B105 Soul2Soul Stories: The Salmelas

Name: Melissa and Brandon Salmela

Story: Of all places we met at work. My friends/co-workers told me he was sweet, smart, funny and down to earth. His friends/co-workers told him I was single, funny, outgoing and active. I wasn't looking for a relationship at that point in time of my life. Some time went by, we would glance at each other now and then. Finally, I asked him if he wanted to hang out and he said he couldn't. I was ok with it. A couple weeks later I asked him if he wanted to hang out again. He said yes. We went to the rec center, played basketball and walked and talked. It was fun and just easy going. I had some health issues at the time and was going through some stuff. I was told at one point I may not be able to have kids. I talked to him about it openly (we'd been dating a couple of months only at that time). He straight out told me "We'll figure it out when the time comes, and we can always adopt." I k new then, that he was who I was meant to be with. He was all of what I needed. Patient, caring, loving, kind, understanding and supportive! In every way. A year later he asked me to marry him. We have 3 beautiful children, of our own. We have had many ups and downs, many good times and even more trying times. We have a daughter who was diagnosed with Epilepsy, 4 years ago. She was just 9 months old when she had her first seizure that wouldn't stop, then suddenly she wasn't breathing. Thankful for my training in knowing CPR so I could get her back! Thankful for the first responders coming, and for my husbands job for being flexible to allow him to be able to rush to our side when we needed him most. We fight for her and what she needs, and so much time is focused on her and how to push through this with her. My husband is the most amazing man. He always finds the bright spot in any dark day. He's always positive! He's the relaxed and sensible one that keeps me grounded. We are a ver y busy, very active family. We both work hard, but he really works hard to keep us happy, safe and stable. I cannot imagine my life without him. No matter how tough life has been for me, is, I'm most thankful for him being in my life and helping guide me where I needed to be most. That is with Faith. He and I share this Faith with our kids so they know that with this love and guidance, you can make it through the toughest of storms. We've had a lot thrown our way, but I wouldn't change a thing. Here we are 15-1/2 years of marriage later, having been together 17, and still very much in love. He is my soul mate! God gave me the greatest gift! My husband!