Twenty -One Years Ago

This post is cut from one this time last year, as I really said everything I wanted to in that post.

I turned 20 on November 14, 1989. On November 18, I stood outside my church, shivering, as I attempted to persuade the lovely parishioners at my church that yes, indeed, they did want to purchase donuts to support the youth group. On the other end of the concrete slab that fronts the church stood the choir, who were selling raffle tickets to raise money for their trip to Italy. A man separated himself from the choir group and walked over to us.

He was cute, and I asked him if he wanted to buy some donuts. He agreed, but only if I would buy a raffle ticket. I had no money, but I said yes anyway. ANYTHING to get rid of the stupid donuts so we could go inside and get warm. He bought the donuts and struck up a conversation with the leader of the youth group as my friend Janet and I stood and listened. The group had planned to go for brunch after, and the leader invited him to join us.

We went to brunch and I watched him. He was confident, self assured and much older than I was, but I liked him. I didn't think any more about it, though - I was kind of clueless. I didn't even "get it" when he asked all of us to give him our phone numbers, so he could "call us to get information for the next meeting." Ok, whatever - I'm slow and I gave my number. He didn't ask for any numbers after mine, a fact that saddened my girlfriend, but I shrugged it off and went home to take off my church clothes, get into some sweats, and maybe take a nap while watching football.

As soon as I got comfortable (even removing my makeup!), my phone rang. It was him, asking if I'd like to go to the movies. "Well, ok, but I do have to tell you that I'm seeing someone," I said. "No problem," he said, "You aren't getting married or anything, are you?" I laughed and said no, and asked when he wanted to go to the movies. "Now," he blurted out."I'll be there in ten minutes."

It was a very frantic ten minutes.

We went to see one of the Look Who's Talking movies, and after he invited me to Red Lobster for dinner. Except that he had forgotten his cash , and while he was looking in his wallet, I noticed some pictures of kids. He explained that he was a divorced father of three, and showed me pictures of kids that were 5, 11 and 13 - I think. I asked if he wanted to see pictures of my kids, and I showed the snapshots I carried of the kids in my charge as a nanny. (Little bit of difference there, but he later told me that he thought this was sweet.)

We decided to go back to my place, where I decided to make spaghetti for us. He asked if I had any Parmesan cheese, and I handed over the Costco size bottle. He passed it back to me with a slight smile. "It seems to be clogged,do you have a way to unclog it?" Wanting to look self assured and composed, I said, "Oh, yes. This happens all the time. I know just what to do."I took the container from him and smacked the end of it sharply on the floor. Nothing happened. So I did it again.

And the bottom flew off and the cheese sprayed EVERYWHERE. I stood there in shock, mortified and in danger of hysterical laughter and tears, and I dared to look over at him out of the corner of my eye. He was biting his lip, and I looked at him and we both burst into peals of laughter.

We got engaged November 30. We married December 16. All in the same year.

Yes, we were crazy. We still are.

Happy 21st Anniversary, Babe. It's been a wild ride, up and down, loops and twists and curves and sideways plunges through the dark - but as much as I hate roller coasters, there's no one with whom I'd rather be on this crazy ride of life.

My favorite picture from our wedding:

Last year on our company trip:

Comments

[Tammy]

Happy happy anniversary to you both!

[Sandra]

i just love that story...even a 2nd time. ;-)

happy anniversary!

[Thea]

This is a real winner of a "how we met" story. When it's meant to be... Happy Anniversary!

[Joelle]

Happy Anniversary!

[Melanie]

Happy Anniversary!! Wishing 40 or 50 more to you!

[Headless Mom]

Yes, it's a great story, regardless of how many times I hear it. Much love to you both!

xoxo,
K

[Marie]

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY !!

[Tina]

Just beautiful. You've now lived more than half your life with him. Go get a tissue box... I'm tearing up. :)

[KG]

Oh good Lord woman, where are the kleenex????
Happy Anniversary!!

[Jodie in MN]

Happy Anniversary!

[Nicole]

Happy Anniversary!

[Amie]

Happy Anniversary :)

[bama cheryl]

What a wonderful story - congratulations to you both and many more wonderful years ahead!

[addy]

Happy Anniversary to you both! May there be 40 more years of this crazy ride.

[MJ]

Happy Anniversary Carmen! The story is fabulous. I too, got engaged very quickly and married before we were together a year. God is awesome!

[Nicki]

Happy Anniversary!

[Lindsey]

Nice to read that one again. Happy anniversary!

[Iowamom]

Happy Anniversary!

[Young Wife]

Happy Anniversary! You two are such a cute couple.

[kimmie]

Awwwwwww....that's a fantastic story!!!! Happy Anniversary!!!!!

[Heather]

Happy Anniversary! I just want to say THANK YOU for posting this... I got married two months after turning 21. We had been working together since mid-january, 2003. We went on our first day April 18 of the same year and were married May 6! GOD IS GOOD. I don't know why this type of thing happens to some, but it did to me, and I am thankful. Thank you for sharing your story, I feel like we have found kindred spirits in the two of you!