From the journal of Kendra Marie Henderson
October 24, 2005
The next morning I woke up and drove to Justin’s. We went to the paint store and bought some gray primer and red paint to start painting what will one day be our bedroom at the farm. Connie met us at the house and the three of us began painting the walls. At first I was getting in trouble for not being serious. Justin and I had the rollers and Connie was painting the trim. Justin had to leave to go to work at Gibson’s at about 1:00 and so Connie and I stayed and finished painting the trim with primer. I had to get up on the ladder because it was very wobbly and Connie was too scared. When we finished, we went through the McDonalds drive-thru and got lunch and then went back to the farm to eat. Connie had to leave because her and Don were going to Kyler’s soccer game. I went home, studied my Sunday School lesson and then got cleaned up a little bit. People were calling me to see if we were engaged. Everyone had assumed that those were Justin’s intentions when he took me to Patti’s. Everyone was shocked when I told them we weren’t engaged. Kacie made the comment, “He’ll probably do something stupid and propose to you tonight since everyone thought that he was going to last night.”
Justin came and picked me up at 6:15. I had on a pair of blue jeans that were about six years old. They had a big hole right in the crotch of them and I was wearing a pink Lamb’s Market t-shirt and a really old pink fleece pullover. I also had on my oldest pair of tennis shoes and my hair was pulled back in a messy pony tail because we were just going back to the farm to paint. First we had to go back to Justin’s house so that he could change his clothes into something to paint in. Connie and Don were supposed to go help us paint, and they told me as we were leaving that they would be there as soon as they were finished eating supper. They walked us to the door and lingered there a little longer than they usually do. I was bouncing and jumping and really wound up. Everyone was laughing at me, and now I know why.
We drove out to the farm, and as we walked to the back door, I realized the paint brushes weren’t where Connie and I had left them. I asked Justin if his mom had taken them inside. He told me that he didn’t know, and then headed to the bathroom. Determined to find the paint brushes, I walked back to the bedroom. When I walked in, the first thing I saw was a big bouquet of red and white balloons tied to a chair. I reached to turn on the light, and then I noticed that in red paint on the wall, Justin had painted, “I love you Kendra” really big. Still oblivious to what was going on, I walked back out to the bathroom and started talking to Justin through the door. I told him how sweet he was and then I started to not like the fact that I was in that house by myself, so I asked him what was taking so long and what he was doing in there. He told me that he wanted to show me his Halloween costume, and to go back to the bedroom.
I walked back into the bedroom and started trying to pick up the mess that we had made earlier a little bit. I started getting cold, so I shut the window and then I sat down on the couch and waited for Justin. A few minutes later, he walked in wearing a knight costume- just like the yellow knight at Medieval Times. He was adorable, my knight in shining armor. I couldn’t help myself. I had to laugh. He’s just so funny. I walked out of the room and when he asked me where I was going, I told him that I had to go get my camera. I realized shortly that my camera batteries were almost completely dead. I made Justin stand beside the wall that he had painted on while I took a picture of him. Then I made him flex his muscles for me as I took another picture. My camera died and I laid it down on the table beside me.
Justin started walking toward me and he said, “Are you sure?”
Starting to get a little aggravated with that question, I said “Yes.”
“But I’m rough with you, and I tickle you a lot, and I’m mean sometimes…”
“Justin, I know…” I said.
Then he took a step back and dropped to his knee. He held out the most beautiful ring that I had ever seen and said the most beautiful words ever spoken, “I love you Kendra. Will you marry me?”
Tears were streaming down my face. “Yes, Yes, Yes.” A million times yes. He stood up and hugged me and then through tears I said, “I don’t want to paint tonight.” He laughed and asked me why not.
Justin took a pair of scissors and cut two balloons from the bouquet. He took my hand and led me outside, where he let go of the balloons and we watched them fly away, out of our sight.
We left the farm and drove back to Justin’s. Now I realized why there were laughing at me and why they had watched us leave with those big smiles on their faces. Justin still had his knight costume on. We walked through Connie’s garage door and then Justin told me to wait behind the 2nd door. He said, “They’re nosy. They’ll come to the door in a second.” Within seconds we could see Don and Connie’s heads trying to see through the door as they walked toward us. Connie opened the door and screamed because Justin scared her in his costume. Connie took pictures of us and we all just kind of laughed together for a while because we were so happy. Justin took his costume off and we headed to my house.
