It was clear to me when I met Crystal for the first time, I wanted her to be the one I would marry someday; however, I was fifteen years her senior, so I knew it would be a tough road to hold if it were to happen.  I was a junior at East Tennessee State University, and Crystal was a freshman at Catawba College in Salisbury, NC on a field hockey scholarship.

Crystal was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen; she was everything I had ever hoped for, and more!  Truth be told, I never thought I stood a chance because of her age; I did not think she would be interested in me.  I had not been on a date in four years since my ex-girlfriend broke up with me.  I was not looking for a relationship; I always thought I would meet someone younger because I was a non-traditional student, but I also thought it would be after I graduated college.

There was a moment that I knew I had a chance with Crystal: it was when I was leaving my brothers house to go back to school, and she looked at me and smiled that beautiful smile and said. “Bye, Chris!”  I could not help but think of her as I drove the lonely drive back to Johnson City.  When I finally got back to school, I sent Crystal an email telling her I was interested in her; as it turned out, she was interested in me as well, after I had read an email she sent me asking me if I liked her.  So, I emailed her back and told her I did like her and we agreed over email we would be exclusive, even though we were four hours apart.

I drove from Johnson City, TN to Salisbury, NC to Mebane or Burlington, NC every weekend during the fall semester of 2003 just to see Crystal except for one, and that was when she went home to Maryland to see her family; love knows no boundaries, and I can attest to that.

Crystal and I talked on the phone and emailed every single day; as it became apparent we were soulmates.  Every time I had to drop Crystal off at school, we both could not help but cry.  We were becoming best friends; it was like a remarkable dream coming true; however, I needed to wake up, as I had to meet her family, though I had already met her twin sister, Holly.

Crystal brought me home to meet her parents and family for thanksgiving; she told them I was a junior in college, but she did not tell them I was fifteen years older.  Her Parents were a little surprised when they saw me, and bombarded me with questions, but they were not that hard on me because they trusted their daughter’s judgment.

Crystal’s two older brothers really did not like me; I guess they thought I was just trying to be “Joe Cool” by dating a younger woman and then thought I would kick her to the curb, but I hadn’t exactly planned on this happening.  I did not blame Crystal’s brothers because perhaps I would have acted the same way if I had a sister.  I had nothing but the best intentions toward Crystal, and I even failed one of my classes because I had spent so much time with her in the car, on the phone, or on the computer.

After that fall semester in 2003, I left East Tennessee State University because I was suspended for one major term.  I could have went back to Johnson City, but I knew I had to be closer to Crystal, so after some conversation, Crystal and I decided we would both transfer to UNC-Pembroke. so we could be together.  UNCP did not work out for Crystal and me after two semesters, so we got an apartment together in Johnson City; we stayed in Johnson City until my father got sick.  We moved to Wilmington,NC to be close to my family.

Now, Crystal and I have been happily married for twelve and a half years, and we have been together since September 1, 2003; we have had our ups and downs, trials and tribulations, and dilemmas and delays, but we are going strong!  Crystal is eight classes away from graduating from Trevecca Nazarene University with a degree in Christian Ministry.  I could not be more proud of her and the woman she has become; she is my everything.  I love you Crystal!

Me?  I am on disability and writing as much as I can in this blog.  I have not worked since 2006; I have had more jobs than I can count, because when one is paranoid beyond the norm, it is almost impossible for one to have a good relationship with a boss or coworkers.

Jesus and Crystal give me hope for the future; I do not know what will happen, but I know it will be one crazy ride even though I feel like I am hanging on by my fingernails; I will get there some day: if the good Lord is willing and the creeks don’t rise.

Take care, and God bless!

Chris

I am twice saved: to you, by you …