Some things happen by chance, some are planned, and some are destined. Edward and Christina’s beginnings started on two separate paths that would eventually connect and create something beautiful. Ironically, they were born in the same hospital and lived blocks apart from each other and never knew it.
Edward’s poverty-stricken life was surrounded by crime, drug use, an alcoholic father, and a mom who suffered from mental illness. Tragically, she killed herself while holding him in her arms as an infant. On top of that, Edward’s stepmom suffered from breast cancer and died when he was 14 years old, and his dad died when he was 22 years old. Life was hard for him but he kept moving forward.
Meanwhile, Christina had some issues of her own. She was born prematurely to teenage parents, weighing only three pounds one ounce. Then, she and her family had to go through the heartache and pain of losing her brother to gun violence. Not to mention, she was surrounded by poverty.
As fate would have it, one day their paths crossed in a Brooklyn high school and they became high school sweethearts. Later, he went to the army and she went to Temple University but that wasn’t to be their end. Lo and behold, they connected again and fell in love; they eloped after 2 months.
As of today, the Sledges’ have been married for 22 years and are going strong. To document their love, they have written and published a book called, The Story of Christina and I. It showcases their journeys that led to each other.
Meet Edward and Christina Sledge as they share their story of love and triumph over tragedy.
Tell us how your worlds came together, and how this love story started?
We met during the first week of my freshman year in high school. It was not love at first sight because Eddie was interested in another young lady. While I was dating another guy; however, I was interested in Eddie and one of my friends played matchmaker to get us together. We dated for two years on and off in high school. After high school, Eddie enlisted in the U.S. Army, and I went to Temple University. We were apart for three and a half years in other relationships. During Christmas break in 1999, Eddie proposed on a whim, and we were married two months later. We have been happily married for twenty-two years.
Every marriage or relationship has ebbs and flows, what do you think is the glue that helps your marriage have staying power, and what gets you through the tough times?
We have faith in God and in our marriage. We have total trust, patience, understanding and neither one of us has an ego. We are best friends and encourage each other to keep going no matter what obstacle comes our way. Also, when we do have disagreements, we make sure that we sleep in the same bed at night. We learned over the years that tough times will come and go but, our love for each other never wavers.
For those who would like advice, what would you say are key ingredients to having a successful marriage?
Open and honest communication is key. We always recommend that couples should be willing to share how they feel with their partner and really listen. Also, be responsive to each other and receptive to feedback.
How do you think the dark times in your life have prepared you for each other and then helped motivate you to accomplish what you’ve achieved together?
On our wedding day, we had only fifty cents to start with. That was our lowest and darkest time. We were determined that it could only get better from that point forward. We decided that we would plan for a brighter future together. We literally wrote our goals and plans out for the next 5, 10, and 20 years to keep us motivated and speak success into existence. During our twenty-two-year marriage, we continued to encourage each other to achieve new goals. Together, we earned a total of four degrees: two bachelor’s degrees and two master’s degrees.
You eloped after 2 months of being together during Christmas; how did you know you were ready and what was it about each other that made you say, “This is the one?”
We spent three and a half years dating other people and comparing those people to each other. That was our indicator that we were meant to be together. It didn’t make sense to drag out the engagement in order to plan a big wedding. We just knew it was time to get married after spending so much time apart.
What feedback did you get from your family and friends when you told them you were getting married so soon? We eloped in private and told our family and friends a month later. There were a few naysayers, but we had complete confidence that it was the right thing to do and still feel that way today.
You wrote a book about your love story and your beginnings, called, The Story of Christina and I: A Real-Life Urban Fairy Tale. Tell us how the book came about and what you learned about yourselves and each other while writing it?
Our memoir started as a passion project that we wanted to complete as a keepsake for our children and future grandchildren. After analyzing our different childhoods, we knew that our marriage was predestined. We were born in the same hospital, our families lived within blocks of each other, we even just missed meeting each other when I performed Romeo and Juliet with my class at Eddie’s junior high school. There were so many opportunities when we could have met; it was fate when we finally met.
It is a compelling story that we want to share with the world. While writing the book, we also learned that we experienced different traumas during our childhoods and adolescence. However, we realized that we both processed the trauma in the same manner. Instead of losing hope, we both decided to use the trauma as motivation to set goals and persevere.
What messages do you want people to get from your book?
We want readers to be inspired by our story. It is important to know that is not how you start in the world; it’s how you continue your journey that matters most. Also, that your circumstances don’t determine your future.
You have also written other books together and have a publishing company. Tell us about that.
We founded Sledge House Media in 2021 to share stories of the average person. After publishing our memoir, we knew it was important to share more stories.
Currently, we have published four books together, The Story of Christina and I, Ricardo’s Collisions – The Desire Family Saga: Part One, Our Marriage: An Essay, and Holiday Entertaining with Christina. We tell diverse and compelling stories that highlight unique experiences and backgrounds. Additionally, all of our books are 200 pages or less to reach readers that are limited on time.
Do you have any upcoming projects?
Our next book is scheduled for release on April 30, 2022, titled, Andre’s Confessions – The Desire Family Saga: Part Two. We also have two more books, and a short film scheduled for release this year. For more information on our upcoming projects visit our website: https://www.sledgehousemedia.com/
How can people purchase your book and follow you?
The Story of Christina and I: A Real-Life Urban Fairytale is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Walmart, IndieBound, and Hudson News and Booksellers. You can also stay connected with us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Be sure to read their inspirational love story and to follow them by clicking the links:
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Click the link to purchase their book on Amazon: The Story of Christina and I
Writer, Debbie Stokes is a contributing writer. You can follow her on Instagram @iamdebbiestokes
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