Angelica Grace Designs Blog

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

HAPPY 14 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

In June of 1989, I was introduced to a boy - a 15 year old boy - whose name I would come to know as Brent Seaman. The introduction came by way of a mutual friend, Heidi Pierle, who happened to be dating Brent at the time that I met him. She was one of my dearest friends and had asked if she could bring him and some of his guy friends to my 14th birthday party. Five months later-after many calls from Brent - and constant communication from him - he and Heidi broke up (not because of me though) and went their seperate ways. Brent and I had become friends during this time and after they split, the friendship turned into a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship over time between him and I. He was a charmer, a hopeless romantic, an extremely fabulous gift giver, as well as one of the funniest people I knew. I plain and simply - fell in love with the way he wore his infamous white baseball cap backwards while driving his mint green scooter. Brent and I dated all thru my first two years of highschool. At some point, the relationship changed and we ended up going our seperate ways during the start of my junior year. It was devastating for both of us - great termoil proceeded for months following our break up. Quite frankly, we can both admit now that we were never ready to give the other up. However, looking back on it in hindsight, I'm so glad that we had that time apart. We grew up-dated other people-had different lives-and learned what it was like to live without one another. In April of 1993, I had just returned from Spring Break. I was driving down the road-still remember what I was wearing and the moment itself oh so clearly. I passed Brent in my car-he in his. He flagged me down ferociously - waving and hollering at me to stop and pull over out his car window. There had been numerous times where I had passed him on the road before and he'd try and get me to stop and pull over but I always kept on driving. I think it was my way of playing hard to get at the time. Each time I didn't stop though, I'd kick myself later and say "What if?" What if I had stopped? Well, this time, in April of 1993...I stopped. We pulled side by side-window to window-talked for a bit from car to car -both of us clearly nervous after not seeing or speaking for the last couple of years. From that moment forward-my life changed forever. As did his.
We were married almost one year later on March 5th, 1994.
My college application was withdrawn. I ultimately turned down the job I was offered with ATA to become a flight attendant and halted all plans to attend their training facility in Chicago. My international language studies that I had planned to pursue in college for my dream of becoming a flight attendant were no longer needed. I was married and not about to leave and fly around the world non-stop, week after week, leaving the person that I loved alone and behind for days on end.
Our parents supported our marriage-even though I know they weren't happy about it at the time. I remember my Dad sitting me down and talking to me about it all. He looked at me square in the eyes and said...."I will pay for one wedding and one wedding only. You had better make this count." Keep in mind, I was barely just under 19 years old when we married - Brent was almost 20. We were just so very young. I also remember my Dad telling someone that he had only given us a year - tops. No one really thought we'd make it. Why would they? We were just kids. Really-just kids!
One anniversary came and went. Then another, and another! I've teased my Dad about him having to eat those "1 year remarks" now.
We have great memories from the past. Too many to count now.
Vacation memories.
Our boating memories.
"Getting lost and Angie having to pull the boat home memories." The notion of ruining medical careers over boating memories. Race team memories. Memories of attaining dreams and then watching those dreams be ripped out from underneath us in an instant. Memories or moments when God plucked us right off of one path and put us in the direction of another. Memories when we realized we weren't where God wanted us and the uphill climb it took to get back on track.
Opportunities and events that lead to more memories.....some good-some bad. Ordeals that took us to the lowest of vallies and the most highest of peaks in our lives. Moments that most said we'd never survive. Moments that few said we would. Moments and memories that have brought us to today. We literally grew up with one another. Brent worked full time and so did I. He owned his own landscaping business during those early years. I worked in the insurance industry and truly enjoyed it. We were married for 5 years and then both of our lives changed again. In March of 1998, we lost our first child due to a miscarriage. It was a girl - Alexa Briane was what we ultimately chose to name her. It's strange to think that she'd be 10 this year. That experience changed us but definitely changed me. It brought us closer together and taught each of us what was really important in life. It was one of the hardest moments I've ever had to endure. However, one year later - in March of 1999 - God blessed us with a healthy, beautiful, baby boy. Brennen Adam Seaman. He carries his father's same middle name.I love the father you are to our kids Brent. Of all the things you are - you are a great Dad! You've endured experiences that left you having to be a Dad from afar. You rose to the occasion, were a survivor, and are an even better Dad now because of it. I've watched you overcome, and overcome, and overcome some more. That survivor mentality is one of the other things I love about you so much. It is also a trait that causes so many to dispise you. They are constantly discusted at how you continue to rise up in life and how you continually overcome life's obstacles only to come out bigger, better, stronger, and even more on top than before. Like I've always said, trying to shake you is like trying to shake a mountain. This photo below is forever inscribed in my heart. You and Brennen - you remember the day and the moment quite vividly. I know you do. I remember tears streaming down my face as you were nose to nose with him during that moment. God sure is good to us. He has brought us a long way and never left our sides.
You invest in Brennen and Kenidi so much. And you still want more. You have a gift with kids and I can't wait until the moment that we add our third to the mix. (even though I've stahled for so long now) Wink wink! ;)
I truly love the way you adore your own Mother. It reveals the type of man you are-inside and out. There is no doubt that you are a Momma's boy but in such a good way. You teach Brennen on a daily basis how to love his own Mother by the way he sees you loving your Mom. That always makes my heart skip a beat. I love the relationship you have with my own Father. I love the fact that I can share my best times with the both of you - arm in arm - side by side.
Who would've guessed that life would take us where it has over the past 19 years?

