Friday, May 15, 2009

our story


Matt and I went to the same high school, but were not high school sweet hearts. I didn't even like the guy. (He, apparently, was also misunderstood as a teenager... but maybe just by me). I was very concerned about my education and was one of these people that MUST. MAKE. A's. Matt was a class clown. So, really, I just thought he was immature and goofy and a distraction. (I was judgmental). Anyway, all that to say that if you had told me nine years ago we would be married with two sons, I would have told you that you were crazy.

So what happened? Matt and I were in Spanish five together our senior year. Most Fridays, our Spanish teacher (Hey, Sra. Blythe!) would let us play Trivial Pursuit in Spanish. Matt and I would always make sure we were on the same team, because I could understand her and translate all the questions and answers, and he knew all the trivia. We were pretty much the most awesome Trivial Pursuit team EVAH. After graduation, Matt decided to come up to the mountains with my group of friends, who included Trent, Matt's best friend. We decided to go up to my friend Anna's Aunt's house in the mountains rather than to the beach with all the drunk folks. Anyway, when I heard Matt was coming, I got this fluttery feeling in my stomach (which is totally strange and inexplicable considering I didn't even like the guy). When he got there (a day or two after I had already arrived), I had just taken a shower and came down with a towel on my head. He said, "Erykah Badu." I don't know why I remember that. I have a terrible memory.

All of us spent the whole week playing games in the evenings. The first night we played the game of Life. Matt and I decided we had to be on the same team, after all, it was tradition. Anyway, I guess the flirting began then, and he touched my knee under the table. (Don't tell his mom). So we spent the week hanging out and staying up late and being on the same team for every game. And THAT is how it all began. When we were leaving the mountains, Matt said that he would call me. He said that his parents had just moved to Connecticut, and he had just moved in with his Grandaddy and didn't know his phone number. And, by the way, he had also lost his cell phone. I was thinking, "Wow. He could just tell me he doesn't want to see me anymore. He doesn't have to make up this elaborate story. Sure. He'll call me."
But, he really was telling the truth about all those things, and he sent me an email that night and called soon after. We began dating (mostly day dates because Matt worked nights), and spent the whole summer together. He had already committed to UNCW, and I was on my way to ECU. After two years at different schools, Matt transferred to ECU. We got engaged Christmas of 2002 and were married on May 15, 2004.

We tried to get pregnant for a year and a half before we got pregnant with Gabe (in August of 2007). He was stillborn at 37 weeks in April of 2008, and we got pregnant with Jonah about ten weeks later.

... And that's a really short version that brings you up to the here and now.

Here are only a few of the things I love about Matt:
- he loves sports and knows more about them than anyone I've ever met
- he has to wear a hat any time we leave the house unless he's going to work or church
- he has a ridiculously good memory
- he has a great sense of humor
- everybody thinks he's quiet and shy, but that is definitely NOT true
- he's an extremely hard worker and very, very smart
- he's a hottie
- he's a hands-on dad and gets up every night with me to help with Jonah, even though he has to get up and go to work the next day. And he doesn't resent it.
- he would do anything for me or Jonah
- he is GREAT at forgiveness
- he loves Jesus and shows me how to be more like Him
- he's fun to be around, and I actually WANT to hang out with him any time I can

... which we plan to do tomorrow when my sister and Kathryn come to watch Jonah, so we can go to lunch and a movie. Woo-hoo!
Happy Anniversary, Matt. You're my blue sky.

62 comments:

Jenilee said...

so cute! did he really wear the hat at your wedding? :) happy anniversary!

Millicent said...

Happy Anniversary!!! Thanks for sharing!

Laura A said...

Oh - this is SO sweet! I wish you and Matt the best, Patrice. Happy Anniversary!

Love,
Laura

Corby and Lauren said...

Happy Anniversary! I hope that y'all have a wonderful time together tomorrow afternoon and that you come home feeling refreshed!

Rebekah said...

"Your my blue sky." That melts my heart. How sweet.

Mandy @ The Lucky 7 said...

Happy Anniversary!! Enjoy your day of celebration tomorrow! :)

Mary K. said...

Such a sweet, sweet story! Reminds me very much of the way my husband and I started out, but boggle was our game of choice, and it was journalism class, not Spanish, that united us forever...
Happy anniversary and thanks so much for sharing with us!

Penny said...

Happy Anniversary! Precious story!

ashpuck said...

I love hearing stories about how people met and fell in love. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful day together!

~Ashley

Anonymous said...

Happy anniversary! Haven't commented before but have followed your blog for about a month now. I pray for you, Matt and Jonah everyday. He is fearfully and woderfully made!

shaina said...

i just watched part of your wedding video. it made me happy. :) i love you guys.

Kelli said...

You both are equally as blessed to have one another!! Happy Anniversary!

Unknown said...

OH MATT-that is just too cute! the leg under the table LOL! You guys make a great couple-very SWEET story!

Just Me - MJ said...

