’s graduation with me the following week. We went ahead and got blood work done, in case we wanted to get married while we were in the States. We didn’t tell anyone, but my office told us to bring them back some of the wedding cake. Guess our actions spoke louder than words.
We arrived in the states a couple days before graduation. but not enough time to marry in Dover. We had some problems getting our tickets from the coast to Missouri, so he called his dad to help. His dad said “You’re getting married aren’t you?” We got the tickets and made it home. On Thursday night my dad and brother-in-law graduated. We talked to my sister to find out what they thought about Mark and we told her we were thinking about getting married, she told us we should before we went back. So when we got home Mark asked my dad for my hand. My dad grinned and asked him what took him so long to ask. All weekend my mom gave Mark odd jobs to keep him busy, while my sister and I sewed all weekend making dresses, and my mom was baking our cake. We all had our roles. The wedding would be at the house, my oldest sister Connie would be my matron of honor, Sherry would take pictures, Gary would perform the service, My brother Ricky would stand in a best man. Bless him, he came back with only a couple hours notice. No way to get Mark’s family there with such short notice. At our wedding two couples from college the only guest besides family.
Tuesday 25 May 1982: our three day waiting period was over. My mom sent Mark out to pick strawberries so he would be out of the way of us getting ready. My mom also fixed lasagna for dinner. My sister fixed my hair up so it looked like a halo frosted with baby’s breath. I felt so beautiful, and the way Mark looked at me made me believe it even more. We were wed at 1:35 p.m. in my parents living room. and spent the night in my parents bed room. Their room is set off from the rest of the house so they gave it up to us. –Our private bridal suite!
The next day, we flew to Houston and spent a few days with his family. Then back to Spain and back to work.
Alas our fairytale ending was not meant to be. Now 26 years later, with a heavy heart and tear filled eyes I must say good bye to a very special man, I'm not totally sure what happened between us, life struggles, misunderstanding, sickness and good times forgotten...........I always thought we'd work through it. I believe in faithfulness and commitment that is why I have hung on so long. But my dear I can't go on alone. I need someone to hold me, someone to talk to the way we use to do. I am and will always be your friend and someone you can count on in the end. I do not regret marring you, I only regret we didn't make it through. I thank you for the family you gave me, and the three most precious kids. I've had adventures I wouldn't otherwise have had. I hope you begin to remember the good times.
I will always love you
but you're free to do whatever you want
you will be missed
hugs and kisses
Rhonie
Author notes
This is a tribute to spiritualpoet has been a very special part of my life. The man I love and married 26 years ago today.
just so no one thinks this is a quick decision, it has been many years in the coming. and we have been separated several years.
Mark is one of our gulf war vets and suffers from many health problems. He is to be honored and praised for all his time of service.
Comments
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The Sweet and Bittersweet!
This is a very moving and lovely story. Although the one phase of your life has ended and you are moving on, it is respectful and thoughtful the way you have remembered your first love. There will always be a connection between the two of you, but the Creator, in his infinate wisdom helps us to make these life altering decisions for reasons sometimes unknown to us.
Thank you for sharing your story and Loving times ahead! Blessings and regards!
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We go through life believing things are forever but nothing is forever.I think it's great the ones that last.Thing happen for a reason.Maybe he wasn't the one that was ment for you to grow old with.Maybe the right one just hasn't came along yet.The only thing that matters is your family.I know if I didn't have mine I would be nothing.I have lost close ones next to me.If you would like to check out my site please do.Your not alone no matter how many times you feel like you are.There is someone special watching over you.Your never alone.
Just remember he too is suffering in ways we can't imagine.I'm proud and glad he's being honored.Atleast he is not forgotten.
I wish the very best to you and your family.
Kelly Moyle
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actually the one I hope was the right one has been waiting around sort of. and we are beginning to explore our love again. Not rushing anything still things we have to work out.
we are still friends and that is important to me
we will see what the future holds.
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Precious Story
I really enjoyed this story, it kind of puts the dots together, words flowed so well i loved this love story,
it was packed with so much emotion, thank you for sharing, i can relate to love lost, it was sad too!
Thank you that was awesome
Rend
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Thanks Rend
the saddest part is to lose him after he changed so much of the better, the good thing is we are still friends.
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AWww momma... romantic...and very sad. Although, I think the best in the end.
s tight... I love you.
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yes precious, it is all that.
Mark is not prefect (me either) but he is a wonderful guy, and I'm happy cause we will still be friends.
