My wife is an amazing woman. On this, our fifth Valentine's Day as husband and wife, I wanted to do something special. What is more special that a public confession of one's love. And what is more public than a blog for the whole wide world to see. So, I'm going to use this Valentine's Day blog post to honor my wife: Tasra Dawson.
A single mom for seven years, Tasra and I met on ChristianCafe.com in the winter of 2001 (December 22). What is so cool about our meeting is that she contacted me a month after I had cancelled my subscription. However, since they forgot to take down my profile, she was able to see it, and the rest, as they say, was history. (Hmmm, as an old friend of mine used to say, "Was it odd...or God?") From the start we knew we were right for each other, and on August 3, 2002, we became husband and wife.
A Very Special Christmas Gift
For Christmas 2003 I made Tasra a tribute video comprised of testimonies and special messages from dear friends and family. It was quite a feat sneaking out of the house and arranging clandestine meetings. It was very "cloak and dagger." (She's pretty smart though. I think she knew I was up to something towards the end.) What resulted was about a 30 minute video that had five chapters focusing on each part of her life. I want to share with you here the end credits sequences.
These segments showcase everyone who contributed to the video, all summarizing why they love Tasra so much. What's so cool looking back is that these messages were made shortly after she finished writing her first (unpublished) book in just ONE MONTH for National Novel Writing Month (some of her old teaching colleagues referene it towards the end of the first video). It's really amazing to hear loved ones wish her well at what was the beginning of her writing career and to see her now and all she's accomplished: a published book with great reviews; two television appearances (NBC and ABC); speaking gigs; book signings; a hugely popular blog; and most important, positively changing and affecting the lives of other women with her words and encouragement.
Video #1: Friends
This first section of the credits features close friends from church, and old colleagues from the school she taught at in San Jose, Ida Price Middle School. In the video you'll not only see scenes from our own wedding movie, but also home movie footage I took while I visited her during her time as a teacher in WA (during our engagement). The kids at the beginning are her very dear students from WA. She was more than just a teacher, she was also a basketball and track coach, a dance group leader, a confidante, a mentor, and a friend (I know she still misses them). The shots of Tasra, Imahi, and me dancing near the beginning is from our wedding celebration party held in San Luis Obispo (where Tasra and I had our first date). Enjoy!
Click image below to play (3:28)
Video #2: Family and Dear Friends
The final segment of the video is comprised of messages from family members, as well as some of her closest and longest-lasting friends. I even got one of our very first wedding video clients (who also happened to be first dance clients) to say something. Naturally, it culminates with my own personal message of love.
Click image below to play (5:08)
Tasra. I just want you to know how proud I am of you. You're an amazing woman (oh wait, I said that already. Well, I can't say it enough). I can't believe you do all that you do. Mother. Author. Coach. Publisher. Blogger. I am blessed and honored to be your husband. Thank you for being a terrific mom. Thank you for being a fantastic and supportive wife. Thank you for keeping our house from going insane. Thank you for encouraging my dreams. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for making these past five years so special for me. I look forward to our future. "This is our year!" :-) God bless. ILY...FE.
technorati tags: Valentine's_Day, Love, Tribute, Wedding_Video, Real_Women_Scrap, Nanowrimo
Wow, what an amazing husband you have to do this for you. I just wanted to say what a special person I think you are and thanks so much for writing your book. I left you a comment about it a little while back when you were in Jacksonville and you noticed that I was from St Augustine and took the time to tell me about your trip and said we should have lunch the next time your in my neck of the woods. I think that takes a very special person to really pay attention to what people say and it shows you really want to connect and get to know people. I never got around to emailing you back (sorry about that-I kept meaning to) but that really meant alot to me. So for sure the next time you're in town, we should definitely meet up for lunch! Hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day!
Kim
St Augustine, Florida
Posted by: Kim | February 14, 2007 at 08:24 AM
Happy Valentines Day Tasra,
How sweet of your husband to do this. It shows you are exactly the kind of person that shows through your wonderful book and your blog....very sincere and caring.Hope it is a special day for both of you and that your years together are many and abundantly blessed.
Posted by: cherie | February 14, 2007 at 08:33 AM
Happy Valentine's Day, Tasra! Not only are you a special lady, but you have a very thoughtful husband! I watched the video of your weddings vows -- they were so beautiful. I was touched by your husband's vows to your daughter -- I have never seen that done in a wedding before.
I hope you all have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Barbara H. | February 14, 2007 at 08:40 AM
Happy Valentine's Day, Tasra! What a wonderful tribute from your loving husband. His words and videos are testament of what a great person you are! Have a wonderful day and life together!
Posted by: Vicki R. | February 14, 2007 at 09:02 AM
Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you know how special you are to have a husband who thinks outside the box...most women would be so jealous. Kudos to the hubby for doing this and Tasra, have a great Valentine's Day!
Posted by: Karen | February 14, 2007 at 09:03 AM
Tasra, Happy Valentine's Day! What a sweetie your husband is! I couldn't take the time (at work) to watch the videos, but, look forward to watching them later at home. You know that I LOVE your book, "Real Women Scrap" and have shared it with all my scrap buddies.
Have a wonderful day.
Posted by: Vicki | February 14, 2007 at 09:05 AM
Beautiful Valentine's Tribute! You're one lucky lady and your husband is equally blessed! Best Wishes to you and your family.
Posted by: Lottiefla | February 14, 2007 at 09:13 AM
Tasra,
It's plain to see that you are a truly blessed woman. Your husband is wonderful and so thoughtful to do this for you! What a great gift from God!
I admire you for pursuing that dream that was planted in your heart, and am happy that you have a partner to take that journey with you!
