Inspiration is found in many places. Acts of unconditional love are found in few. A version of this story has been circulating on the internet for quite some time now. Although very inspirational, it is not true. The true story shows that there are people on this planet who are very caring, and capable of giving unconditional love. We want to tell this story here, but we want it to be accurate. Our version has been presented to and has been approved by those involved.

In the small town of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1992, a young, divorced woman named Brenda was going about the business of raising her two children alone. She was living with her parents while attending nursing school.

Brenda was not interested in romance at this time of her life. She was busy putting her life back together and felt a man was the last thing she needed. Her divorce had been a painful one. After her son Zachary had been injured in an accident and had suffered brain damage, her then husband announced there was another woman in his life. By the time her divorce was final, Brenda had given birth to Jesse, her daughter. She had to take a hardship discharge from the Marine Corp. in order to take care of Zachary.

Brenda’s parents had tried to encourage her to get out and have a good time, but she was reluctant. After much prodding, however, she agreed to accompany her mother to a local hangout, the Wild E. Coyote, to have some fun. Brenda wasn’t expecting to enjoy herself but soon discovered that the line dancing was just what she needed. She had always enjoyed dancing. This was the most fun she had had in a long time.

So she went back to the Wild E. on other occasions. One night she noticed a tall young man, whom she realized had been there other times. He had already caught her attention, and this night she realized he was watching her, too.

After one dance finished, Brenda found herself face-to-face with the guy. He asked if she would like to continue dancing, and she agreed. He told her his name was Kurt Warner, and they danced until the Wild E. closed. He then walked her to her car. Brenda felt she should be up-front with the guy, so she told him she was a divorced mother of two. She also told him she would understand if she never saw him again.

Brenda thought that would pretty much be the end of it, and that was OK with her. She didn’t want anymore heartache. She had been through plenty. Brenda didn’t feel she could count on anyone, except her parents and God.

The morning after meeting Kurt there was a knock on Brenda’s door. With Jesse in her arms, she answered. There was Kurt with a rose in his hand. He explained that a mutual friend had told him where she lived and asked if he could meet her kids. Brenda agreed and let him come in.

Zack was quickly drawn to Kurt, and soon they were on the floor wrestling and having a good time. Kurt had every bit as much fun with Zack as the little boy did with him, and Brenda realized later that she never got a chance to tell Kurt what had happened to Zach.

Kurt was a college student, attending the University of Northern Iowa. He played football, but Brenda had very little knowledge of the game.

Months passed, and the two got to know each other better. They talked of their faith and about family. Because both had little money for entertainment, they spent many evenings at Brenda’s parents’ home watching movies with the kids. Brenda came to believe that Kurt would probably make a terrific father, and she loved the relationship he had with her children, but she was still not ready for a romantic involvement. She still kept her guard up.

Kurt graduated from college in 1994 and left to play for the Green Bay Packers. Having not made the cut, he moved back to Cedar Falls and went to work as a stock boy in a local grocery store.

After about a year back in Cedar Falls, he went to play arena football in Des Moines with the Iowa Barnstormers. It wasn’t the NFL, but it was what Kurt wanted to be doing.

By April of 1996, Brenda had finished nursing school and was making it on her own. One night her sister called her with horrendous news. Both their parents had been killed in a freak storm.

Brenda was desolated. She had trusted in God, and now she wondered how He could have let this happen. How could He have let her down this way, after all she had been through?

She was still seeing Kurt, and he became her pillar of strength through another of life’s challenges. He knew what she needed. He listened. He was there for her.

This was when Brenda realized how important Kurt was to her. She was now ready to accept this man whom she believed God had brought her. This man was her gift, and she was grateful.

In mid-September Kurt took Brenda and her kids out for a big celebration. They were celebrating both a new house and his success with the team. After dinner, they went by the new home. Kurt had gone to a lot of work. Upon entering the house, Brenda found rose petals throughout. And he had a rose waiting for her when they reached the patio in back. After stepping out back she found lights had been strung along the fence, spelling out the words "Will you marry me?" At the same time she saw the light display, Kurt pulled an engagement ring out of the rose he had given her. He knelt to one knee and repeated the question.

Brenda, of course, said, "Yes." And she and Kurt danced to soft music and the cheers of her children.

* * * *

Brenda’s story is one that inspires all who read it. We all want to know unconditional love. . .the kind that is always so, no matter what! Thank you, Brenda, for sharing it with us. You have blessed us greatly. And, as Kurt has blessed you and your children by being who he is, so has he blessed us all.

By Brenda Warner and their Foundation.
First Things First