Sure I hate it's over, but when I look back it was over years ago. I guess I knew it but just didn't want to admit it because of how I had been raised and what I believe.
s tight back
love you precious
momma
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wow this is a whole of two lives
thank you for sharing this with me
god bless you both
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Yes two lives that strangely came together wonderful and lovingly for so long. and though the paths have (or will soon)become two they will always crisscross and be intertwined through out life and eternity.
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Sorry to read about your marriage's end, but it appears you had good times,which is well, really special memories to cling to.I understand it makes letting go harder and memories just do not evaporate out of mind, but as the cliche saying goes' it is better to have loved and lost,than not to have loved at all' Just hold on, you are doing great right now and things will soon and surely look up, life has its ways..there are many doors waiting to open for you...you will see them...You have wonderful friends here even on AP, Trisha for one who sent me the link about friend being sad...
Many to you...hope my words can help you feel a little better atleast!
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We had some wonderful times. I maybe losing a husband but I am keeping a friend who cares very much about me and only wishes me the best. And yes for me I do have the memories. I'm sure I will write and post about them still. I have a lot inside waiting to come out. and lots of new adventures ahead of me. feel free to go and read some of my other stuff.
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Sure will..have a nice day!
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and we always shall be friends
This was a trip into the past for sure. My memory has failed and I dont even remember much of this anymore. hugs to you also, you will always be my friend, Mark
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The reason I posted it for you dear
maybe I will try to write you some more stories, like the births of your children, so that through them you might have a few memories to look back upon. The one memory I pray you never lose is the one that reminds you that you have friends and family that love you very much and long to be with you.
always your friend
Rhonie
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This is a very romantic story, and also a sad one, I am happy that you guys are parting as friends, you do share three beautiful babies along with the adorable grandbaby Amber and that handsome booger Angel you both have lots to thank God about
s always
Sean
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yes we do have three beautiful kids and wonderful in-laws too. Mark's dad is such a wonderful, gentle, caring man and very wise. probably the only thing I would have done different is I wouldn't have gave up my military career if I had known.
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Pages could not say it all... what you wrote here was lovely Rhonda.
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Thank you Rheea, and you're right there is definitely a lot more. good and bad times, as with anyones marriage. I know I will have my ups and downs over this, but I have lots of support. and Mark has been and is a wonderful sweet man. He is standing behind me and supporting us.
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Wow momma,
This is really beautiful. keep your head up and don't stop dreaming. This is just an end to one chapter in your life and a beginning to a new one. It's not easy going through times like these but just remember that we are always here for you in whatever you may need.
Love you
Julie and Mark
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I love you too
Remember your Mark is a good mixture of the both of us, No it's not easy and I am glad I have you all to support me. Just remember this isn't a sudden thing, neither of us wanted to give up. We both still care very much about each other, just guess we make better friends. So don't worry family get to gathers will still be lots of fun and not fights as you see sometimes. You all write him as with his memory as it is he forgets very quickly, so be a pest if you have too. I love all 4 of you lots
s
momma
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This is a beautiful story about you and your husband Spiritual Poet... your a beautiful woman Rhonie, and although life sometimes doesn't give us the happy ending we dream of...you are strong, a gift, and pure love...blessings for a beautiful future
s ~Trisha~
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Thank you, it was a beautiful life to live too, well most of it, When I thought he was going to die on me cause he was so sick, that part wasn't beautiful it was scary.
Maybe life didn't give me the happy ending I wanted. but it is still a happy ending, for we shall always be friends and know we have someone we can depend on in times of need.
Mark has given me the chance again to soar and his blessings to be happy, and find someone else if I so choose.
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Thanks for sharing the story. I found it interesting even though I don't read lengthy subjects much. I guess we all have our own way of writing poetry and sometimes the poetry is not the words but the story inside.
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the beginning was written for an English class so it wasn't written as a poem. Mark has very bad memory loss, so I posted it for him. we have decided to divorce, after many years of trying to hold on. We still stand behind each other and will always care for one another, and if one of us needs the others help it is there. We have just become more like brother and sister than husband and wife. It seems best to go ahead now and not to keep struggling and end up bitter.
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Wow.. U make me afraid to marry..
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Don't be
even if I knew things would fall apart in the end, I would have still married this man. I have lots of crazy wonderful memories. we are parting as friends, no bitterness no fighting. Plain and simple it just didn't work out.
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