Dear Reid:

You and I go back way further than the 6 1/2 + years you have been dating my son. I began praying for you when you were just a baby. I prayed that you were being loved, growing healthy, wise and strong and always walking in the light of the Lord. Through the years, I have often tried to visualize your precious little face and the sweet sound of your little girl voice. I prayed that in His time, God would bring you into my son’s life.

I will never forget the first time I met you. Scott and I and Bradley were picking Taylor up from a Drama presentation at Pickens High School. You had been in the play that night and you came out of the school with Taylor. Your pigtails were bouncing in the breeze and you were wearing lots of stage makeup, rosy cheeks and red lips. As cute as a button, you hopped up on the running board of my SUV, poked your head in through my open window and said, “Hi, Taylor’s family!”

That night, I knew there was something very special about you—full of confidence, full of life, full of sweetness. Not long after that night, I asked Taylor about you. At that point, he said that you were just friends. I knew better. Moms always do. Soon you were dating. See … like I said, moms know.

I liked you from the start. You are just the kind of girl every mom dreams about for her son. I knew that for sure the night I overheard you and Taylor reading scripture together on the phone as I passed his room all those years ago. You have always invited Christ along in your relationship. He has and will bless that in your life and it will continue in your marriage.

I always thought I would have a daughter. Now I know that is you. And just like my sons, I have prayed for you. In the Hawkins’ family, there is a long line of boys only. I’m so glad you are joining me as a Hawkins woman. Hawkins women are special. We come from a long line of awesome Mother-in-laws too. I plan on being a great one to you just as mine is to me.

You are a rare and precious godly woman, Reid. Your eyes have become Taylor’s peace and your heart has become his home. Scott and I have raised him to forever cherish the gift of you and your love, to understand your value, to honor and respect you, to love you as Christ loves the Church. You will make a great wife for our son. You build each other up, support each other, care about each other. In just three short weeks, he will make his forever promise to you as you will promise your life to him.

And on that day, the wedding party will enter, the stage will be set. All eyes will turn to you as you enter the church, cued by the music. I will recognize that cue too as my time to step aside. You and Taylor will step out to build your life together. It is just as it should be, as God planned it. We thank God for the blessing of your becoming a precious part of our family. We thank Him for this new time of life, to make new memories, to drink His bountiful blessings in this way as our family grows. And in that moment, you will forever become our daughter.

For now, I am off to meet you for your final wedding dress fitting. Thank you for loving me as I love you, Reid.

Love, Your New Mom, Sharon

Dear Lord: Thank You for the gift of marriage and for sending Reid to become Taylor’s wife. Please grant them happiness and contentment as they establish their new home, create a new family and explore the depths of their love for one another and for you. Bless their home as a place of peace and love. When challenges come, help them to always remember the love that brings them to the church on their wedding day. Amen

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Ephesians 5:25

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. Genesis 2:24

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

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