A Marriage Deferred: A Personal Account of a Love Story That Was Scrapped
Have you ever had to call off your wedding? For Kimberly, that day came in 1984, when her fiancé, Mike, from Britain, had to move back to England due to his visa expiring. The couple was overwhelmed with excitement at the prospect of having two weddings, one in England and one in the US, but life had other plans.
From Engagement to Fully Loaded
During her engagement, Kimberly was studying at a community college and had just received an acceptance letter to George Mason University for a pre-med program. Thrilled at the prospect of becoming a doctor, Kimberly eagerly planned for a summer wedding, with the wedding dress being purchased in London.
What was supposed to be a happy evening with Mike and his family in a nice restaurant ended in a heated argument. Mike was appalled at the notion of his future wife pursuing higher education, let alone medicine. Mike’s parents supported him, with Kimberly’s mother gently but firmly removing her from the situation and taking her home.
Parting Ways and a New Journey
The following month, Kimberly journeyed around England with Mrs. L, slowly healing from the hurt and disappointment. Her mother-in-law made it clear that they were disapproving of Mike’s stance. When Mike brought Kimberly’s belongings back to their home, the final decision was made. Kimberly returned the engagement ring, and her mother-in-law and she parted ways, never to see each other again.
The Road to Realization
While Kimberly never made it to medical school, she eventually found a partner who supported her dreams rather than hindered them. Her second marriage, 13 years later, taught her the importance of a partner who only encouraged her to be her best self. Despite this, Kimberly regrets that she missed out on the experience of having Mike as an in-law, as she believes they could have been proud of her accomplishments.
In the end, this experience taught Kimberly that sometimes, the journey to a successful marriage involves more than just love and understanding; it also requires respect for life choices and personal values. Her story is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.