Wednesday, February 27, 2008

The Story of Us (Part 10)

Nate's Version:
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
(Part 3)
(Part 4)
(Part 5)
(Part 6)
(Part 7)
(Part 8)
(Part 9)

Tricia's Version:
(Part 1)
(Part 2)
(Part 3)

For over two weeks I waited for Tricia's response. But, I certainly did not wait while sitting on my hands...if I couldn't convince her with my words, I'd convince her with my actions.

I did some landscaping one day at her family's house while they were away. I changed the oil in her car. I took her mom a flower for mother's day. I even made Tricia something very cool for her birthday (May 13), and embarrassed her a little when I showed up at her house unannounced to give it to her (ask her what it was and she might tell you).

We continued to hang out a lot, and I just bit my tongue whenever the urge came to ask her what she had been thinking concerning our late-night conversation, not wanting to push her if all she needed was a little more time to think

One night, I invited her to go with my family to see a high school play that my youngest sister, Rachel was staring in. After the play, that night, we stopped at a sound access on the same street that our church is on to talk and look at the moon and stars. I have always been fascinated by the moon...earth science was the only science I ever enjoyed, and I loved learning about how the moon works. I love nothing more than to spend time outside under a full moon, especially on the beach.

As we sat next to each other on a bench, under a nearly-full moon, I told Tricia all about the how the tides of the sound and ocean were caused by the moon.

I remember that Tricia was slightly chilly that late evening as we sat and talked...I offered to warm Tricia's hands with my own.

I suddenly had the chills too...

Nate

37 comments:

Unknown said...

Nate, I think this is wonderful you putting your story down. I am sure you all will enjoy looking back on it and reading it. When Gywenth starts dating she is going to have a really cool story to help guide her.

Anonymous said...

Nate,
I agree with the previous post. What a legacy you are creating for Gwyneth. She is a very blessed little girl!
Praying for you all!!

Cassie said...

EEEK! you always leave us hanging!!! (-;

signs of a good story teller

Unknown said...

Nate - hurry up and finish the story... I'm dying to know if you two crazy kids get together... maybe get married... have a baby... oh wait - well, I'd still like to know how it all went down.

kidsworld said...

So, Tricia, what was the gift?????

I'm glad I've enjoyed many summers on the Outerbanks to envision you two admiring the sound. Thanks for the installment. Looking forward to the next chapter...

refreshing in ohio

Meredith said...

AAAAAAHHHHH! You have such a nack at keeping us hanging! You REALLY are cut out to be writing mystery novels and such. What a great story! Meredith/Orlando FL

Anna Marie said...

Nate, you are really starting to enjoy this cliff-hanger thing you have going on. Maybe a little too much! =)

Julie said...

Such a sweet guy - the type of man all mothers and fathers hope will love their daughters someday.

Boy, any guy that comes around when Gwyneth's old enough is going to have some BIG shoes to fill, huh? LOL

Destini said...

awww...you sly little dog! Just kidding...I love to hear these pg versions of people falling in love. Where you develop a friendship and see where it leads...

Susan from Barrie said...

LOL ... oh my ...

MamaBear said...

Please don't wait long for part 11 ... and part 12 ... and part 13 ... I'm starting to wonder just how many "parts" this story is going to have!

Eagerly awaiting the next installment and praying that you all have a phenomenal Wednesday!

Le comité de l'Odyssée said...

Thanks you for sharing those intimate moments... It's so refreshing and reminds me not to forget those first moments with my true love, before I knew he would be my husband!

The Adoption Of William said...

This story is so wonderful, you could write novels, but the would all have to have sequels, seeing how you like to leave us all in painful suspense :)

With Love and Hope,

Jen-William's Mom

The VW's said...

Finally! You really left us hanging for awhile after the last one! Thanks for sharing, beautiful story! God Bless your Family!

RiLes said...

I'm just glad we at least already know you have a happy ending to your story...helps ease the suspense, you know...well, at least a little bit ;)

Jenn & Ed said...

I CAN'T TAKE IT!!! Just kidding...mostly...I just read the whole thing partly backwards and now know why everyone keeps saying "I can't wait for part _!"

Here I come bandwagon...I can't wait for part 11!!!

Staci said...

Well, you really know how to leave us hanging! I, like so many others, anxiously await the next installment.

Erin said...

