“Baby, this is East TN. That ain’t no big deal.” Those words will forever, affectionately resonate in my memory on this second, equally special anniversary date when Megan chose me a second time.
Megan and I were married in Jamaica on June 9, 2006. Unbeknownst to us, the U.S. had stopped recognizing marriages performed in foreign countries (at least Jamaica), at the beginning of 2006. A change resulting from 9/11. So many things changed.
After Megan had tried to have her driver’s license changed to reflect ‘Mullins,’ we learned that we were not recognized as being married in the U.S. So, off to the Knox County Courthouse we went to be married a second time.
While filling out our marriage license application, there was a question that asked, Mother’s Maiden Name. To which I replied ‘Mullins.’ Yes, my mother’s last name was Mullins and that led to a lifetime of asking my parents if they were sure they had not grow up in the same house. (A story for another day.).
The County Clerk reviewed my application and said, and I quote, “no baby, what was your momma’s last name before she got married?” I replied, ‘Mullins,’ and asked her if that explained why I am how I am? To which she replied, “baby, this is East TN. That ain’t no big deal!” Somewhere in the distance I heard a fiddle playing and someone yelling, ‘Ye Ye!’
We had chosen to have a Protestant Minister marry us at the Courthouse. We looked up and here he came. Moving slightly slower than a snail and if we cut him open his rings would have revealed an age between 90 and 150. Honorable, aged man. The first thing he did was grab Megan by the arm and for five minutes work to convince her that she was not married to me and was under no obligation to marry me as far as the U.S. was concerned. After 8-10 times of saying this to Megan, I looked at her and said “I am going to deck this old minister.” To which she laughed and he burst out laughing to. She chose me a second time that I will never forget and never forsake. And I often, affectionately think of that old minister who made this courthouse union so marvelous.
So after generously tipping the courthouse minister, we were off. An officially married couple in Jamaica, now recognized by the U.S., whose union had been presented to God twice and who had become one in His eyes.
Life is full of twists and turns. While in the moment they may be frustrating, they are the sugar in sweet tea, the topping on ice cream and the jell in jam that holds things together, bringing delight to life. Megan, I will marry you over and over again, wherever and whenever needed. Our journey has had challenges, off ramps, on ramps, highs and lows, but the joy of the journey cannot be overstated and the power of union never underestimated.
I love you, my courthouse wife. Thank you for choosing me twice.
We’re got this.