Aww -- HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! Hope you have a wonderful day celebrating your lives together! (and odd aside, my word verification is "gownher" - I saw a pic of your dress & loved it, so this made me smile!)

two red heads and two brunettes said...

Happy Anniversary you two. What a blessing you are.

Janel said...

Happy Anniversary! I hope you have a fantastic day together tomorrow!

Cathy said...

Happy Anniversary! Enjoy the day!

EHW said...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! What a fun story! Gabe and Jonah are sure blessed to have you and Matt as earthly parents!!!

Continuing to pray and send lots of love from Elaine in Lubbock, TX

michelle said...

That's awesome. I love the stories :) Hey, I think we had the same wedding dress! We were also married in 04, and I got my dress from David's Bridal.

Anonymous said...

Very sweet! Matt's a lucky guy :) I love the hat at the wedding...totally something my husband would have done if he had thought of it. Then again, we do have pictures of us on a garbage truck at the wedding, so you know he added his own little touch. Happy Anniversary! Hope you have a great time tomorrow. By the way I think it is so cool that you update your blog so frequently. I love coming here and reading your updates, and I know the free time you have is very precious, so thanks for keeping all of us in the loop. Keep the Q&A coming :)

~Amy

dragonflyz in June said...

Your story is so sweet! I can just imagine you both in high school, almost like your lives would make a great motion picture....

Happy Anniversary to you both, I hope it was awesome!

melanie said...

Happy anniversary!!! Must have been that Williams charm and mojo Matt put on you. (Jonah has it too.)
"Au-Me Williams"

Sara Jo said...

Happy Anniversary!

RLR said...

Happy Anniversary! Enjoy your date :)

nancy said...

I am so glad you get to go on a date with your hubby tomorrow! I hope this date will be longer than the last one! It sounds like you will have good help with Jonah! Enjoy! Happy Anniversary to the cutest couple I know:) Love the sweet "love story"!

Nancy Lee:) Can't wait to get my magnet in the mail!

Anonymous said...

precious! =)

Angela said...

That is so very, very sweet. I love it that he gets up at night with you. My husband is also a very hands-on dad, and it is wonderful.

I'm still waiting for you to email me about that Aquaphor!!! (Remember my mom wants to share with you her "secret" of how to get it out of clothes.) Seriously, it's not like you're busy or anything! LOL

theamicks77@comcast.net

Sugarplum Garters said...

so sweet! i loved learning more about you, matt, and your relationship! happy anniversary to you both!

amber said...

Happy Anniversary! Loved reading the story! You guys are so cute! And you remind me of me and my hubby! Have SO much fun tomorrow! Dates with no kids--woo woo!

Jolene said...

Thanks for sharing your story with us. Happy Anniversary.
p.s I gave you an award over on my blog but I know you're really busy with taking care of baby Jonah so I just wanted to let you know that I think you are awe-summ!

Anonymous said...

Awww..what a sweet story. Happy anniversary!

Jenny said...

Happy Anniversary! What an adorable story.

Anonymous said...

You were a beautiful bride!

Does jonah always act differently when you take him into Target? If he gets upset when you go into Target or other stores for that matter, maybe he could be having a reaction to the dyes that are used in all of the clothing- or the inks- maybe he just gets on sensory overload since he has such a sensitive system. My brother had a weird reaction everytime my mom would take him into a clothing store. He would cry the entire time, until we took him out. The Dr. said when babies are young, their systems sometimes can't handle the chemicals in the air- that we as adults are used to. Because of his special circumstances- maybe that is something you should check into...

Jennifer said...

Never posted before, but I've been reading and praying for your family for a while. You guys make a great couple and a "great team"!!! If you are still taking questions, this is mine, if it's not too sensitive a topic...how did you find out that Gabe had passed away and what was your birth experience with Gabe? I've lost two babies myself. I know personally I like to tell their story, but if this is too sensitive a topic, I completely understand. On another note, our family had an incredible year homeschooling our oldest who was in Kindergarten this past year! It's extremely rewarding, nothing like it in the world!! And with family, friends, church, and homeschool groups, there's no need to worry about things like socialization. If it's what God wants you to do, he will bring you and Matt into an agreement on it. You've got plenty of time to pray and seek His will! Keep up the good "team" work! You are both great parents!!

Claire said...

Such a great post! I hope you have a lovely time!

Cxx

jandkland said...

I love hearing stories of how couples met and fell in love. Yours is so much fun! I am so glad God put the two of you together. You've faced many storms in your five years as a married couple, but somehow you've managed to love each other through them all. That's an inspiration to us other wives. Happy anniversary!

--Kelley in GA (queenkelley.com)

Anonymous said...

Dear Patrice and Matt ~

This is my first time commenting, but I have been following your story since I first heard about Jonah's birth at church. Thank you so much for sharing your story and for being an inspiration to so many people. I pray God's blessing on your sweet family!

