Our Vows Out Loud: A True Love Story

By Tori Gaddis Millerton

I have had a wonderful life. I have been loved and nurtured my entire life. I have also been fortunate to be a part of a real love story. It saddens me to know not everyone has experienced life in this manner. This book depicts my journey thus far. I share my ups and downs, joy and pain with you, hoping to encourage my readers not to give up on life and love. Any area of my life that I have surrendered to God, he has made whole.    

• Language: English
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Release date: May 18, 2024
• ISBN: 9781977275011

Tori Gaddis Millerton

Tori Gaddis Millerton is a native of Dayton, Ohio. Born September 27, 1972, to Florence and Gary Gaddis, Tori is an only child. She is a graduate of Dayton Public Schools. She also holds an associate degree in communications from Sinclair Community College. Tori married Darrell Millerton, her high school sweetheart, in 1993. He passed away in 2021. Tori and Darrell have three sons and two grandsons. Tori enjoys spending as much time as possible with her family and cherishing the memory of her late husband.

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Our Vows Out Loud

A True Love Story

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2024 Tori Gaddis Millerton

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PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

I dedicate this book to my three sons, Dorrian Sr., Darrell Jr., and Derrivon. I would first like to thank God for blessing me with the privilege to experience life growing within my womb. Motherhood has humbled me in so many ways. My sons are, by far, my greatest accomplishments. I have delighted in watching them become exceptional men. I will always and forever be their biggest fan. I credit them with helping me become the best version of myself. Their honesty keeps me accountable for all my actions, good and or bad. These three have given me the strength and courage to overcome life’s obstacles. When I’m at my lowest point, I see their faces and immediately I’m encouraged. The love I have for each of them exceeds anything natural. It is the agape love of God. I pray this work reminds them they are artifacts of our perfectly imperfect love story.

A Letter to My Husband

My Dearest Husband, I can’t believe that you are gone. I wake up every morning in disbelief. We had so many plans. Plans to grow old together, and plans to travel the world together. Obviously, that wasn’t God’s plan for us. I was bone of your bone and flesh of your flesh, so when you departed this earth, you took a portion of my heart with you and left a portion of your heart here with me. I’ve heard it said before that it is better to have loved than not to have loved at all. That saying rings so true for me. I’m a better me because of you. Over the years, you have taught me so much. I vow at this moment to stop seeing myself through my own eye lens because, from your point of view, I was always more than enough. Baby, thank you for loving me in spite of me. Neither of us was perfect, but we were so perfect for each other.

These days are different, not having you around. But we still feel your presence. We all carry a piece of you in our spirit. You would be thrilled to know after all these years, I have published my first book, and it’s about you and me. You would also be proud to know how well our sons are doing. Darrell, we raised some awesome young men. Our grandsons are the joy of my life.

In your death, I have found life. Because of you, I will live this life like each moment is my last. I will laugh so hard that snot shoots from my nose. I will sing so loud people will cover their ears. I will dance ’til I lose my breath. I will cry and not wipe my tears, and I will love with a passion that surpasses anything that