better together

When I stopped really looking for the woman of my dreams, I found her. I was told by many people that it sometimes happens like that. Well, I have finally stopped looking. Because I found a woman who gets me, likes me and makes everything better. People who are closest to me have probably heard me talk about Lydia. We met through a co-worker. And if you know how small my office is, you know that is a miracle. (Thanks Gary). The first time we chatted on the phone, we talked for 90 minutes. It seemed like I was re-connecting with a long-lost friend. She is a world-class listener. I thought I had discipled or mentored a lot of people. Then, I met her. She has me beat by a factor of four. But she is so caring, she never keeps score. We went on our first in-person date on June 4th, 2021, and it has been a great adventure ever since then. Lydia lives in Atlanta, and I live everywhere. Over the last nine months, we have shared many adventures in Virginia, Georgia, Colorado and Tennessee. Things we like to do together: cook, sing, road trip, hike, watch Ted Lasso, laugh at dark humor, meet our extended spiritual family tree and so much more. She has never been married, neither have I. But we both have lived full lives and value deep, lasting connections. Lydia is fun, beautiful and adventuresome in a coffee-drinking, don’t get in my way, “I have sticky notes and know how to use them” sort of way. We are alike in many ways. And then, there are ways where we are polar opposites. The biggest thing we have in common is that we both agree, there isn’t anything better than spending time alone with each other. -- Chaille ---------------------------------------------- This man. He came out of nowhere, when I was least expecting it. One minute I was content living out my days alone with a cat and the next minute I was being kissed in a coffee shop. Everything changed that day. My heart began to soften, my hands began to open and I dared to let myself hope. Not long after, I began to fall in love with this man who lived in Colorado but grew up 30 minutes away from where I was growing up. Over the past year Chaille Brindley has won my whole heart. He has proven his intentionality, good natured sense of humor, godliness, wisdom, kindness, intellect, sense of adventure and big heart for people. He is the perfect blend of being a planner and being spontaneous. He knows when to laugh, when to cry and when to talk about deep things. He cares about discipleship, community and making the world a better place. He has become my best friend, my safest place, my trusted protector and my loudest cheerleader. We are a good team and, simply put, have found that life is better together. Our story is full of unexpected, redemptive, and crazy things. I’ve learned that real love is better than fairy tales because it requires work and generosity and service and vulnerability. This season has created a deep, connected, authentic foundation for a beautiful relationship. I’m humbled and grateful and still a little bit in shock. Chaille, my love, there’s never been a dull moment since we first talked on the phone last summer. God truly does want me to have good things you are the best and most surprising gift of all. I’m so glad I waited all these years for you, because you’re the man I’ve always wanted. -- Lydia

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