On a completely different note...When you recently wrote about your shopping list at Target, you mentioned needing cat litter. We know about Deac, but who is the kitty in your lives? I think I perhaps remember seeing a photo from a while back, but I don't remember ever hearing any details about a gato.

Thanks again. Wishing you guys a wonderful weekend!

mandi @ it's come to this said...

Happy Anniversary!! What a sweet post & a great little story! I hope you have a wonderful weekend celebrating!

Jessica K. said...

I LOVE the pic of your wedding and him wearing a hat!! Thats soooo cool!!! :)
I hope you guys have a fun date!!
Happy Anniversary!!!

Saylorsmom said...

Beautiful story. You are both blessed to have each other. You are wonderful parents too!

The Alger Family said...

What a great story. Happy anniversary to you!

Kelsey said...

Oh, I love YOUR STORY! Happy Anniversary. Isn't it wonderful to be married to someone who you always want to be around? I feel the same way about my hubby. Have a wonderful day!

Staci said...

Happy Anniversary! So glad you are able to go out and celebrate together :)

Anonymous said...

what a great love story.
i met my husband on a blind date (to a WFU/DUKE basketball game), and it was absolutely LOVE @ FIRST SIGHT!
i knew from the moment i saw him HE WAS 'IT AND A BAG OF CHIPS'... the man i was going to marry. so we bought season tickets for WFU BB,(1975) got married 2-29-76.

last feb.celebrated 8 1/4 anniv.
our lives have been a cake walk compared to yours. God knew the WILLIAMS FAMILY had the strength to handle the challenges he has put before you.
we have 2 sons (now grown) and from the day they were born i let God know on a daily basis that they were HIS and thanked HIM for 'loaning' them to me.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO PATRICE AND MATT WILLIAMS.
2SHOES

Krystal said...

Happy, happy anniversary!!!

Praying for you and Jonah!

Anonymous said...

wow, what a journey you two have been on - just found your blog today, will be following and praying for your family from now on :)

Shane said...

May 15, 1993 is our anniversary... Great day to get married! May the Lord bless you in many, many more years of marriage!

Jenny said...

You two are a beautiful couple, its a shame more couples dont feel that way about each other, happy anniversary!! Have a fun date! Kiss that baby boy for us all!!!Jennifer

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary..enjoy every moment of it...A similarity we share..just to share it with you...my daughter sarah was still born at 38 weeks in April of 2006..9 weeks later I was pregnant with Casey..who like jonah, had EB....Just thought I'd share a connection there...Our best to you all..
beth
johnbeth91@aol.com

Anonymous said...

PS: I also met my husband of now 18 years in High school..We did not hit it off then..I was the straight A kid and he was the class clown..never serious..I couldn't stand the guy...And yet we got together and it's been 18 years...funny how things work out..
beth
johnbeth91@aol.com

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful story...Happy 5th Anniversary!

Gail
Annapolis, MD

Patti said...

What a sweet story, you are blessed to have a wonderful husband. My anniversary is today, 5/16. May is a great month for anniversaries...although I timed it a little too close with Mother's Day...didn't think about that. I made sure my husband knows that they are two separate holidays, to be celebrated separately too! :)

the-mommy-person said...

Awesome. You guys are great. Jonah is THE (little) MAN. God's blessing.

Lauren said...

adorable post, patrice :) i love the fun facts about matt and a recap of how you met.

"you are my blue sky"--that's from the proposal letter, isn't it?

enjoy your anniversary and i'll send you an e-mail about maybe visiting sometime in the next couple of weeks.

Stephanie said...

Happy Anniversary!!!!

Anonymous said...

I caught up. :) I just read like your last four posts and, just so you know, your question/answer posts are very readable. I loved reading your story, I had never heard it before. Love to y'all.

Jennay said...

Happy Anniversary you two!!

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful post.

Toni D. said...

Hey Patrice...well how about that??? My hubby Rick and I were also married on May 15th, but WAAYYY back in 1993! (I see we share it with comment left by Shane too-popular day!) So, we just celebrated 16 years together and had a weekend away while my mom watched the kids for us. Just glorious! Happy Anniversary to you guys as well! Oh, and I'm a fellow Targetalohic as well...LOVE that store...just LOVE it! :O)

Lorraine said...

sweet!

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary! My best friend got married that same day too and I was in the bridal party..then I met my husband that night! Congrats to you :)

Amy said...

happy (belated) anniversary! my husband and i just had our third a few weeks ago. your story of how you thought he was making up excuses reminds me of ours excpet he thought it was me saying i was making up that i was going home for the weekend to visit my parents-but I really was and he was amazed I e-mailed him about all the things I had done there. I haven't commented here before that I remember
(though I did send Jonah an e-mail ;) ) but my mom and I have been praying for him. I'm sitting here with my own wiggly baby who was born on February 13th with a heart condition known as tetrology of fallot. He's (hopefully) all fixed up now but I know how nerve racking this whole sick baby thing can be.