God made us all unique, which can be interesting at times, so I decided to share some amusing facts about our marriage. Maybe it will allow you to laugh or to say, “I can’t believe that”!
Relationship
• I met Steve on April 2nd, but he met me Mar. 8th. How’s that? Well, he knew my name and spoke to me in March without introducing himself. With my poor vision, I had no idea the man I met in April was the same one, until much later when he began harassing me about knowing me longer.
• Steve built my house. Yep. We met after I went on disability and decided to have a house built. I hired a contractor who hired Steve and his brother. He claims he fell in love with the homeowner, but I suspect he just wanted a new place to live. (just kidding if you are a first-time reader)
- 80% of couples who build or remodel extensively, end up in divorce. Not only did Steve build my original house, but we moved to another he gutted and added on to. Twenty years later he built me a cozy cottage in the country, and that is hidden inside a warehouse. We’re still happily married by the way.
- All my life, I wanted to get married on my birthday, like my parents did. Instead, I married someone with the same birthday. Convenient, huh? We like it!
- Our birthdays might be on the same day, but we have two anniversaries. Yes, we have two days to celebrate for we married on August 6th, but an error was made on our marriage license, stating we wed August 7th. At least my husband has two chances to remember.
- People often believe we’re romantics as they hear me publicly calling, “Romeo” to which he responds, “Juliet.” What they don’t know is he got that nickname because with ADHD, he has a habit of disappearing. You know, he’d R-O-A-M, thus the name “Roameo”. It’s code for you forgot to tell your blind wife where you went.” It works 100% of the time.
- One of many reasons I admire my sweetheart is because of his ability to carry a child while filling two plates of food at a buffet, while simultaneously leading me. In my books, that’s talent!
Church
• Pastoring over twenty years now, neither of us dreamed of doing so when married. Steve thought he’d be a Christian comedian or a constitutional lawyer and possibly have a ministry for Mexicans. Being blind, I didn’t believe I could be a pastor’s wife. Both of us definitely knew when he called us to pastor, and quickly learned He would equip us. Good thing God prefers availability over ability.
• A useless hidden talent I discovered – I can recognize people in my church by their coughs, sneezes, belches, hiccups, the way they clear their throats, and walk. Watch out!
• Steve can read lips while preaching, as well as having a very good memory. Just ask him where certain items are and regardless of his location, he can tell you. (I think they call it photographic memory)
- Part of the worship team, I play the flute and Steve the guitar. What most don’t know is I went twelve years without playing at all and God taught me to play by ear when all vision dissipated. Steve only had eight guitar lessons, and all after age forty.
• We rely on each other for playing. While I play by ear, I match notes to Steve’s voice as he sings. And he listens to me for timing. Can’t keep a beat without ME. That gives new meaning to being one.
- Our church became the talk of the town after Steve was interrupted during an evening service and a man pulled a gun on him without our knowing what was happening. Grabbing the gun by its barrel, the man fled with Steve pursuing. Do you believe in guardian angels?
Strange, but True
• We drove a car for 4 years before learning we didn’t own it. Yep, wrong vehicle identification number (VIN).
• In Kansas, they informed us a blind person cannot own a car so my name couldn’t be on the next title. The law changed by the purchase of our next vehicle so we requested both names be listed on the title, only to learn of another mistake. In this house, the blind, non-licensed driver is the sole owner of our vehicle. Figure that one out.
- Steve covered my body outside the outer wall of our church as a tornado carried us about ten feet and gently laid us down on the concrete parking lot. No scrapes or bruises “Look Ma, no hands”!
- Steve drove through sunshine, rain, sleet, snow, and hail in less than an hour of travel one spring. What a record!
• Growing up, Steve and I both witnessed miracles and personally experienced them. Together, we have been honored to witness and experience over 90 miracles of healing, provision, protection, and even a couple brought back to life. I plan on writing a miracle book series in the future.
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© 2023, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
Jena, I had no idea you and Steve have been so blessed. Thank you for sharing
You are truly a remarkable couple and we are honored to know you. Ken and I have often said it was worth moving to OK for a year just to have the privilege of meeting you both and becoming friends.