On December 18, 2006 I married the greatest man I have ever encountered. Jason and I have known each other since we were 14 years old. After graduation, we only saw each other two times in 9 years. I was at my parent's house in July for Timberly's soccer party and I heard someone call my name. As I stood there with no make-up, my hair in a bun and a t-shirt covering my bathingsuit, I saw him looking over the privacy fence with that million dollar smile. We picked up right where we had left off several years before. Jason and I were always great friends but we had both changed in many ways. These ways brought us closer than ever.
He was stationed on a boat that patrolled the Caribbean. We planned to meet up when he came home before attending school in VA in November. On September 1, 2006 we had our first "date." Neither of us planned on what that night would lead to, but it lead to the greatest feeling I had ever felt in my soul. I had dated before and never thought twice about friendly dates but this one was different. I could not shake the boy that I once knew and the man he had become. He completely captured my heart and soul. I was puzzled by the feelings I had sooooo quickly.
Eventhough I had ben married twice for the wrong reasons, this feeling was different. It felt "real."
I returned to TN and finally he called. I was consumed with nerves and happiness. I took off work the following Friday and I drove to MS to see Jason for one night before he set sail into the ocean for his final tour on the Decisive. After a few weeks I found myself missing him more and more. My best friend Misti and I picked Jason up from the airport in Birmingham when he returned from the deep blue sea a few weeks later. I knew it was true love from that moment on.......
We spent as much time together over the next 2 weeks as possible. Jason left for VA to attend MST school. I felt like half of my heart was gone. Of course, I had my babies and family but he filled a part of me that had been empty for so long. We talked for hours at a time while he was gone and one night decided to make it official. We were going to get married. I was excited and nervous at the same time. What would his parents think? I knew my parents would not surprised because I had left no stone uncovered throughout the course of my 27 years. What if I did not know how to be a wife? I had failed twice before, but I quickly let those thoughts go.
Jason graduated on December 15, 2006 and officially became a MST in the United States Coast Guard. I attended the ceremony in VA and then we headed home to Bama. I quit my job and grasped the fact that I would be moving 10 hours away from my family. This was hard, but I wanted to be with the man I was truly in love with. On December 17 we had a "meet and greet" with our parents over dinner so they could atleast meet before we became husband and wife. On December 18, 2006 I became Mrs. Jason Screws. This was also my dad's birthday so there were 2 celebrations in one day.
It was then that I felt complete.
We left the next day traveling to Houston to find a home. We found what we thought was perfect for us. Within 3 days we found a home in Houston, traveled back to AL for Christmas and to move our things to TX. After 3 weeks of living here, I was forced to move back to TN due to circumstances beyond my control with Lakelyn's biological father. It was devestating for all of us. My baby was confused and Jason and I were at a loss for words. We knew this would be hard.
Over the course of the next ten, yes, ten months we were apart from one another. 750 miles or 10 hours. Either way we looked at it it was too far. We had many fights, concerns and misunderstandings! We saw each other only 4 times during these months. It was so hard being away from one another and trying to have a marriage over the phone was almost impossible. Jason had to move out of our house and move into an apartment. We almost gave up several times but when the end looked like the best solution for our heartache, we reminded each other that our love for one another was too strong and we refused to let this obsticle ruin the future we had planned.
FINALLY, in October 2007, I was granted permission through the court system to move back home and I was awarded FULL and COMPLETE custody of Lakelyn. We would only have to take her to attend a supervised visit one week of the month until she began school in the fall. Jason is truly a great man. He stepped right back into taking care of our family and being a positive male role model for Lakelyn which she had never had before. He traveled with concern and support for me and Lake. He missed her as much as I did while she was gone.Times were truly tough because we had to get re-aquainted in so many ways while dealing with these issues. Although we had been married for almost one year, we were like strangers in so many ways.
After a few long months of traveling for Lake's supervised visitations with her father, they were eliminated due to bad choices on his part. In many ways this has been and was the best thing for Lake. Jason quickly became Lakelyn's DADDY. Jason had been there for her and she loved him very much. They made the choice together to be daddy and daughter. Their bond is very special. As I watched them become closer I knew that I had married the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with.
Jason and I found a new home and we moved our things in March 2008. Once again we had created a home together and things were looking up. Not only did Lakelyn have a happy home to thrive in, but we were expecting a son in September. Throughout my entire pregnancy Jason was very attentive to my needs. I am a hand full most of the time and his patience was tested on a regular basis. He managed to survive the hormones and become a father again on August 31 :) He has always loved my girls like his own and this has not changed with the arrival of Bear.
Our first anniversary was not a big deal because we were trying to get reacquainted. Birthdays and other holidays have always been hard because we were away from each other could not celebrate. This year was different. Jason had planned something special for us.
It had been over a year since we had really had Mommy / Daddy time. It was long overdue. Jason arranged a sitter and the reservations to the restaurant. I had no idea what was in store for me, but I knew I was thrilled for it to be happening! After I changed clothes about 6 times we finally left the house. We arrived at the Aquarium for dinner. YAY! One of my favorite places!
As we sat at our table the waiter was teaching us about the different fish and a diver came down into the tank. I looked at him and he was holding a sign that said "Happy Anniversary Jamie..." I teared up and then I was presented with the most beautiful necklace. I cried tears of joy because after all we had been through we had made it another year and I knew there would be many more. We feasted on shrimp cocktail, brushetta, crab dip and calamari. We sat and talked which is something we have not been able to do without a baby crying or a little girl yelling "mommy" or "daddy" I truly felt like I had fell in love all over again. that night. It was the sweetest thing anyone had ever done for me. I am so smitten.
I look forward to raising our children together and continuing to become closer as we grow older. Jason is the only man for me. He provides for our family and he has the most loving and understanding heart I have ever known. I am so lucky to have him in my life and to be his wife.
I look forward to many more Anniversaries and memories with my loving husband!
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