We've laughed hysterically together....
We've cried together more times than I can even count.... We've celebrated together regarding everything such as births, New Year's Eve, Halloween parties, freedom, new beginnings, and so much more.


You've stuck by our sides and made this family what it is. You've taught me to have no regrets. You've taught me to weed out the bad in life and relish in the good. You've taught me to not waste time on people or things that don't value "me." You've taught me to remove myself from people or situations that don't add value to my life. You've taught me to turn the other cheek many times when I wanted to rare up and speak my mind. You've shown me that saying nothing or silence is sometimes the best argument and the most powerful. You've taught me to overcome and rise above when others are fighting to pull us down. You've shown me what it means to fail and to succeed. You've proven to me that I really do have that one "best friend" in life. You've taught me to always just "move on" rather than worrying about what other people think. You've taught me time and time again that if it were easy....everyone would do it.
I'm so thankful for all of the mexican food, the chinese food, and the chats that came with those moments. I'm thankful for all of the nights that you allow our kids just to be "little" and continuously crawl in bed with us-even if it means you end up with no blankets and a knee in your back. I'm thankful for late night calls from the office and for the countless copies of your emails/love letters that I've printed off and stuck so carefully in the pages of my bible throughout the years. I'm thankful for all of the tears you've helped me wipe away and for all of the "Erkel" moments in life that have provoked so many belly laughs between us and now even with our kids. I'm thankful that I have a husband that does laundry when his wife doesn't feel like it. And I'm even thankful for a husband that doesn't know how to close cabinet doors-ever! What would I do if I couldn't walk into the kitchen anymore and be reminded that it looked as though poltergeist had just been there by the way a trail of all the cabinets and drawers were standing wide open? I'm grateful for the times in our marriage when you've not been perfect but yet you made it your mission to apologize and do whatever it took to make the situation better. You've taught me that sorry goes a long way when you follow it up with actions to prove it. Saying the word "sorry" is easy - it's visually and physically proving that your sorry that is the hard part. I value those moments when you've to proven yourself to me.Happy 14 year anniversary B-Ster! Happy anniversary to my soul mate, to my best friend. Happy anniversary to the guy that shows his kids what tenderness looks like wrapped up in a 6 foot tall man. Happy anniversary to someone that teaches us how to walk a little more "Godly" with each passing day. I can't wait to walk more beaches of the world with you. I can't wait for another 14 - especially#15 - Ha ha! Happy anniversary honey. I love you! We love you!

TFANA~TWCMITIA

xoxo, Angie

18 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary to the most beautiful couple in the world! I was trying to think of something clever to say to wish you guys a happy 14 years and then I went to the web site to see if you had put anything on there, Now I can't even see for the tears. You truly are the most amazing couple, and the most beautiful family! All the good times and more to come, I am proud of you guys for making sure to put each other first, and more importantly, for putting God first, God Bless you ALWAYS! I love you all.

3/05/2008 7:04 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just hopped by your blog and wanted to tell you that
is the sweetest entry ever! Congrats to you guys on
your 14th! I can't believe how big your kiddos are!
Brennen is a young man now! Time does fly by, doesn't
it?
Again, CONGRATS!!
~Karen

3/05/2008 7:12 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi there! I just wanted to say "Happy Anniversary". I hope you have a great day and
many more years of happiness.
Love ya,
Cathy

3/05/2008 8:25 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary to the most amazing couple I know. I love you both beyond words!

MOM

3/05/2008 8:26 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary!
Kim :)

3/05/2008 9:24 AM  
Blogger Beki - TheRustedChain said...

Congratlations!!!!!

(Did you know I used to be a flight attendant?) :)

3/05/2008 10:22 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy anniverasry to you & Brent!! Chris and I will be celebrating 15 years next month! We are all getting so old, aren't we?!?!?

May God bless you with many more years together!

Your sister in Christ,
Tracy

3/05/2008 10:43 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow!!! How lucky am I. Your such a great wife, thanks for putting up with me all these years and loving me so much. You have always been my number one fan! I owe everything I am and all I have accomplished to you. More than everthing, I owe you for holding me up when the times came I thought I could not stand on my own. Without you I could have never been all things you love me for.

Looking forward to another 19 years and more to come.

