TAMI
(I PROPOSED IN SIX DAYS)

In August of 1987, five years after my accident, I was living in a house with a personal aide. I was getting out, going to church, and trying to make my life as normal as it could be. I was always hopeful for some female companionship but each relationship would always conspicuously stop when it reached a certain level.

I had a cousin who lived in a neighboring state with whom I could share anything. I felt I needed someone to talk to, so I gave her a call intending to invite her down for a visit. I dialed the number, listened patiently as the phone rang, then... "Hello." It was the voice of an angel. I asked if my cousin was there to which she repied that she wasn't. When I asked who this was, she informed me she was her roommate. Longing to hear more of this sugar sweet voice, I struck up a conversation with her. She knew about me, having heard my cousin talk about me, and seemed to have a similar interest in my story. After several minutes we hung up and I told her I'd try again later.

All that afternoon all I could think about was that voice. It was like a drug. I had to hear it again and soon. This was by far the friendliest person with whom I'd ever spoken. When evening came, I called again as I promised so I could talk to my cousin. At least that's what I said. The roommate answered and I felt relief, as though I'd once again been intoxicated. I asked to speak to my cousin, which I did for about five minutes. But I wasn't asking about her willingness to come visit. I had a new agenda. I wanted to know about her roommate. After our brief conversation, I spoke again to her roommate, this time for much longer.

I went to bed that night with a smile on my face. I don't remember sleeping. I was anticipating the morning because I told her I would call her early before she went to work. By the way, when I asked her what she did for a living, she told me she was an LPN (licensed practical nurse) currently working at a nursing home. This was too good to be true. So I called her that morning before breakfast and again on her lunch break and still again that night. That was a Saturday, and the pattern continued on Sunday. By Monday our conversation had become very serious. She surprised me that evening by telling me she thought she was falling in love with me.

Everything stopped. I asked her if she knew what she was saying. She said she did but I was wary, not wanting to risk when we met. Still, I couldn't deny myself that voice. I knew, at the very least, I would be calling her every day for the rest of my life. I began praying for direction like I never had before. Who is this person so full of kindness? All I knew was whenever we were finished talking, I wanted to call her right back. I had reasoned that, since she was a nurse, she would be familiar with my limitations and what my care would involve.

I had called her twice on Friday and three times a day from Saturday on. The following Thursday evening, six days after we'd met, I asked her to marry me over the phone -- sight unseen. We hadn't even exchanged photos. She heartily agreed and we were married two months later. She quit her job and moved away from her home town and state to live with and take care of me. That was October 1987. Two years later we decided to move back to her town and state. She had established friends here that would quickly become mine. Curiously enough, this is the area where my parents and grandparents were born and raised. It's as though my family has gone full circle and has come home again.

So this is what my life has become. When I broke my neck, I thought my life was over. As it turned out, it had only just begun.   In 2007, we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary.  I wrote this to celebrate that occasion.



“I'VE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH AN ANGEL”
for Tami
by Jeff Leslie  ©2007


Someone asked if I believe in angels
With wings and rings of gold around their hair
Are they living with the Father in the heavens
Where light and love and laughter fill the air?

Not only do I think they're living, lighting up the stars
I believe they're here, for one is capturing my heart

I've fallen in love with an angel
I'm sure she was sent from the Father to me
I've fallen in love with an angel
She must be a hint of what heaven will be

They say from age to age there is a saying
“On earth you may meet angels in disguise.”
For a long and lonely lifetime I have waited
Now it's true for here's one right before my eyes

How else can you explain the kind of love to me she brings
I'll help her with her coat, and one day find she's hiding wings

I've fallen in love with an angel
I'm sure she was sent from the Father to me
I've fallen in love with an angel
She must be a hint of what heaven will be

Believe me when I tell you
Life is more than meets the eye
For I've found with my sweet angel
Just a glimpse of Paradise.
Paradise!

I've fallen in love with an angel
I'm sure she was sent from the Father to me
I've fallen in love with an angel
She must be a hint of what heaven will be
Yes, a beautiful hint
Well, she must be a hint of what heaven will be

©2007 Jeff Leslie
All Rights Reserved

To access the song
I've Fallen In Love With An Angel.

This music to my lyric is written and performed by Ken Medema.
It is used with his permission.


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