In 2009, my niece Tonya and two of her high school friends were sitting in Dave and Buster’s parking lot discussing why they had not met that special someone when James came up with the idea of writing a letter describing their future husbands. Tonya’s letter described in detail the type of husband she wanted when she married. On June 15 at 5:30 p.m., Tonya Draper became Mrs. Mark Wilson. Here is the letter she read to her husband, Mark.

To my future husband, So, if this letter is being read to you, then that means it’s our wedding day, even though as I write this I have no idea who you are because we haven’t met yet. I know this sounds a little strange, OK, maybe a lot strange, but let me explain. In 2009 I was in the parking lot of Dave and Busters with two friends that I went to high school with by the names of James and Nneka and we were talking about our quest to find that one true love. It was then that James came up with the idea that we should write a letter to our future husbands. The letter described the type of man that he would be, so in short here it is. It’s May 2011, two years later, and I am actually sitting and writing this letter.  

Why now you ask? Well it’s my birthday month and in about a week I will be going to doctor with my best friend Nikki (I can’t wait for you to meet her. She’s awesome). Anyway, I am really excited about this trip.  

I go away every year for my birthday, but this is the first one that she and I will be going on for my birthday, and while I am excited about this, I can’t help but think what it would be like to share my birthday with you.  

You see, when I think about the person that I want to spend the rest of my life with, I think about someone that is loving, kind, affectionate, family-oriented, funny, having strong work ethic and fun to be around. Oh, and likes to play video games (anyone who knows me knows I love a good video game).

So, as I sit here and think of you, I wonder where you are, what are you doing  and how are you being prepared to be my lifetime partner and soul mate.  

I am trying to be patient for I know you will be well worth the wait, but I must admit it’s not always easy. I get lonely, frustrated and wonder what is taking you so long to find me.  

But no more because if I am reading this letter to you and it has all came down to this moment right here right now, you have arrived prepared, ready and willing and I have had a dream fulfilled.  

You are no longer my future husband, but you are my husband and you are everything I have dreamed of and more.  

Know that as we start this life together, I will never forget the moments I waited for you or take for granted the moments you have given me.

Love,

Your wife

On June 15, Ms. Tonya Draper became Mrs. Mark Wilson, witnessed by 250 or more guests as she read her letter to her husband, Mark.

It goes to show us that anything worth having is worth waiting for and that dreams do come true.

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Wilson.

Mary Simmons is a columnist for The K-V Dispatch. She can be reached at ABoxofLoveKVD@gmail.com.