Blessing 1 — Meeting Allison, My True Love

At a welcome home gathering, I encountered two pivotal moments. The first was locking eyes with the woman destined to be my partner. Amidst the lively music and chatter, I spotted her across the room, and time seemed to freeze. After a moment of gathering courage, I approached and remarked, "Did you know I've been waiting sixteen years to meet you?" She replied, "That’s quite the line. Is it true? I’m Allison, and if it is, I’m all ears."

"I'm Taylor, Taylor Roberts. Those friends in the corner are celebrating my return. However, the most significant moment for me is right here with you. Can I share why I’ve been waiting?" She smiled, encouraging me to continue.

"Allison, when I was just five, I had two dreams that changed my life:

1. I dreamt I was sinking on a Navy ship. Upon waking, I told my Dad I wouldn’t join the Navy, even though he served. He reassured me it was fine.
2. Shortly after, I dreamed of standing at the altar with a woman who looked just like you. I confided in my Mom, who responded, 'Taylor, we all have dreams.' I insisted this was vital."

"Allison, for the past sixteen years, I’ve held onto these moments. I must return to my party now, but please, share your number so I can call you tomorrow." She hesitated but ultimately provided her number, intrigued to learn more about me.

Returning to the celebration, John pulled me aside, asking where I had been. "I’ll explain later," I replied, while Jud expressed curiosity about what could overshadow the festivities.

Among the guests was Mr. Evans, an older gentleman who had previously met me in high school. He owned a manufacturing firm and offered me a job, handing me his contact information and suggesting I call him the next day.

As the party concluded, I accompanied Jud to his parents' house, feeling grateful for the reunion. I had informed my parents I would return on Sunday before noon, and I slept soundly that night.

Blessing 2 — Securing a Date with Allison

I called Allison as planned, and we arranged to meet Friday at 7 PM. Afterward, I reached out to Mr. Evans, who offered me a position in inside sales for plumbing products. I needed a job, even if it was just a temporary solution while I figured out my future.

In just two days of being twenty-one, I returned from the war unscathed, met the love of my life, and secured employment. The pressing question was how to sustain this streak of good fortune. A well-structured plan seemed necessary.

On Sunday, I visited my parents and was astonished by their warm welcome. I hadn’t spoken to them since I turned eighteen, yet they greeted me affectionately.

Mom confessed, "We owe you an apology and much gratitude. The last time we saw you was difficult, as we feared we might never see you again due to your enlistment." Dad shared how a pastor had visited them, expressing concern for my well-being and highlighting how they had unintentionally neglected my needs.

They realized how much they had missed me, and tears filled their eyes as they acknowledged their shortcomings. "Can you ever forgive us?" Mom asked, her voice trembling.

"Mom and Dad, I forgave you long ago," I reassured them. "I found support from friends, and it was through them that I learned to forgive."

As we reminisced, I was pleased to see that my old room remained pristine, bringing back fond memories. Later, we enjoyed a barbecue dinner, and they asked about my time in the military. I preferred to keep those details minimal, only revealing that I served as a helicopter pilot.

Blessing 4 — Rebuilding Relationships with My Parents

This marked my fourth blessing; it seemed I might have my parents back in a healthy way.

I arrived at work on Monday at 8 AM, but my thoughts were consumed by Allison. That afternoon, Mr. Evans called me in for an interview.

"Taylor, can you envision yourself doing this job indefinitely?" he inquired.

"No, I can’t," I replied honestly.

He continued, "What if you had a company car and a territory to manage? Would that change your mind?"

"Honestly, I haven't done the work yet, so I can't say. But I am committed to working hard and learning everything I can to succeed."

Blessing 5 — A Promotion on My First Day

Mr. Evans inquired if anyone had asked about my military experience. "I was a Warrant Officer 2nd Class and a helicopter pilot, completing two tours in Afghanistan," I replied.

He expressed his appreciation for my service and mentioned that many veterans prefer to keep such experiences private.

"Let’s shift gears. You’re hired as an outside salesman, and we’ll provide you with a company car while you undergo training," he announced.

As we discussed the flying club and my aspirations to obtain a pilot's license, he invited me to a meeting the following evening.

Blessing 6 — Guidance for My Future

I returned home to a delicious dinner of spaghetti and sausage, a childhood favorite. My parents had given up drinking, making the atmosphere pleasant and supportive.

I shared the details of my new job, earning $750 a month plus a commission, and Dad noted it was comparable to his own salary as an engineer.

Encouraged, I shared my desire to eventually own a home, utilizing my savings and G.I. benefits.

The next night, I attended the flying club meeting and met a diverse group of members, including a Tuskegee Airman. Their stories inspired me, and I looked forward to exploring potential job opportunities once I obtained my pilot’s license.

As Friday approached, I prepared for my first date with Allison. She appeared even more stunning than I remembered, but a wave of sadness washed over us when she revealed her father had passed away just before my arrival.

"How can I support you during this time?" I offered, wishing to help in any way.

It would be another week before I could see her again.

Blessing 9 — Growing Closer to Allison

Our next dinner date was filled with meaningful conversations, and I opened up about my search for a place to live. The weeks flew by as we learned more about each other, and I felt increasingly drawn to her.

At work, I thrived, landing contracts for new building projects, which brought in significant commissions.

Blessing 10 — A Path to Homeownership

I was finally in a position to consider buying a home.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I would love to hear your thoughts!

✍ — Your feedback is invaluable, and I appreciate your support.

©DR Rawson

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