Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Introductions...

When Brian was just a lil' kid, say 10, 11 years old, he became friends with this other lil kid at school named Chris. I've written about Chris here several times, he's The Kid that showed up on my doorstep with flowers and cards on Mother's Day, when Brian was in bootcamp, and again when he was in Iraq. He left messages that he knew my own couldn't, on Christmases and Thanksgivings.

I remember Brian coming home from Chris's house a few times, when he was just a 'lil kid, grumbling about how annoying Chris' little sister was. Probably tried to get into their secret clubhouse, or eat all of their pizza or something.

This annoyance, though, eventually transformed into something else. Courtney was okay. Then, Courtney was his friend. Over the years, it's been clear that Courtney has been a friend of a special sort to my son. I watched them through their teen years, as they stood beside each other during tough times, made demands that the other get their act together, walked away from one another when they had to, and then naturally reappeared, steadfast and unapologetic.

I'm in the Mom-Loop, so I never quite got the full story on their relationship. I'd come home to find him highlighting her hair, and there was a prom here, a dance there.


I was never sure if they were ever an "item" but I knew—we all knew, I think—that Brian was in love with her. I think I started jokingly referring to her as "Courtney-My-Future-Daughter-in-Law" when Brian was about 14 years old. I'd drop it, occasionally, because it sounded silly, and I knew how much he cared for her, but I could never help trotting that back out. It seemed, well...kind of obvious.



See, I didn't really know what would happen between these two, but this much I knew for sure: My son is at peace when Courtney is the room. He's happy. He's relaxed.

He is, simply where he should be, when he is with Miss Courtney Hinton.

That said, I'd like to introduce you to someone.


Meet Courtney.

My future daughter-in-law.





I don't have to tell you I love her. But I do.

25 comments:

  1. *sniff*

    We should be with the people who bring us peace, who are where we should be.

    Congratulations to them ~ and to you.

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  2. Congratulations. How wonderful that you know her and love her. Very special.

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  3. well a big huge congrats to them!

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  4. I am welling up with tears reading this post. I am so happy for y'all!!! Happy for Brian and Courtney of course because they found their soul mate in each other, but I am also thrilled for you to have such a wonderful addition to your family.

    Does Courtney know that regular blog appearances will now be expected??

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  5. Congrats, best wishes, and happy futures to you ALL. That's just awesome!! I look forward to meeting her one day.

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  6. Anonymous6:38 PM

    Congratulations!!!!!

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  7. It seems like the season of Good news Lori!

    That's fantastic news!!
    Congratulations to you Future-Mom-in-law :D

    Courtney looks really sweet and together with Brian they make a lovely lovely couple :)

    BTW, could we get some of that 'popping the question' story?
    I am just being a curious cat :)

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  8. Oh my gosh congratulations!!! That's awesome and I love their story.

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  9. SSSWWWEEEPPPP! I love LOVE stories! Congrats to all of you!

    And I'm sure Courtney knows plenty of army wives/girlfriends.... but please let her know that I am more than happy to be added to the list. :-)

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  10. Congratulations to all of you!

    What a great story =)

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  11. Big congrats to all! I'm with the curious cat though:

    "BTW, could we get some of that 'popping the question' story?"

    Share, share! :-)

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  12. the romantic in me loves this post and marvels at the wisdom these young people already possess. Best wishes to Brian and Courtney.

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  13. How great is that? Childhood sweethearts! Congratulations to them both.

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  14. StFarmer7:54 AM

    Congratulations to Brian, best wishes to the bride-to-be.

    Lori, you'll be the best mom-in-law, ever!

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  15. How lovely that they have been friends for such a long time. What a great solid foundation they are starting on. I'm happy for all THREE of you! I'd also like to echo Paria with a great big SWEEP!

    Angela Page
    www.caringbridge.org/visit.willpage

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  16. Very well written! Also very good news to you...

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  17. I could see it in the first photo. They were meant for each other. Way to go MIL.

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  18. As Glock21 said the story behind "popping the question" is...

    Good luck and have a wonderful new life to everyone involved!!!

    Any thoughts on what you're gonna wear on the big day???

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  19. Love the prom pic with her barefooted. LOL.

    Please extend my congrats to both of them.

    Just think, Lori, Someday you'll be a grandma.

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  20. Anonymous10:14 PM

    I've been reading your blog on and off at the suggestion of my friend.

    This post brought a tear to my eye, even though I know NONE of the people involved.

    What a lovely gift to your son and his future wife!

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  21. That is SO sweet! I so wish my daughter had stuck with what I thought was my future son-in-law. He's great and we are even facebook friends but she was stupid and he is married. You got lucky! (And Courtney is lucky, too.)

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  22. Yay for all of you!! My heartstrings have been officially tugged on.

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  23. They're so adorable together...

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  24. Anonymous1:00 AM

    Awww... congratulations :D :D I love hearing about people who come to love each other over very, very long friendships and courtships. So sweet :D Congrats on the new addition to your family (not that she's exactly new or an addition really... but hey, what can you say?).

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  25. Yay! That's so awesome!

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