i remember sarah telling me that she was shocked to see ian showing affection to someone - she was used to him being the sarcastic life of the party. willing to talk to anyone, but also not shy to say funny things that may or may not be taken well. but he was in love, and this friend that she had known since she was little and had been homeschooled with was actually outwardly showing his love.
that's the ian that i fell in love with. and that's me that he was showing affection to. he would gently hold my hand - as gently as he could considering that he has the fattest fingers in the world. to me it often felt like a vice grip. but it was still so sweet.
but then for a few years, that hand didn't have life. it couldn't squeeze when it wanted to or reach out to find mine.
that's different now.
that same ian seven years ago that shocked sarah is still marked by gentle affection. and he can make that hand move again. since we've been married, one of my favorite parts of my day is falling asleep holding my husband's hand. and one night as i lay there, i realized that this is what i want all of my girlfriend's to have. a gentle husband who is so happy to fall asleep with hands bound.
i'm thankful tonight to be married to a tender heart.
love
l
Oh, I loved reading this. The simplest of gestures and the "little" things mean so very much. I enjoy reading your blog. I feel like you touch on so many of those "little" things - that really aren't so little at all! Cheers to you and Ian and many happy, tender years together.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! You constantly remind me to appreciate my husband.
ReplyDeleteThat's precious.
ReplyDeleteMy grandpa Jack was a gentle soul and I can imagine what you're writing about. He found a forever tender place in my heart because of his gentle kindness. It reminds me of Ps 18:35: "...your right hand supports me; your gentleness has made me great."
ian and larissa, thank you for making your story public. i know the last few years must have been a hard road for both of you. ian, you have shown amazing humility and love to larissa by allowing her to marry you in such a vulnerable state. and larissa, you have made an awesome decision to stand by your man no matter what. from one wife to another, thank you. you are both a shining example of the love christ shows to the church.
ReplyDeletei wish you both all of god's richest blessings. god works in mysterious ways. thank you for being a beacon of light to us all. and i will keep you both in my prayers.
The simple pleasures of life and recognizing them and acknowledging them is HUGE! You and Ian remind us to appreciate life with our loved ones and to not take anything for granted. God bless you both and thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteFrom a girl from France...
ReplyDeleteLarissa, I thank the Lord for you. You and Ian are such an amazing testimony of the Lord's love.
I am so inspired by your lives. You are such an encouragement for me and my family. Keep persevering Larissa...
Looking forward to holding my husband's hand tonight...thanks for the new appreciation!
ReplyDeleteHello Larissa and Ian, my name is Samantha, I am Brazilian, pleasure.
ReplyDeleteToday I found your blog after I saw the video on youtube inspiring.
I always wonder why people suffer so much, and some more than others, I've been discouraged by things that happen to me, but reading your blog, I encouraged more, you are so happy, still the difficulties, because what really matters is that Ian is here, and so well. =)
It's so nice to know that he has recovered from a serious accident, I date to 6 years, now I'm engaged, and if I lost my fiance does not know what to do.
Your love is so beautiful and strong, I will continue reading your blog, which seems to be a book, a beautiful story of love, devotion and happiness.
You're a great woman, has much character and is very strong.
A kiss on your heart and Ian, all good.
I wanted to send as email, but do not know which, sorry for my English, I know how to write some things, but not all, so I'm using a translator.
That is what I want in the future...to be married to a gentle husband who will love me with an unconditional love and who puts God first above all else. You are the picture of what I want my marriage to be like someday.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post....
ReplyDeletehand-holding is such a simple thing..yet incredibly sweet and intimate. My favorite thing to see is an older married couple still holding hands as they walk or sit together! I pray that will be my husband and I one day, Lord willing! :)
Very sweet!
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