When we walked in, Mom asked me what we were doing back so early. I held out my hand and Mom screamed. She threw her hands over her mouth and then she told me to go wake Mamaw up. I walked into their bedroom and shook Gravel. I held my hand out to her and she said, “OOOhhh. That’s pretty. I thought you were going to get it last night…” Obviously her along with everyone else. I walked over to Papaw’s bed and told him that I had gotten an engagement ring. He said, “You did? Well, what else are you going to get?” We all laughed. I called Kacie and told her that she was right. That made her happy.
Next, we went to Teresa’s house. When she opened the door, she screamed. She didn’t even see the ring, she could just tell by looking at my face. Will told us that he wanted to be the ring bear. We talked with Teresa, Tony, Will and Anna Grace for a little while and then we went by Sally and Rob’s. Sally was very happy because she was one of those that was disappointed that I didn’t get it the night before. I got back in the car and text messaged all the girls. I got to talk to my Ber for a few minutes. Then I called Bro. Wayne. He was excited. I called Judy and I called Sherri. Sherri screamed really loud too. Next, I called Machelle. Machelle cried. I text messaged Dad and Mammy, and then we went by Justin’s Granny’s house but she wasn’t home.
We went back to Justin’s. I was floating on Cloud Nine. God had given me the best gift possible and I was so ready to spend the rest of my life with this perfect gift. Connie told me that the only thing that was sparkling more than the ring on my finger was my eyes. I felt like the most beautiful, most loved girl in the world. It was like I was living a dream… and I didn’t want to ever wake up. My fiancé drove me home. Tiffany called and congratulated us. I talked to her for a little while and then I fell asleep before Justin left. He woke me up when it was time for him to leave and kissed me and told me that he loved me- and I couldn’t go back to sleep. I had too much thinking to do.
Sunday morning, I woke up and thanked God for the night before and the day ahead before my feet ever hit the floor. I danced down the hallway and sang at the top of my lungs in the shower. I called Gina, Heather and Vanessa. I wanted to tell everyone. I couldn’t wait to go to church! Rex was the first person that I saw as I walked through the door. He already knew because of Kelsie. I walked into the sanctuary to lay my stuff down for Sunday School. Mrs. Marianna met me and asked to see my ring. She asked me if I was going to be able to get down off of the ceiling to teach. I told her that I couldn’t even remember what the lesson was about. I walked back out and went to find Mrs. Kathaleen. She was excited for us because she knows how much I love Justin. I talked to Bro. Wayne and told him the whole story and then I walked back out to my Sunday School class. Jill walked in the door and I met her halfway. She took my hand and it just started shaking. Jill started crying as she was telling me that we weren’t supposed to be old enough to be getting married. She made me cry, but I had to regain my composure because it was time to start my lesson. I took the prayer requests and then I apologized in advance for not making much sense this morning. I told the little ladies that I had studied hard but that something had happened the night before and that I couldn’t exactly remember what I had studied. Then I held up my hand and said, “I got a ring last night!” They were so happy! They made me show each of them my ring before I could start my lesson. Mrs. Marie led us in prayer before we got started and she prayed for me and Justin as we begin our lives together. It was the sweetest prayer. I made it through my lesson and then I walked down to the nursery so I could show Mrs. Dawn. She squealed. Amy Mills was in there too and before long I had drawn a crowd. Lisa Jones, Sherri Ivey and Sue Copeland all stood at the door and listened to my story.
I walked back out to the sanctuary for church and Kelsie and Linsey met me at the door. Before long people were walking over to my pew to see my ring. Everyone was so happy for us. After the invitation, Bro. Wayne announced to the church that some hairy-legged young man had come along and decided that he wanted to marry me. Everyone laughed. He told them that he couldn’t have chosen a better man for me to be with and that he was certain that God would bless our marriage. Bobby Rogers interrupted with, “I want to talk to this boy!”
Church ended and I was swarmed. Everyone wanted to talk to me, hug me and see this ring. I once again felt like the most loved person in the world. I told Sherri and Lisa Meadows the story of how he proposed to me. Sherri tried not to cry… I left church, went home and changed clothes and then headed to Justin’s for lunch. I couldn’t wait to see him- my fiancé.
