“I Noticed a ‘Follow’ on My Instagram. My Heart Stopped. Time Stood Still”: Woman Is Followed by Ex-High-School Sweetheart on Insta, Marries Him After Husband’s Tragic Death

Which brings me back to the night on the patio. I had heard through the grapevine, not long after Joel’s death, DeAngelo’s divorce was finalized. We went to a small school and have the same friends. Of course this news would make its way to me. When it eventually did, I didn’t really think much of it. I certainly never thought it would mean anything for he and I. Except now here I was sitting at a table with a ‘follow’ request from the very first man who ever held my heart.

My friend came back to the table. She could immediately tell by my face something was off.

‘Everything ok?’ She asked.

‘I just got followed on Instagram from my high school sweetheart,’ I blurted out.

‘Oh, that’s sweet,’ she said.

‘No,’ I said in return. ‘You don’t get it. This is not just any guy – this is THE guy.’

I spent the rest of dinner telling her about our history. Of course we’re now in the 21st century, so the question of the night was clear – would I follow him back? A huge decision to make. Somehow my heart knew, if I did this it would not be casual. Was I ready for it?

I took 24 hours to respond to his request with a follow back. Less than 5 minutes later another ‘ping.’ This time it was in my messages.

‘How are you doing? You and the kids look great; I would love to talk sometime. Here’s my number.’

I immediately felt like I wanted to puke. I pushed him away. Told him I was great. Life was wonderful. I wasn’t interested in talking, or getting together. I was fine how I was.

He knew better. In my heart, so did I. In just those few moments it felt, yet again, like our connection hadn’t changed at all, even though it had been 12 years. How could this be?

He told me how he felt about me that very first day. How he’d felt all along. And he begged me for another chance. This time would be different because we were both different. He knew I’d been through hell and back. He would guard and protect my heart with all he had. He was ready this time – was I?

I thought about all the reasons why I wasn’t interested. He had an ex I knew would most likely try to make my life difficult. Together we had 5 kids (3 for him, 2 for me) we had to somehow blend together as one family. One of my children had special needs and requires extra care. He would have to step in and be full-time dad and husband to 3 people who’ve been through the ringer. It was daunting. Too much, I told him over and over again.

I’d always told anyone who would listen I’d never do any of the above. Heck, I said I’d never be with anyone again because guys my age had too much baggage I wanted NO part of. I also had fear and trauma from losing a spouse. So much of it. My heart was afraid to love and lose again, but somehow here we were. This time, even though it felt terrifying, it felt right.

I made him simply talk to me on the phone for 6 weeks straight. No meeting until I felt ready for it. One night out of the blue, around 3:00 p.m. I called him and said, ‘Dinner tonight? I’m ready.’

‘I’ll see you at 8,’ he said without hesitation.