July 5th, 1997

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Jul 4, 2010 in Uncategorized | 1 comment

Thirteen years ago I married my friend and the one God placed in my life years before. I had no idea that my life would begin to change when she was born on April 16th, 1976 and a little over 21 years later I would marry her.

The temperature was 115 degree as a couple guys drove down Main Street in Summerville, South Carolina to my wedding. This day was filled with family and friends, but only one person was truly on my mind. She had been my friend, my study partner, my co-worker, my sister in Christ and now she was about to become my wife. As we entered the church building, I was shuffled to a room on the side of the auditorium so I would not yet see my bride. Her beauty would be hidden for the next 45 minutes as people filled the seats and my best man and I walked on stage. Walking on stage my legs never trembled. I was confident this decision I was making was the right one.

Carrie and I dated in the oddest ways. We would leave class and head to Chickasaw State park and sit on a blanket or underneath a pavilion and talk about our similarities and our differences. We talked about everything from religious backgrounds to childhood memories and even parenting styles and future goals. Our discussions were simple, yet moving in the way we were able to discuss many things in a short amount of time. We studied the bible and prayed together as we sought what God sought in us.

It would be a trip to Decatur, Alabama while I was interning there she would see an engagement ring she liked during our “fake shopping trip.” Having purchased the ring the day she left, it would be about 5 more months before I would ask for her hand in marriage a few days before Christmas in 1996. Now here I was, a few minutes from her walking down the aisle.

As those assembled stood, I could just a glimpse of her dress behind the door. My knees still did not tremble, but seeing the doors open, my heart skipped a beat and I stood higher. I stood higher not because of pride, but I was marrying the most beautiful girl in the world. The thought of her becoming my wife made me smile the biggest smile I could ever experience. A few minutes later, I married Carrie Renee (Graber) Gallagher. She became my wife and I become fortunate in her decision.

The past 13 years since that day have been great! Through hard times and joyous times, I could ask for no better person by my side. Carrie challenges me to be greater while providing unending support. Having moved to three states during our marriage (and one state twice) she has always been there to lend a helping hand. The words of the Bible are true in my life for “An excellent wife who can find?” I have. I have found modern day “Proverbs 31 Lady!”

Thank you Carrie – I am truly blessed!

This Day I Married My Friend

This day I married my friend…..
…. the one I laugh with as we share life’s wondrous zest
as we find new enjoyments and experience all that’s best.

….The one I live for because the world seems brighter
as our happy times are better and our burdens feel much lighter.
….The one I love with every fiber of my soul.
We used to feel vaguely incomplete, now together we are whole.

Just some thoughts of 13 years,

Chris