Grace and Love with a Mindset for Success by Tragena Owen

Our love story, in all it’s tragedy, triumph and beauty. A marriage with a mindset for success.

Hey guys, I have a special treat for you today. I asked my wife, Tragena Owen to write a post for me. This was inspired from watching the awesome example of Derek and Monique Alvarez working together as a team on Drive The Line.  I wanted to bring Tragena more into my business world, and strengthen our bond, by sharing a passion that is only rivaled by her, our children, and God. So she finally gave in and emailed me this post, (we are 250 miles apart). I was a little shocked that she wrote it as a letter to me for our anniversary, but I think you all will love the message on having a mindset for success.

So without further ado, please welcome Tragena Owen as an author on Chris Owen Academy

A new beginning

Six years ago today I peeked through the window to catch a glimpse of you from our dressing room in the church nursery. My heart leaped…and my mom snatched the curtain closed “you’re not suppose to see him yet!” It had been too long since we danced in the rain for hours on that dark mountain road. It had been two and a half months since I said “Yes, I will marry you and follow you anywhere.” And it had been just that long since we danced circles in the sand on the lake shore, wishing you didn’t have to leave early the next morning. Now you were here, finally. I peeked again as we stood in the back of the church. Through the tiny window I could see you standing there, waiting for me. The doors opened and the church was beautiful. Candle light danced across the stained glass and red carpet. At the altar we held hands and promised God we would take care of each other for all of our days.

We danced to “Grace and Love” by Kutless at our reception. “Many things in life are hard. Many things can pull us down. But by grace and love you’ve forgiven me. It’s by grace and love I am free.” I remember from the first time I heard that song, it was our story. When a girl meets her someday husband at thirteen, there’s bound to be a need for forgiveness along the way.

Army Wife

The two became one, with a solid foundation. A mindset for success, if you will. I believe it was God-given, for only He knew what was to come.

The honeymoon was over, and ironing those ridiculous uniforms began! A can of starch and a couple hours later, I was feeling success. Until you came home and showed me how it was really suppose to look. I remember getting in late one night and you had to have a haircut. I was shaking my head as you handed me the clippers. Know your strengths! Cutting hair is not mine! And you agreed the next morning, when your 1st Srgt called you out, “Owen! Don’t ever let your wife cut your hair again! Understood!” Ha. We made a lot of memories in a short time, before you left…

Unexpected News and a Goodbye

With the deployment on our minds, having a baby was not. That was until five pregnancy test confirmed “yep, you’re having a baby!” Exactly one week to the day, before you left for Iraq! Talk about timing!

Letting you go and watching you leave that night, was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. In the weeks ahead our email relationship began. With every printed e-love letter, we filled a huge three-ring binder. We grew closer and closer, while marriages around us fell apart. We had a fire, a burning desire to have everything God intended for us. A successful, loving, passionate life together.

He’ll Never Walk Again

Months were ticking by, and my belly was growing. I counted down the days ’til your return. As much as my heart longed to see you and touch you, I would never have wished for what came next. A short, simple email from your Sgt. “Just letting you know Chris pulled something while a few of the guys were lifting weights. He won’t be in contact for a while, but someone will call you with the details. Don’t worry.” I remember thinking “show off”.

And then the call from Red Cross came. I was confused. What do you mean, explosion?

The woman on the phone spilled out information about where you were and your current condition. What? How long will he be in Germany? When can I talk to him? Morphine? Strapped down? My heart had stopped, my face was numb. “I need to see my husband,” I pleaded. “When can I see him!” She was trying to prepare me for your return to the states. “Ma’am, he will be in a wheelchair…and he will probably never walk again.”

I remember driving to Ft. Gordon, with my parents following, to bring you home. You had never seen my pregnant belly. What if you thought I wasn’t pretty. Will he be different? “Help me God to take care of him and be what he needs me to be. Give me strength.” I looked around for you but didn’t see you sitting in the wheelchair with your back to me. As I walked closer I could hear the argument. “I’m not leaving here with this thing. I’ll walk out!”  It was so bittersweet. I had no right to be thrilled you were beside me. But the truth is, I was.

The days, months, and years ahead weren’t easy…for either of us. But with the same mindset for success, the same foundation we started with…we chose to press on. You are tough and so am I! And together, with God as our cornerstone, we could not fail!

Happy Anniversary

Today we celebrate six years of marriage. Six years of learning, growing, loving, be-friending, supporting, sharing, and overcoming every obstacle that has come our way! It’s by grace and love, with an enduring mindset for success, that we are where we are – together!

I love you,
Tragena

So there you have it guys. The side of the story only my wife could tell. And a great example of the writing skills of our new COA author, Tragena Owen. Stay tuned for more.

P.S. If you feel like you connect with us, and want more, sign up for the COA newsletter below. You will get an email each time a new post like this comes out, and you will be entered into the book of the month club. You get one free book download each month for free. Totally free, with no catch whatsoever.

P.S.S. If you like this post, share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to join in the conversation and leave a comment below welcoming Tragena Owen in her online debut.

Chris Owen

Chris Owen Academy