The Love Of My Life
I have not written a lot of personal posts, so today I want to take the opportunity to introduce you to the love of my life. My husband Jim or as I call him "Schatzi", actually we call each other Schatzi. Schatzi is a German word and translates to sweetheart or darling.
We have been married now for almost 27 years and have raised two wonderful daughters into beautiful young ladies. Our pride and joy are our grandchildren Amanda & Austin.
I met my husband in Germany while he was stationed. To me it was "love at first sight" and I knew from the moment I met him I knew he was the one and only. Was there a language barrier? You bet it was but I was determine I would learn the language. I knew basis English from school because it as mandatory to learn English in school but I could hardly carry on a conversation. So if I stumbled on a word, I would open up my dictionary and tried to learn the language that way. But more importantly, it was my husband's patience. He did not made fun of my mistakes, in fact he helped me along the way.
My first trip to the United States was August 21, 1985 - it was also the day I immigrated. We landed in Philadelphia, PA and it was brutally hot that day as we came off the airplane and flew to our next destination Miami, FL for our vacation and spending and meeting his family for the first time. During our tour in Maryland, I gave birth to my daughter Patricia in Baltimore, MD. Maryland is such a beautiful state where we were able to tour the White House, Vietnam Memorial and various other sites in Washington, D.C. Short on funds raising two children, my husband at times worked two jobs so we could get on our feet after we were being told we owed the government money. When you work and your LES (leave and earning statement) states "no pay due" was quite devastating. The money that was taken was taken erroneously and my husband had to proof it and he did by keeping all the pertinent documents. My husband worked tirelessly so he could provide for his family.
After short three years we were heading back to Germany and stayed there for five years. In 1993 and close to my husband's military retirement we decided that we would move to Lakeland, FL and buy our first home while my husband would finish out his tour in Ft. Benning, GA. I stayed with our children in Lakeland and my husband traveled back and forth to Ft. Benning every weekend when he was able. During his tour in Ft. Benning he also had to go to Iraq for a few months. He served tirelessly just like everyone who served in the military and I'm so proud of him and his accomplishments during his duty and his retirement after 20 years.
In October 2006, my husband had a terrible work accident which left 30% of his body burned. After multiple skin craft surgeries, physical and occupational therapy, my husband's only wish was that he would be able to go back to work and does what he does best - being a mechanic. He went back to work after little over one year and his drive of being able to work.
His love and trust is the best thing a wife would want - You are the love of my Life.
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.
(863) 619-6918
