The year was 1985 Matthew Sutherland met Sandra Harris during an annual memorial
service held at her family home place in Council, VA.
Sandy lived in Honaker with her mom and dad. Matt
lived with his family in Big Rock, VA.
She caught his eye from
afar and thought she was a very pretty girl he wouldn't mind getting to know but she was probably taken and much more mature
than himself. He figured there was just no chance they would meet since he was quite the shy type.
For
Him, it was love at first sight but it took her a while (so she says). His sister & some of her cousins began matchmaking
between the two and before he knew it, they were exchanging address and phone numbers.
They were both 15 and started writing one another. Her Uncle Giles Wilson had an appointment to preach
each month at Matt's home church so Sandy and her parents began to come along. The couple could only see each other once a
month and more at holidays until Matt got his drivers license and could borrow his parent's or brother's car to visit her.
Fall 1988 each had graduated high school and started classes at the nearby Community College.
Those times were a little rough for the both of them and neither was used to seeing the other everyday so they broke up for
a couple of weeks. That's all it took to find out they couldn't be apart.
Matt was
so head over heels (to hear his mom tell the story) that he fell asleep at the wheel 3 times while they were going together.
Thankfully Sandy was not with him and he never was hurt.
They dated for 6 1/2 yrs. then on December 21, 1991
on a rainy Saturday afternoon they were married at the House of Prayer Church at Big Rock, VA. To this day Matt hasn't had
an accident from falling asleep. (his mom says, "see, what did I tell ya?") Their honeymoon was spent the following
March at Myrtle beach, S.C.
Every year they
go back to the same place where they met and recall the memories of that day.
December
2006 will make 15 years of marriage and they have always believed one day they would eventually have children and are currently
hoping to see that dream come to pass soon.
Sandy's Dad Millard Harris
gave her away at the wedding in Dec. but went to heaven the following April.
Since Sandy is the only
child and knowing her Mom would be alone they decided to move in with her after the funeral. Since, they have purchased a
doublewide and live on the land where Sandy grew up.
About Matt:
Matt has worked a few jobs during their marriage with
the longest being at Teleflex Automotive Group in Lebanon, Va. where he did Quality/Audit Inspections for 11.5 yrs. That Corporation
consolidated and moved operations to Mexico. Matt is now taking training courses for a career in Nursing and will graduate
in June 2007.
While not studying, (unlike other men) he loves to sing, spoil his wife, bake desserts and
yes, window shop.
He could stay in a store for hours and just look at anything that interests him, especially
any new gadgets of all kinds. He loves Gospel music, clothes, and if that's not odd enough-has a collection of nostalgic pencil
sharpeners. He loves to see old things restored and brought back to life. Loves his wife more everyday and always tries to
let her know it.
About Sandy:
Sandy works as a receptionist at a non-profit agency for Senior citizens.
During spare time she loves to read. She is a really good cook and collects Recipe books. She
also loves to collect certain types of porcelain dolls and bears. Scrapbooking is her new passion and can't wait to start
a baby book. She has toys from her childhood as well as many of her favorite books. She possesses a quick wit that she got
from her dad and a great imagination from being an only child. Like every girl she loves jewelry and unique clothing that's
her style.
Matt and Sandy attend the Revival Center on Sword's Creek,
Va. where they are singing, growing and truly having revival in the Lord.
Future Plans:
To see his Nursing career started, Sandy to quit work when they
do start expecting and possibly move closer to the Abingdon, Va. area.
Above
all,
they give
the Lord Jesus Christ the glory and know that without Him they would not be where they are today. They continue to trust and
include Him in every decision, take Him everywhere they go, and believe that when this life is through, He will take them
where He is. All those who love them are always welcome to come and visit or simply call -especially if they need prayer.