When I got to Justin’s everyone was ready to eat. Jonathan, Angie and Kyler were there. Angie wanted to see my ring and the pictures from the night before. Jonathan asked us if we wanted him to marry us. We finished lunch and then we went by Bonnie’s to talk to her and Bridgette for a few minutes. We had to go by the farm and get the clothes hangers to take Justin’s rented knight costume back to Creatures of Habit in Paducah. We went by Machelle and David’s before we went to Paducah. Once again, Machelle cried. Bro. David told Justin that he wouldn’t have ever dreamed when he was sitting in class with him at Mid-Continent that he would be marrying their little Kendra.
I went with Justin to New Hope Sunday night. I was a little more shy about telling people there because I don’t really know many people, but my shyness didn’t last long because Connie drug me around by my arm and showed my ring off to everyone. Mae Cope made the comment that I had gotten a prize. I already knew that. Justin Thorpe Mason is the best prize that God could ever give someone. And He had chosen to give him to me…
Justin played basketball after church and I went to Los Pinos with Don, Connie, Susie, Chad, Mallory and Austin. Chad said, “Kendra’s going to be my niece.” That’s funny to think about when I think back and remember being at their house about every weekend growing up with Kelly Jo. I could not choose a better man to love and marry, a better mother-in-law and father-in-law, or a better family to marry into.
I can’t stop smiling. It’s been about 43 hours since my knight in shining armor got down on his knee and asked me to be his wife. His wife. HIS WIFE. I feel like my feet haven’t touched the floor. Everyday Justin seems to make my dreams come true. This weekend has been absolutely amazing, every single moment of it. I am so in love, and although I have tried to put this experience into words, there really are no words that can do this justice. It’s just a feeling in my heart. Every time I look down at my left hand, I’m overcome with joy and I have to choke back tears. THIS IS REAL! I’m getting married and I have the most wonderful man in the world that wants to spend his life with ME. What more could I ask for? I thank God for this weekend. I thank God for Justin. I thank God for the love that we share. I absolutely cannot wait to be Mrs. Kendra Marie Mason. Love is a beautiful thing and I could not ask for more.
Justin Thorpe Mason is the prize that God was waiting to give me… Thank You Lord.
Justin came and picked me up at 6:15. I had on a pair of blue jeans that were about six years old. They had a big hole right in the crotch of them and I was wearing a pink Lamb’s Market t-shirt and a really old pink fleece pullover. I also had on my oldest pair of tennis shoes and my hair was pulled back in a messy pony tail because we were just going back to the farm to paint. First we had to go back to Justin’s house so that he could change his clothes into something to paint in. Connie and Don were supposed to go help us paint, and they told me as we were leaving that they would be there as soon as they were finished eating supper. They walked us to the door and lingered there a little longer than they usually do. I was bouncing and jumping and really wound up. Everyone was laughing at me, and now I know why.
We drove out to the farm, and as we walked to the back door, I realized the paint brushes weren’t where Connie and I had left them. I asked Justin if his mom had taken them inside. He told me that he didn’t know, and then headed to the bathroom. Determined to find the paint brushes, I walked back to the bedroom. When I walked in, the first thing I saw was a big bouquet of red and white balloons tied to a chair. I reached to turn on the light, and then I noticed that in red paint on the wall, Justin had painted, “I love you Kendra” really big. Still oblivious to what was going on, I walked back out to the bathroom and started talking to Justin through the door. I told him how sweet he was and then I started to not like the fact that I was in that house by myself, so I asked him what was taking so long and what he was doing in there. He told me that he wanted to show me his Halloween costume, and to go back to the bedroom.
I walked back into the bedroom and started trying to pick up the mess that we had made earlier a little bit. I started getting cold, so I shut the window and then I sat down on the couch and waited for Justin. A few minutes later, he walked in wearing a knight costume- just like the yellow knight at Medieval Times. He was adorable, my knight in shining armor. I couldn’t help myself. I had to laugh. He’s just so funny. I walked out of the room and when he asked me where I was going, I told him that I had to go get my camera. I realized shortly that my camera batteries were almost completely dead. I made Justin stand beside the wall that he had painted on while I took a picture of him. Then I made him flex his muscles for me as I took another picture. My camera died and I laid it down on the table beside me.
Justin started walking toward me and he said, “Are you sure?”
