Penny, I know you don’t want me to tell this story… but this is where our adventure started with me. And this blog is all about stories & life. And well, you are a big part of mine.
It was 7th grade, the year I wore my first Tommy shirt, the year I didn’t know quite how to use a curling iron so sometimes my bangs were curled with a crimp in it, the year my sister Jolie moved back home, and the year I met Penny Evans.
I was at Jolie’s apartment in Madison probably getting ready to watch Titanic because my mom wouldn’t let me watch it at home… and in walked Penny. She was wearing a silver string bikini (she now claims it wasn’t silver, but in my 7th grade mind, it was shiny and glowed). I knew that is who I wanted to be. She had long curly hair, and walked so straight and confident she must have something holding her up. I knew there was something about her that was different than anything I knew.
The moment I truly fell in love with Penny Evans was when she took me to school one morning, I had spent the night with my sister, and my school was on the way to work for Penny. Without me saying a word, she pulled into Krispy Kreme Donuts and bought my breakfast. I knew then we must be soul mates. ;)
Penny taught school at our high school, so I had to get use to calling her Mrs. Evans. She taught Spanish & had the reputation most good teachers have… she is tough & doesn’t take any crap…. she also lives to the beat of her own drum, so she always kind of stood out from the crowd… I loved this about her. Although, I never had her for Spanish class, she put me on her yearbook team & that is where it really started for me.
Who wants to go take photos of the football team? Who wants to take photos of the choir show? Who wants to document the lifestyle of students whose parents are teachers…. oh, yes, Penny, I went there… haha. Wow.
Just so you know, never try to give credit to students whose parent’s are teachers, their parents act like you have put a throne of death on their kids head & gave them leprosy. Well, I feel better now that I got to say that to all of them 7 years later… haha… stop being dramatic parents. Calm down. It is ok.
Anyways, back to yearbook staff. I got to draw layouts & take photos for 3 years. She put the camera in my hand.
Honestly, I was pr0bably crap at the time… but I loved it. Every single minute. When we went to pick up our film, I always grabbed it… first to flip through each photo… I couldn’t wait to see the pictures. I had found something I loved.
Penny did more than that for me though, she taught me it was ok to be different, she talked about the world in a way that was such an adventure… Spain wasn’t really that far away. She made me want to travel and see and do. I don’t know if I have ever had anyone outside of my blood family that has motivated & encouraged & pushed me off my tail like Penny has. In fact, she was the very first person I hugged at my wedding after Wes told me we would go to Italy, I remember making me feel like she was so proud. I will never forget that.
I would tell her all the time, she is the kind of teacher that didn’t just teach students, but was changing their lives… but she wanted more than that…. Penny was looking for her love.
This wasn’t an easy road, it wasn’t a peaceful road, I know it was hard & at sometimes down right depressing… dates with losers… I mean real losers, and she would just say, I know what I want. I know what I want. I know he exists.
And he does.
Penny met Matt last year, and they hit it off immediately. She told me.. this is it.
To hear her say that was like a dream. I couldn’t really believe it. Penny has met the one whom her heart desires. People… this is HUGE!
Their road has not been what some would say is picturesque… but it has gotten them to this day. THIS day. To the day where they both are 100% sure there is no one else they want to spend eternity with. What an amazing feeling. I wish every single couple felt this love. I wish every couple had to fight for what they want so they know in the end it is worth it & nothing can destroy them. Penny & Matt looked at each other at 10am on a Saturday morning and vowed to be faithful and true to each other always. They said it to each other through giggles and smiles. I know it is because they are so amazed at the journey they have been in to get here.
Penny, I guess this was my chance to tell you. To tell you that you changed my life. You influenced me more than most people ever influence anyone they ever meet. Thank you for being who you are. Thank you for walking tall and fast. Thank you for showing me that literally anything is possible with determination and work.
I am so happy for you I can’t even express it.
Matt, you have found gold. You have found a woman who will be loyal to you until the very end. She will always always have your back.. and protect you like she is protecting herself. And in the same way, she will cheer you on like you just won a match against 1,000 men. Man, I am happy for you. I know that you deserve her just as much as she deserves you.
Congratulations to you both. Love.
Penny had custom made shoes for her wedding. Love.
This was my spanish teacher. LOVE LOVE! Oh, Mrs. Jackson. I love you. 
And Penny talking to my best friend from high school & his love… hopefully they are a blog to come… and hopefully sooner than later… I like this girl ;)
Penny I can’t imaging how bad your face hurt after this day from smiling.
Be Happy and Love each other.
T
Maggie bea’s bridal photos we took on this day, blew me away. Literally to tears at one point. I just couldn’t decide between them. I am sure Timmy doesn’t mind a few extra ;)