God Bless You,
Donna
Posted by: Donna | February 14, 2007 at 09:42 AM
Happy Valentine's Day, Tasra & Family!
Ron, you are a great guy and Tasra is truly blessed to have you.
Tasra, I'm sure you already know that you are blessed and I'm sure this will stock Ron up on Brownie Points for a while. LOL!
God Bless you all.
Keri Sallee
SB.com-Isng4hm
Posted by: Keri | February 14, 2007 at 09:55 AM
Tasra, there was something that drew us together from the first time I read about your book, "Real Women Scrap". We now know that it was our love of God, our love of Scrapbooking, and our stories of being single moms for awhile and then finding our soulmates via computer dating.
While we don't chat as often as I would like, I lift you up in prayer often and know that God is doing great things for you and through you. I look forward to us getting together soon!
I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the videos and want to thank your husband for sharing this day, and you, with us all.
Continue to be blessed!
Roberta
Houston, Tx/Scrapaholic USA
Posted by: Roberta Larkins | February 14, 2007 at 10:00 AM
I want to add how much I admire you. You are truly an inspiration - one who has worked hard to pursue her dream! I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day...I'm sure it's one you'll never forget!
Warmly,
Michelle McCormick
Posted by: Michelle McCormick | February 14, 2007 at 10:12 AM
what a romantic family. how awesome of you to do this, ron. tasra, you couldn't be luckier to have a man like ron. this is what valentine's all about. ron - do you have a twin brother you can send my way? LOL!!! wishing all of you lots of love, laughter & joy on valentine's day. and tasra - all the love in the world goes to you. especially from one very special man .... ron. and, you're one special gal!
Posted by: Duncan - f. duncan reyes events by design | February 14, 2007 at 10:15 AM
What a fun Valentine gift. Both of you are so creative. Tasra, your blog and eZine have inspired me to begin scrapping again.
I've been working hard all week to get my office (where I write) and craft room (where I'll scrap once again) all fixed up and ready to use more efficiently. :)
It's really looking nice and definitely inspires me to do something creative. :) Thanks for your hard work. :)
Posted by: Audra | February 14, 2007 at 10:16 AM
Hi Tasra!
Let me just say that you are an inspiration to me...truly I don't know how you manage to accomplish so many things in the course of a day to do all that you do! (Are you sure you don't have a secret time-stopper you haven't told the rest of us about?) I am amazed that you are involved in so many ways in so many peoples' lives...not just in a superficial way, but in meaningful ways. God must truly be your inspiration, and your love for others the fuel. Congratulations on your many successes, and may God continue to bless and enrich your life! Happy Valentine's Day!
Heather
Posted by: Heather Stewman | February 14, 2007 at 10:22 AM
Happy Valentine's Day, Tasra. We met briefly at CHA Winter 2007 - I'm a friend of Patsy. I am totally enjoying reading your book. It is inspiring me and helping me on many levels. Thank you for writing it! You have a special gift - thank you for sharing it in this book.
Peggy
Posted by: Peggy Lucas | February 14, 2007 at 10:48 AM
Hey Tasra, you lucky girl. Have a great day with your great guy!!!
Posted by: Mary C | February 14, 2007 at 10:58 AM
Hi Tasra!
Happy Valentine's Day!!! You are an awesome woman! I will always think of you as someone who cares and shared wisdom with me at a crucial time in my life. I think caring and creativity just shine through you everyday. Your accomplishments of a beautiful family and your writing career are impressive!
Have a fabulous day remembering that you've touched a lot of lives!
Love,
Karie
Posted by: Karie | February 14, 2007 at 11:02 AM
Hello Tasra,
Happy Vaentine's Day!! Wow, what a creative man you have. He is a keeper. I liked what he had to say about you meeting on the internet. I am sure it was not odd but God all the way!
Your book is a constant reminder of keeping track of the important things in life...especially the love of your life.
I am honored to have met you at the scrapbook retreat in Cocolala, ID last fall. Have a great day and thank you for being real!
From the Frozen North
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | February 14, 2007 at 11:24 AM
Happy Valentines Day!
The bible tells us that our gifts will make room for us and bring us before great men. Continue to multiply what He's given you. Some 60, 80, 100 fold. You're a blessing. Love you guys!
Conrad & Chantay Bridges
Posted by: Chantay Bridges | February 14, 2007 at 11:26 AM
Hi Tasra! What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful woman! You are truly blessed! Have a wonderful, romantic day!! :) :) :)
Posted by: FriscoMom | February 14, 2007 at 11:31 AM
The wonderful qualities your family reflects are spiritual, ageless, deathless. Your love and joy blesses those around you, subsequently benefitting the whole world. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Dave Getzschman | February 14, 2007 at 11:44 AM
Happy Valentine's Day Tasra!
And congratulations on the continued success of your book. Looking forward to the Redwood Conference!
John
Posted by: John Olson | February 14, 2007 at 11:52 AM
Wow! What an awesome husband and great relationship (and family) you must have! I hope to scrap again with you sometime soon. Take care and have a very Happy Valentine's Day with your sweety.
Leanne
Posted by: Leanne Dietlin | February 14, 2007 at 12:10 PM
Happy Valentine's Day!
You have the kind of love that most of us just dream about!!
Love to you all
Blue (Scotland)
Posted by: Blue White | February 14, 2007 at 12:11 PM
Happy Valentine's Day, Tasra. Although living in SoCal has limited my opportunities to know you better, I appreciate you for making my friend Ron so very, very happy!
Brenda Josephson
Pasadena, CA
Posted by: Brenda Josephson | February 14, 2007 at 12:13 PM