Starting to get a little aggravated with that question, I said “Yes.”
“But I’m rough with you, and I tickle you a lot, and I’m mean sometimes…”
“Justin, I know…” I said.
Then he took a step back and dropped to his knee. He held out the most beautiful ring that I had ever seen and said the most beautiful words ever spoken, “I love you Kendra. Will you marry me?”
Tears were streaming down my face. “Yes, Yes, Yes.” A million times yes. He stood up and hugged me and then through tears I said, “I don’t want to paint tonight.” He laughed and asked me why not.
Justin took a pair of scissors and cut two balloons from the bouquet. He took my hand and led me outside, where he let go of the balloons and we watched them fly away, out of our sight.
We left the farm and drove back to Justin’s. Now I realized why there were laughing at me and why they had watched us leave with those big smiles on their faces. Justin still had his knight costume on. We walked through Connie’s garage door and then Justin told me to wait behind the 2nd door. He said, “They’re nosy. They’ll come to the door in a second.” Within seconds we could see Don and Connie’s heads trying to see through the door as they walked toward us. Connie opened the door and screamed because Justin scared her in his costume. Connie took pictures of us and we all just kind of laughed together for a while because we were so happy. Justin took his costume off and we headed to my house.
When we walked in, Mom asked me what we were doing back so early. I held out my hand and Mom screamed. She threw her hands over her mouth and then she told me to go wake Mamaw up. I walked into their bedroom and shook Gravel. I held my hand out to her and she said, “OOOhhh. That’s pretty. I thought you were going to get it last night…” Obviously her along with everyone else. I walked over to Papaw’s bed and told him that I had gotten an engagement ring. He said, “You did? Well, what else are you going to get?” We all laughed. I called Kacie and told her that she was right. That made her happy.
Next, we went to Teresa’s house. When she opened the door, she screamed. She didn’t even see the ring, she could just tell by looking at my face. Will told us that he wanted to be the ring bear. We talked with Teresa, Tony, Will and Anna Grace for a little while and then we went by Sally and Rob’s. Sally was very happy because she was one of those that was disappointed that I didn’t get it the night before. I got back in the car and text messaged all the girls. I got to talk to my Ber for a few minutes. Then I called Bro. Wayne. He was excited. I called Judy and I called Sherri. Sherri screamed really loud too. Next, I called Machelle. Machelle cried. I text messaged Dad and Mammy, and then we went by Justin’s Granny’s house but she wasn’t home.
We went back to Justin’s. I was floating on Cloud Nine. God had given me the best gift possible and I was so ready to spend the rest of my life with this perfect gift. Connie told me that the only thing that was sparkling more than the ring on my finger was my eyes. I felt like the most beautiful, most loved girl in the world. It was like I was living a dream… and I didn’t want to ever wake up. My fiancé drove me home. Tiffany called and congratulated us. I talked to her for a little while and then I fell asleep before Justin left. He woke me up when it was time for him to leave and kissed me and told me that he loved me- and I couldn’t go back to sleep. I had too much thinking to do.
Sunday morning, I woke up and thanked God for the night before and the day ahead before my feet ever hit the floor. I danced down the hallway and sang at the top of my lungs in the shower. I called Gina, Heather and Vanessa. I wanted to tell everyone. I couldn’t wait to go to church! Rex was the first person that I saw as I walked through the door. He already knew because of Kelsie. I walked into the sanctuary to lay my stuff down for Sunday School. Mrs. Marianna met me and asked to see my ring. She asked me if I was going to be able to get down off of the ceiling to teach. I told her that I couldn’t even remember what the lesson was about. I walked back out and went to find Mrs. Kathaleen. She was excited for us because she knows how much I love Justin. I talked to Bro. Wayne and told him the whole story and then I walked back out to my Sunday School class. Jill walked in the door and I met her halfway. She took my hand and it just started shaking. Jill started crying as she was telling me that we weren’t supposed to be old enough to be getting married. She made me cry, but I had to regain my composure because it was time to start my lesson. I took the prayer requests and then I apologized in advance for not making much sense this morning. I told the little ladies that I had studied hard but that something had happened the night before and that I couldn’t exactly remember what I had studied. Then I held up my hand and said, “I got a ring last night!” They were so happy! They made me show each of them my ring before I could start my lesson. Mrs. Marie led us in prayer before we got started and she prayed for me and Justin as we begin our lives together. It was the sweetest prayer. I made it through my lesson and then I walked down to the nursery so I could show Mrs. Dawn. She squealed. Amy Mills was in there too and before long I had drawn a crowd. Lisa Jones, Sherri Ivey and Sue Copeland all stood at the door and listened to my story.