Tricia! What did he make for your birthday? Was it as neat and cool as he says it is? Of course it is... :-) I love that you're documenting your love story. It's been beautiful so far and it can only get better!

Amy said...

I hate/love the way you always leave the story hanging. Glad I know the outcome or I would be checking back for the next instalment every few minutes!

Still praying for you and your girls. I love the photos of Gwyneth. Ages ago you said you had a thing about her feet. Wanted to let you know I totally get that. Small feet are amazing. Her are particularly beautiful when they are just poking out.

Jenny said...

So romantic. :) I love it!
Can't wait for more.
Hope today finds you, Tricia, & Gwyneth doing really well.

still praying...

Matt Millard said...

The suspense :)
You have a great talent in writing. I can't wait to read Part 11. The suspense gets me every time.

Tricia,
Do tell what your birthday gift was. I am sure it was perfect.

Have a great day!
Sarah

Erin said...

Just a thought ~ maybe you guys should make a movie! Your love story is better than anything "Hollywood" could EVER dream up....it's REAL, and it's obviously God ordaned! I also agree that you are leaving Gwyneth such a BEAUTIFUL picture of what true love is SUPPOSED to look like!
Much love to the 3 of you!
Erin ~ in North Carolina

Rachel said...

Can't believe you leave us hanging like that. I think it is so great that you are getting the opportunity to write down "Your Story" of you and Trish getting together.
PS Congrats to Trish on the weight gain tha is fantastic.

cmziall said...

So, Tricia, if you're willing to share we'd love to hear what Nate made for you! I can only hope and pray that my girls find such a gentleman in their lives when they get older. You have such respect for Tricia and you can hear that in every part of your story. I bet it was tearing you up inside though! LOL!

Michelle in MO

megasam said...

You are amazing to be able to remember so many details. I was trying to remember back to when my husband and I started dating and so many of the details are fuzzy. Thank you for sharing your love story. It is so much better than anything I have ever read!!

Aspiemom said...

Okay, you are taking too long to tell this story! Hurry up, already! What made the difference?

Praying for you all. Debbi/Aspiemom

Anonymous said...

Ladies and gentlemen, I bet that Nate is going to take 24 installments to tell this story. After all, that is his lucky number ... (to spell it out for all the "uh whatcha talkin about willis'" .. since Gwyneth was born during the 24th week.

Please let it not last 65 installments. (65 Roses 4 Patty Sue)

(these were just my lame attempt to make Tricia laugh just one more time)

Kim said...

Awwww! That is great! Can't wait for more.
I'll copy many others to say how wonderful it is to put this down for you, Tricia and someday for Gwenyth!
Keep those parts coming!
Kim

Kim said...

PS
Would love for Tricia to share what you made/gave her for her birthday!
Kim

Carol said...

Nate, you are certainly the master of suspense! Ahhh. Except of course we know the outcome, but still...you are driving us crazy perching us on the cliff like this.

Tricia, I am so glad you are gaining weight. You are something. I truly admire you. I both take inspiration from you and send you hugs. You are all in my continued prayers.

AlaneM said...

Oh you leave me hanging by my fingernails!
Love it though, can't wait for the next installment.

Beka said...

Nothin' like a little suspense, huh? I'm glad I already know the end of the story, otherwise I'd be going crazy waiting for the next part!!

Mary said...

Why oh why did I think this would include her answer to you? LOL Oh well. I know it was yes (eventually) but I want to know how long she let you suffer. Until the next cliff hanger....

Mary
Florida

Missy said...

your "endings" are so dramatic... the suspense gets to us all. it is wonderfully romantic that you're putting your story down now. it must mean the world to tricia your doing this now for her to read and remember and the memories of it all for the two of you to recall and share over in the wee hours of the day when its just the two of you. much love!

Anonymous said...

You sure have a knack at leaving us hangin'!!! LOL
You know...you should write a book, you are THAT good.

Still praying for you and your girls.
Fran♥John♥Justin♥Jason
Illinois

Anonymous said...

I agree with everyone else in that you seem to enjoy signing off at just the right moment to leave us all is suspense! I love a real true love story. We keep praying for your family.

Jodi

Jill said...

Hey Nate, I know you've been busy with the news stories and everything, but I'd love it if you could resume "The Story of Us" whenever you have time. I was just rereading this post and I got chills too. Still praying for no infections and weight gain.