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 What's so cool looking back is that these messages were made shortly after she finished writing her first (unpublished) book in just ONE MONTH for National Novel Writing Month (some of her old teaching colleagues referene it towards the end of the first video).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
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