Now THAT’s True Romance

Happy Valentine’s Day to all you lovebirds out there! I hope that you each find a way to celebrate with your special someone, be it with a night out, a cup of coffee, or even just a quiet moment alone together. Let’s be real here. Celebrating anything alone is difficult with little ones.

My definition of love and romance has definitely changed as I have gotten older And that is likely because what I define as a show of love has changed. It’s not as much about the flowers and the dashing surprises (though we all know those are nice!), but has become so much more about those small gestures of “I love you” that we do for each other regularly, and that definitely make our days easier and our lives enriched. Allison Gagnon and Justin Gagnon- Choicelunch

It’s amazing how sexy a partner can be when they bathe your kids, help with homework, or do the laundry, right?!?! Or what about when they take your car in for a service? Or, come home with a cup of hot latte for you, just because? Now that’s romance in my book!  

Don’t get me wrong. Justin is and always has been romantic. He’s surprised me by flying across the world to meet me in Germany. He proposed to me with 21 dozen roses and candlelight. He picked me up at the airport once in a tuxedo, and has whisked me away on countless getaways. These acts of love and romance have kept our relationship healthy. Our friends joke that it’s all “puppy dogs and ice cream” in our world, and I am okay with that.Allison Gagnon and Justin Gagnon - Choicelunch

If I had to identify one of the most “romantic” things that Justin has ever done though, it was the way he surprised me one evening in late August 2010.  This act of love might not seem incredibly “romantic” at first glance, but the story behind it speaks volumes about love, commitment, and the beauty and strength of marriage.  

As I mentioned before, Justin and I have twins, and their original due date was at the end of October, 2010.  One thing though. My one and only brother was getting married in Hawaii at the end of August. Our team of doctors all agreed that me making the trip for the wedding definitely had its risks, but that they would support my going if I visited for a check up with both my OBGYN and my Perinatologist for “clearance” the day before to ensure that all was dormant. If all looked good, they’d clear me to fly to the wedding to proudly celebrate my brother and his bride.  

Allison Gagnon- ChoicelunchGod had other plans for our family. As the doctor examined me, he asked if I was feeling the contractions I was having. They felt the same as the Braxton Hicks I had for most of my pregnancy, but he was concerned about the frequency of them. “I hate to tell you this,” he said, “but you’re not going to Hawaii – you’re going straight to the hospital.” Immediately triaged and put on heavy-magnesium upon my arrival at the hospital, the contractions subsided a bit, and I was put on hospital bed rest in the hopes that I would make it at least a few more days – or ideally, weeks – and the babies could grow and develop more.

This time was incredibly scary for all of us and for our families.I was laser-focused on the health of my babies, but so incredibly crushed to miss the wedding of my only brother and the love of his life. I cried so much in those first few days, as the reality hit that I would not be at the wedding. Justin and I decided to send our only daughter, then age 2 1/2, with my Sister-in-law to attend the wedding and represent our family as a surprise. Grace was there for our family when we couldn’t be, and that was such a sweet lesson to see unfold. From the hospital, we kept tabs on the festivities via phone, video, and photo. I was heartbroken.  Allison Gagnon- Choicelunch

The evening of the wedding, Justin, who was a constant by my side during this excruciating and scary time, did the most ROMANTIC thing imaginable. He went into the bathroom, and came out dressed up in the suit that he was supposed to wear as a groomsman in the wedding. He held my hand, gave me a glass of sparkling cider, and together we toasted my brother and his bride. He then pulled out a small “wedding cake” at my bedside, and we enjoyed the flood of videos and photos our family was sending us from the event.  The moment I felt most vulnerable and sad and frustrated and scared, Justin was there to help me see the light.Justin Gagnon and Allison Gagnon- Choicelunch

Valentine’s Day does not have a monopoly on romance. Sure, you can designate one day a year to intentionally celebrate romance, but the most romantic moments in life often aren’t scheduled. True romance isn’t scripted, and it often doesn’t play out the way we see in the movies. True romance is a partner understanding you – your vulnerabilities, your emotions, your insecurities – and supporting you in ways you didn’t even know you needed, right when you need it most. True romance can appear mundane and normal to the casual 
observer while lighting you on fire from the inside with feelings you can’t even describe.

Justin Gagnon and Allison Gagnon- ChoicelunchEmbrace these everyday reminders of the true romance in your own lives.

Hello There!

My name is Allison! Nurturer Of 4 Remarkable Littles / Married To My Own Modern Day Prince Charming / California Born And Raised / Adventure Seeker / Nature Enthusiast / Memory Maker / Food / Wine / Fashion / Sleep

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