Then Greg became seriously ill with Covid-19, and any hesitation evaporated. Susan remembers praying, thanking God for the seven weeks He’d given them together. What a priceless gift. Greg found himself thinking that maybe it was his time to go. And then the doctor asked him what he wanted to see when he got out of the hospital—and Greg instantly thought of Susan. What did he want to do? Simplifying his life and focusing on what was most important came to mind—and again, Susan. Once he made it home, they sat on the swing outside his house and talked, the conversation more serious than before. He showed her a ring he’d bought and began discussing forever, asking her if she’d consider sharing it with him. She loves how he talks and listens to her, she’s told me. And when they were falling in love, how she could see her faith and the work she does for the Lord continuing to grow with Greg. As a couple, they’d make an even bigger impact, and they discussed that a lot. Merging their sprawling families would be key, and difficult at first. To begin with, Susan would have to move away from her girls in Greenville. Yet gathering all the parts of their lives together and building a new one would create room for even greater blessings. It was clear they were being led to believe that. Their first marriages had been filled with the perfect peace loving the right person, created just for them. That intimacy of sharing a life, becoming one, was possible again. So, was it a risk they’d be taking, committing to each other—or a step forward in faith? I’m sure you’ve guessed that Greg and Susan did decide to marry— on February, 6th of this year, at the Gassaway Mansion in Greenville. They’re now settling into Rabun County, anxious to see what God has in store for them. They’re exactly where they’d never dreamed they’d be again, and it’s an inspiration. Some would call their story a miracle. I suspect Greg and Susan would say their love was simply meant to be. And from this new beginning, I’m learning to stop overthinking my unexpected blessings. To put less stock in how life is “supposed” to turn out. To be more open to opportunities beyond my plans. Especially when the possibilities seem too good to be true…
Anna DeStefano lives in Clarkesville, GA, with her husband of over thirty years. She’s the nationally best-selling author of twenty-seven southern-set novels. An award-winning fine-art photographer, she’s roamed North Georgia and beyond for years, eager to share nature’s healing magic through her Affirmation Photography™. Explore Anna’s Heart Open blog and uplifting images at www.affirmationphotography.com. View pieces from her latest collections at Timpson Creek Gallery in Clayton, GA.
82 www.gmlaurel.com - July 2021
