Thirty years ago on March 21, 1986, I was blessed to marry Eric Malicoat.  I met him at age 11, held hands at 12 and promised to marry him at an early age.  Now, I know what you are thinking, THAT’S TOO YOUNG.  And yes, I agree, but I am so happy my life worked out this way and that God gave me this man.

I remember the first time I saw him.  He walked into the Glenn Street Church of God that my parents pastored at the time.  He walked in and held the door for his mom, sister and younger brother.  I thought in that first moment, what a sweet thing to do.  So polite!  Eric seemed shy when we met after church.  And for a few months, I thought he was so nice and he sang really well, but he seemed more interested in my sister Debby.  SMILE!  Luckily, she was really boy crazy and tossed him aside!  I was so angry with her for hurting him and one day Eric and I talked about it and I told him I thought it was mean and he asked me if I would like to sit with him.  I was thrilled.  I loved him even then.

His blue eyes were so kind and holding his hand was just wonderful.  We also had a “kissing booth” going out beside the church where the young boys were “paying” for kisses.  But Eric and I didn’t charge each other for the kiss.  Anyway, you gotta watch those Pentecostal preachers kids!!!  That was the beginning of our love story and although things kept us apart from time to time, and I was not always as devoted as I should have been, God blessed us and kept us on a path that led to a commitment of love and devotion that brought us two wonderful daughters, two great sons-in-law, and the most beautiful, talented, amazing, fantastic granddaughter that we could’ve ever dreamed of.

This past week I had a moment when Eric wasn’t feeling well and I got worried that something would happen to him.  I don’t know what I would do and I do not want to find out for a very long time.  As the years go by it is easy to take each other for granted and to  just assume the other party will be there later for you to spend time with.  I recently had a friend that told me, after losing her spouse, to treasure your mate and don’t waste any time.  I intend to spend the rest of our time on this earth loving Eric with the love he deserves.  I will not take him for granted.  He has made me more than happy and fulfilled all my dreams.  Thirty years of marriage is a long time, but not nearly long enough.  We are headed for 50 years and going strong.

Below are some photos.  One of Eric and I at Derek and Brittany’s loft for a celebration dinner.  A photo of a gift I gave to Eric, the wrapping and the caricature I had made of us.  Life is so fun and I want to celebrate being Mrs. Eric Malicoat.

And last but not least a photo of our family and one of our little princess in Mema’s wedding veil.