July 17 is an important date at our house. Not only is it my husband’s birthday, we also have a granddaughter who was born on July 17 – a gift that was almost too good to be true!
Has real life ever presented you with a situation that seemed too good to be true? Many years ago, I had just ended a bad relationship when I met my husband. I realized what a nice guy he was, but there was nothing I wanted less than a romance. Could you use a friend? he asked. He was easy to talk to, compassionate, never demanding … I said ‘yes.’ Eventually, we started dating but I continued to hold him at arm’s length, having lost confidence in my ability to judge someone’s character.
I arrived at work one Monday morning and found a dozen roses in a vase on my desk. One by one, the other ladies wandered over, curious whether it was my birthday or ??? No particular occasion, I said, a little embarrassed by the attention. The following Monday, there were more roses on my desk. And the following Monday, and the following Monday … for an entire year! Sometimes one, in a delicate vase, sometimes a dozen, sometimes some number in between. Needless to say, by the end of that year, I was more than ready to say ‘yes’ to romance!
When I tell people about the year of roses, I sometimes see a flicker of doubt in their eyes. Really? Every Monday for a whole year? I thought about putting it into one of my books but … wouldn’t readers find it a little hard to believe?
I suffered the same kind of doubt when I wrote Not by Chance, Book #2 in A Series of Chances. When Tyler tried to tell his mother who he saw in the hotel lobby, Anna was reluctant to share the news with Michael because it seemed too outlandish. I scoffed a bit myself, and I wondered whether readers would say it was beyond belief. A miracle, in other words …
I believe miracles happen every day. Meeting someone as kind and sweet as my husband was one kind of miracle and all these years later, I am still grateful for the gift of his love. Don’t lose hope when you’re forced to walk through one of those ‘dark nights.’ Don’t stop believing that your dreams can come true. You never know – God might be designing a miracle with your name on it right now!
Diane Lil Adams started writing when she was ten, and it's still her favorite pastime. When her husband became a believer after reading Christian fiction, she settled happily into that genre. After spending the better part of her life trying to figure out how to earn God's love and forgiveness, Diane learned the meaning of grace, and loves to share it with her readers. Besides her bestselling, A Series of Chances, she has six standalone romances and one free children's book, all available on Amazon. There are multiple authors named Diane Adams though, so be sure and look for the Lil!
What a romantic story! Thanks for a great message of hope.
It was fun watching his facial expression when I told him I had included a story about him online. Once he read it though, he blushed and gave permission.
That’s sweet! I love stories like that. What a keeper you found. :)
Hard to believe that all took place more than twenty-five years ago. Definitely a keeper!
That’s such a sweet story, Diane! Sounds like God sent you a real keeper. We need more men like that, men who really love. I want to teach my daughter how to recognize the difference in a man who loves like he should–and teach my boys how to treat a woman right. Not to impress her but because it’s the right thing to do.
Both your goals are so important! Too many young women are impressed by men who are selfish and abusive, without realizing what a nightmare their life will become. It’s especially wonderful to hear you say you are trying to teach your boys how to love a woman the ‘right’ way. Your future grandkids will thank you too!
You’re husband is such a romantic. Very sweet story. :)
He’s still that way, 25+ years later! Not with the roses though, as I would lecture him about the budget!
I love that last line about God designing a miracle with someone’s name on it.
I believe God has all sorts of miracles He’d like to dole out, but we must first open our hands and hearts to receive them.
Happy birthday to your husband. We share birthdays in our family, too. My two daughters were born on June 18 a year apart. They were born on my great grandfather’s birthday. I was born on my mother’s birthday. It is so cool that your granddaughter was born on his grandfather’s birthday. They will share a special bond.
My granddaughter is always first to wish him a Happy Birthday – she will never forget!
Awwww! Diane, what a real-life romantic hero. I’m so glad his gentle persistence brought healing to your heart. God sent you a wonderful blessing in your life-mate.
I’m not sure that I would appreciate how sweet and caring he is if I hadn’t first had a bad experience. I am quick to tell anyone who will listen how lucky I am.
Diane, beautiful story. Thanks for sharing :)
Great story of your husband & you! Aren’t you glad he didn’t give up on you….and to have roses everyday for a year…wow!! That’s awesome :-)
Thanks Narelle and Trixi. Listening to so many positive remarks about this, I have decided to fit it into my next book. I guess Tankster will want some sort of commission … maybe I’ll send him some roses!