Love you,

Brent

3/05/2008 11:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congrats! Funny how time flies! Enjoy life and enjoy your anniversary! I know there will be many more blessings to come for you both. Take care and God Bless!

Jenny

3/05/2008 12:10 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just went down memory lane with you on your blog!!! It was so sweet. I was just telling one of my co-workers that we have known each other 20 years this year. It is hard to believe that I moved here 20 years ago the last day of school.

3/05/2008 12:12 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Angie,
You are such an inspiration!! I Feel so Blessed to have stumbled onto this site a few months ago. I look forward to reading all your precious blogs. You are were God wants you to be and all these experiences you and your family have been through are what makes you such a Blessing to others!! I truly love this anniversary tribute!! God is so Awesome to let us read and see just what we need to at the right moment. This was the right story of appreciation I needed to see today. I love all the Big hair 80,s 90,s pics. Brings back memories. Too Funny!! Thanks again for all your time. Happy Anniversary!
Blessing,
Jill Marie Rodriguez (Hoover Alabama)

3/05/2008 9:35 PM  
Blogger Stacey Moore said...

congrats ~ thanks for sharing such a great LOVE story!! hope you enjoyed your day together!!

3/05/2008 9:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary!!! This was such a beautiful blog, I really enjoyed it. I am sure you had a great day, Brent wouldent have it any other way! Love you guys!
Krissie

3/06/2008 1:19 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary Angie!! I bought a outfit from you a while back and just love your work, I am in fact amazed by you. My husband gets a kick out of me always telling him stories from you blog. He just said the other night that I needed to email you and tell you what an inspiration you are to me. I have been sewing for my daughter I guess since she was born and also done other projects but it is so hard for me to make that leap of starting my business. I doubt myself alot and feel like I would fail but he has really been pushing me lately to just go for it. With alot of prayer and other things happening, I have decided to start working on opening up an e-business. It is just weird to me how God works, it is like he throws it all into place when you are crying out to him the most for some answers of why. I know this is like a book within itself, but I was just really touched by your anniversary blog that I thought I would lend your ear. Your blog about you and your husband just hit home, it was like God answered my reassurance that he has a plan for me and I just have to trust in my faith. Many blessings with your business and family, in my eyes you are doing just great, I hope I can get my business going as well as you have yours.

In Him, Katy

3/06/2008 9:01 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Angie- I just now read your anniversary blog! Oh, my! I cannot hardly type this because the tears are streaming down my face. I have only gotten to know you through your talent's of making Keely's clothes. But then there is the photography and have you ever thought about journalism or writing a book? I have never been so inspired as I just was after reading this. Thank you so much for sharing your life story and most of all Happy 14th Anniversary.

3/06/2008 12:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Belated 14th Anniversary!!

Doug and I will celebrate our 12th Anniversary on Sunday March 9th! How funny that our anniversary's are only days apart, and I know your bday is sometime in June, so I think our bday's are close too (mine is the 26th). I hope you both had a wonderful night.

I loved your blog on the years you all have been together and especially loved the pictures, gotta love the big hair from the late 80's early 90's and those tight rolled jeans Brent has on!! I think Doug and I have pictures where we look exactly the same, I will have to hunt them down, scan them in and send them to you for a laugh.

You both certainly have been through a lot together, and as I told you a few years ago, "If He brings you to it, He will bring you thru it". You just have to have Him next to you at all times, and you and Brent both do keep the Lord right there all the time. It also reminds of what you have on your myspace page that for me is something I keep with me at all times "There will be years that ask and there will be years that answer. In the end, God never wastes pain". I have never heard anything that speaks more truth than those words.

You Angie Seaman, are a beautiful person. Not only outside but on the inside where it counts most. You are always there when needed (even to a friend who only knows you thru the computer). Don't ever let anyone who speaks badly about you or Brent get you down. They are that way because their hearts are not filled with love of the Lord, good will or happiness. They are people who are jealous of those who have love, and people who rise above bad times. That is you and Brent. You are both strong people, strong in Faith, Determination and Love. My wish and prayer for you and Brent is that you have many many more happy, healthy and full of love anniversaries.

Always know that I am here for you when and if you need me. Your friendship means the world to me.

Love ya,
Nina

3/06/2008 4:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Belated Anniversary!!!
I have been on your blog several times in the last day but keep getting interrupted and haven't been able to Wish you HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! I love all of the old pictures. I can see the lake/pond in the one picture when you guys lived by my parents, time flies!! Your anniversary blog was VERY inspirational, it really makes you think about your own marriage and how blessed you really are. Oh and about the "Erkel" thing, would that happen to be Brent pulling his pants up to his neck or somewhere in that area, that has be a man thing, Tom does the same thing and my kids just crack up!!

I hope you guys have many more happy years!!!!

God Bless You,
Kim

3/06/2008 7:43 PM  
Blogger Sarah@Life in the Parsonage said...

Thanks for sharing your story! God Bless the next 65!

3/12/2008 9:48 PM  

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