The story of us
a twist of fate that almost never happened
We met 38 years ago today. Well, sort of! It was the day that led up to a twist of fate that would cause our paths to cross, and we would eventually meet.
My friend Lisa and I walked to the mall on a beautiful spring afternoon. I’m sure my parents had no idea we walked to the mall, but it was 1986. There were no GPS trackers and no cell phones back then.
You were working at the mall record store when you noticed me. Maybe it was my floral jeans and pink sweater that caught your eye? I had no idea that a handsome, college boy with baby blue eyes, thought I stood out in the crowd. I had no idea that you kept looking for “the girl in pink” or that you stepped outside of the store to “get a look”. Our story would’ve ended there. I would’ve been the cute, brunette in the flowered jeans you saw one Saturday that faded from your mind, but fate had other plans.
Dressed in our finest 80s pleather
It turned out my friend Lisa’s boyfriend Mark was friends with you. You called her boyfriend Mark and wanted to know who I was and if I would go out with you. I asked to see a photo like any teen in the 80s would. I agreed you were cute, and a “semi blind” double date was arranged.
The next weekend the 4 of us drove to get pizza. We connected immediately as we started talking. There was something about you that felt safe and warm. I felt like I knew you my whole life. It’s a connection I can’t explain. You were so different from everyone I met. You didn’t brag about yourself; you didn’t flatter me with compliments and lines. In fact, you didn’t really mention anything about my looks until a few dates later. It intrigued me but I was starting to wonder if you found me attractive at all!! There was something so genuine in your blue eyes and smile and I was hooked!
I wasn't sure if it was a summer romance as I entered my senior year in high school, and you went back to college in another town. You made the hour drive almost every week to see me! Our friendship and love continued to grow
Our early years of marriage. We looked like kids, because we were!!
A few years later we got married. Still very young and naive. I can’t say it was easy, especially being so young. There were a lot of challenges through the years. Job stress, financial issues, illness, moves, the death of our parents and other family members. There was also a lot of laughter and joy too. We also became parents together 18 years into marriage and that was the biggest joy in our lives.
My loves. Our family
Marriage is not a fairy-tale, but true love and being with your soulmate is the best feeling in the world.
We celebrated our 35-year wedding anniversary last summer. To be honest, year 35 had been one of the most challenging of our marriage. We both were growing, and changing, most of it was navigating mid-life transitions. We were able to grow through our challenges and found our way back to each other. We have a connection now that is stronger than ever. Our love has grown deeper than I thought possible, it’s a rare gift that many never get to experience.
Celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary
I love you, Mike. Life gets tough, but let’s keep remembering to laugh together. Let’s keep supporting each other and our dreams. You are my person and we fit.
Happy Anniversary my love!
Questions
How did you meet your significant other?
Was it love at first sight?
What are the biggest challenges in your relationship?
What a beautiful story! Happy anniversary.
I can’t imagine a lifelong love like this. It’s so nice to see. I fall in the category of the 3 loves in our lifetime. Have you heard of that one?