What are some of those important life changing dates? I think the dates seem to cluster together so it may be better to ask what are the important life changing years? For me, 24 years ago, the year 1999 was full of life changing dates.
It actually started in June of 1998, when I decided to email this lady who my friend said was in need of a pen pal. I knew that match making was my friend’s motive but Gail was in Oregon and I was in Colorado. Nothing was going to happen. Well, thank God! I was wrong. So after a long Christmas vacation where I saw a lot of Gail and not much of my folks, I proposed to Gail on February 13, 1999. We were married on August 15, 1999, and Gail moved to Colorado. So there were two important dates in 1999, but there was also a third important date in that 6 month period.
On April 13, 1999, I became deathly ill with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Not all important life changing events are positive and this one was not, but God has used this illness for my good. It was a bonding experience for Gail and I. I became more aware of God’s grace and goodness because of it. I had to trust God, Gail, and those taking care of me. There are still some lingering effects from Guillain-Barre. My balance never fully recovered and sometimes I have foot drops when I am walking.
Even though I was very seriously ill back then, I look back at 1999 with pleasant memories. It was the start of a wonderful life with Gail. We have a great marriage and Gail is a wonderful wife. I am blessed to be married to her. The decisions we made on February 13 and August 15 led to this wonderful life I share with Gail.
1999 was the life changing year. I look back on the year very fondly. No other year compares. I would put as a distant second the year 2005. In 2005, we took a 32 day trip to Europe. It was a wonderful trip and I really enjoyed having Gail with me. It was another bonding experience. Also later that year, we moved into our current place of residence. Before then we both had moved many times. This place feels like home, and we have been here now for a long time.
I have been reflecting on those days 24 years ago. Days, I hope to always remember.
If you want to know more of the story of us meeting and marrying, read these two blog posts.
heinsite 
You most certainly did have a memorable 1999 — from a mountaintop to a deep dark valley and back to the mountaintop again. I am very glad that your marriage to Gail has worked out so well, and pray that both of you will continue to be a blessing to each other.