I walked back out to the sanctuary for church and Kelsie and Linsey met me at the door. Before long people were walking over to my pew to see my ring. Everyone was so happy for us. After the invitation, Bro. Wayne announced to the church that some hairy-legged young man had come along and decided that he wanted to marry me. Everyone laughed. He told them that he couldn’t have chosen a better man for me to be with and that he was certain that God would bless our marriage. Bobby Rogers interrupted with, “I want to talk to this boy!”
Church ended and I was swarmed. Everyone wanted to talk to me, hug me and see this ring. I once again felt like the most loved person in the world. I told Sherri and Lisa Meadows the story of how he proposed to me. Sherri tried not to cry… I left church, went home and changed clothes and then headed to Justin’s for lunch. I couldn’t wait to see him- my fiancé.
When I got to Justin’s everyone was ready to eat. Jonathan, Angie and Kyler were there. Angie wanted to see my ring and the pictures from the night before. Jonathan asked us if we wanted him to marry us. We finished lunch and then we went by Bonnie’s to talk to her and Bridgette for a few minutes. We had to go by the farm and get the clothes hangers to take Justin’s rented knight costume back to Creatures of Habit in Paducah. We went by Machelle and David’s before we went to Paducah. Once again, Machelle cried. Bro. David told Justin that he wouldn’t have ever dreamed when he was sitting in class with him at Mid-Continent that he would be marrying their little Kendra.
I went with Justin to New Hope Sunday night. I was a little more shy about telling people there because I don’t really know many people, but my shyness didn’t last long because Connie drug me around by my arm and showed my ring off to everyone. Mae Cope made the comment that I had gotten a prize. I already knew that. Justin Thorpe Mason is the best prize that God could ever give someone. And He had chosen to give him to me…
Justin played basketball after church and I went to Los Pinos with Don, Connie, Susie, Chad, Mallory and Austin. Chad said, “Kendra’s going to be my niece.” That’s funny to think about when I think back and remember being at their house about every weekend growing up with Kelly Jo. I could not choose a better man to love and marry, a better mother-in-law and father-in-law, or a better family to marry into.
I can’t stop smiling. It’s been about 43 hours since my knight in shining armor got down on his knee and asked me to be his wife. His wife. HIS WIFE. I feel like my feet haven’t touched the floor. Everyday Justin seems to make my dreams come true. This weekend has been absolutely amazing, every single moment of it. I am so in love, and although I have tried to put this experience into words, there really are no words that can do this justice. It’s just a feeling in my heart. Every time I look down at my left hand, I’m overcome with joy and I have to choke back tears. THIS IS REAL! I’m getting married and I have the most wonderful man in the world that wants to spend his life with ME. What more could I ask for? I thank God for this weekend. I thank God for Justin. I thank God for the love that we share. I absolutely cannot wait to be Mrs. Kendra Marie Mason. Love is a beautiful thing and I could not ask for more.
Justin Thorpe Mason is the prize that God was waiting to give me… Thank You Lord.
_____________________________________________
Justin Thorpe,
It's been four years since you asked me to be your wife. If you asked me today, I'd still say yes. You're just as amazing to me today as you were then. And I still can't put into words how much I love you. I'm so glad I'm your wife. You're everything to me!
I LOVE YOU-
Kendra Marie
6 comments:
aww! that's so sweet!
It's a beautiful love story. You guys are truly blessed and God has so much in store for ya'll.
thanks girls...
Well, thanks for the tears Kendra!!! It's been over sixteen years and I still remember the day Keith asked me to marry him. We were such babies, but he proposed to me one Saturday morning at our church....me dressed in ratty sweat pants, a sweatshirt and hair all pulled back in a ponytail. I wouldn't take anything for it. I pray God continues to bless you and Justin more abundantly than you could ever imagine!!!
That is so precious :) I'm with Aims...it is a beautiful love story!
long, but worth reading. its sweet...man, i should start journaling.
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