Patricia Hooper - My Covering, My Protector

“ Patricia, Trish, Patty, Patsy, P, Patty-kins, PattyAnne, PattiHoop, Honey, Babes, Mommy, Mom, and Baby Girl ” names that I have answered to by co-workers, friends and family for over 50 years. The name given to me by my Heavenly Father for over 30 years is Princess and Daughter of the Most High! My other coveted name is that of wife, a title that I have held with honor for over 28 years.

 My husband Dwayne has made it easy for me, his motto for our marriage is ‘happy wife, happy life’.  He is my covering, protector, lover, financier, best friend and my servant-leader! Because he loves me as Christ loves the church, I have no hesitation whatsoever to submit to him as head of our household.

Dwayne and I are involved in a couple of ministries at our church—we are co-facilitators of the pre-marital counseling class and head up the marriage ministry. I also work with the high school teenage girls in a group called God’s Princesses.

We have been blessed with 3 beautiful children, now young adults. Dewayne, affectionately known as DJ, a 2013 United States Naval Academy graduate, is a naval aviator with the United States Navy. DJ recently (one month ago) married the love of his life Katie, a veterinary student and animal lover.   Clarke, my only girl, is a track star and honors education major at Mt. St. Mary’s University. Last but not least is my youngest, Grant Christian, a plebe/freshman at the United States Naval Academy.  

Over the 28 years, Dwayne and I have experienced a miscarriage, two premature births, pregnancy complications, loss of both set of parents, a cancer diagnosis, health issues and challenges. Overall, we have had more good days than bad days, but through each trial, our relationship with each other has strengthened, but most importantly, our relationship with our Heavenly Father and our faith has grown exponentially  with each circumstance. I am so ever thankful that the Lord gave me the greatest partner to battle life’s storms with and celebrate sunny days.

I mentioned my kids earlier in my introduction, stating that my youngest just went off to college, which means we are now empty nesters, how fun and exciting…NOT!  Instead of me dwelling on how sad I will be without my kids, the Lord has been tugging at me to draw closer to HIM in prayer and devotion and embrace this new season instead of being sad.   My new normal or new season is that of an empty nester--me and Mr. Hooper, back to where the Hooper Family all began; I call this season ‘The Best is Yet to Come’.

My blog will minister to married women in this season.  I will share how sweet this new season should be in our relationship with the Lord and with our husbands. Tears of sadness will turn into shouts of praises as we experience ‘The Best is Yet to Come’.