A Message From Karen F`s Other Half

I am the other half in Karen F.'s story. Our story sounds incredible, I agree. But, as anyone who knows us would tell you, Karen and I tend to lead incredible lives.

For over eight years now, I have served in the US Navy. Shortly after enlisting, I asked "What is the hardest thing I can do in the Navy?" The next five years of my life were spent trying to become a SEAL team member. I've endured pneumonia, frostbite, heat exhaustion, over a dozen fractured/broken bones and a partial paralysis. I have been exposed to things like malaria, yellow fever and leprosy. I've jumped from planes, navigated for miles underwater, slept in the jungles, mountains and deserts. Three times I've been around the world and back again, visiting many places, some of which you may never have heard of. In 1999 I spent three hundred days away from my home in Virginia Beach. Of those 300, 194 were out of the country. In a few days I will leave again. This trip will last 7 months, to once again travel around the world. Yes, I tend to lead an incredible life. Karen has her own stories to be told.

Next year I'll trade my uniform for a wedding band, a business suit and a 'World's Best Dad' T-shirt. Fortune has smiled on me having lived the life of a movie character. You may be wondering "Why would I want to give that up?" Simply put; a couple of years ago, I met an angel. She came to me on a blustery autumn day in our nation's capital (under some very curious conditions). We didn't rush into anything. But, I have come to understand Karen is my soul mate. Now, I aspire to become a good husband and father. And I want to do it full-time. Plus she puts up with me, not an easy task. If the world is my oyster, then Karen is my pearl.

The other day I was told to read some of the messages on this board. It has caused me a bit of concern. A few have claimed that Karen is cheating. If you find it unfair that she has 7 siblings, more cousins, aunts, uncles, and family members than the Hatfields and McCoys put together, all voting for her story, then yes, she is cheating. It doesn't hurt to mention that my family and friends have networked our story to everyone they can think of. Karen F.'s story is in no way, shape or form fabricated (sorry to disappoint you Mary and April H.). She has not 'given birth' to any SEALS. Although, there will be quite a few at her wedding.

As to the statements made about some stories being better than others. Yes, some sound more exciting and others are very well written. But, I strongly disagree that any story is better than the next. These are all tales of how couples fell in love. And every one is good. I especially liked the one written in poetic form (Sorry, can't remember whose it was.)

Whether or not Karen's story wins, we will still have a beautiful wedding. Only the reception and honeymoon will change. Oh yeah, I would like to thank Gina and Keri H. For their positive comments. And to Hmmm, I had a good laugh about your "2 Dresses???" message. Just to let you know, I promised my high school graduation class that I would send them all a picture of me during the Red-Dress Run if we won.