Our Love Story

It's time for Friend Makin Mondays! For more information, and to participate, click on over to Kasey's at All That is Good. In honor of Kasey's anniversary...Today's question is:

How did you and your significant other meet?

It was August, the beginning of my second year of teaching. (1996) I was sitting in a teacher meeting...a few new teachers were at a back table. I didn't pay much attention. I was laughing and having fun with some teacher friends before the meeting started. That's when Michael, a new teacher noticed me. My laugh caught his attention, and when I turned around he was 'hooked'.

Michael is the shy, quiet type. He watched me from afar. I heard through the grapevine that he liked me. I noticed he seemed to be in the break room a lot when I was. Finally, in December during Christmas break he called me up to ask me to dinner. Well, I had other 'plans'... I told him I don't date people I work with. The main thing that held me back was... he is short! My dad was 6'4", the guy I dated for 6 years was 6'2". I was drawn to tall men. That is what I knew. Yes, Michael was very nice, he was cute...but him being short was a hang-up of mine.

Life and school went on. For the first time in a couple of years, I was finally over a traumatic break up. I was finally satisfied being single. I wasn't looking for a relationship any more. I know the Lord was preparing both of us for each other.

September 13, 1997 rolls around. It is Pioneer Day at school. There was no where to park. I was driving around trying to find a place to park. Soon, Michael pulls up beside me in his green Mustang. He tells me, "you can park at my place." So we did. My best friend looked at me and said, "He is CUTE! Why don't you go out with him?" I told her he was short. She told me I could be missing out. God began to work on my heart. Did that really matter? But wait.... the girl I car pool with is head over hills for him, and talks about him every day on the way to and from school. It has been a year since he asked me out! That night we went to his booth. He gave me free food and a drink.

That night we were walking to the car to go home. When I began to leave I notice something on my windshield. It was a note. I started getting butterflies as I read the note. After all he was super nice and cute. The note said, "By the way Rhonda, the price of parking will be dinner and a movie with the owner. I may have neglected to mention that. Michael" (Yes, I dug up the old note out of many he has written!) I couldn't help but smile. I was once again encouraged to go out with him from my friend. The next day, I was running a fudge booth...he came over and we talked.

Another month passes and I find myself thinking about him. A lot! Looking forward to seeing him in the lounge. One day after school I am crossing the street to go to the lounge. (Actually, I was waiting until I saw him getting ready to go home). I start crossing just as he is driving by. I stop him and lean in the car. I say some witty comment I'm sure about the owner taking me out. He acted all cool about it, and we went our separate ways. A couple of days later I receive a call.

Well, the first date happens soon after. I wanted more. We begin dating. I realized what an amazing man I was with. The smartest man I know, a great sense of humor, so kind, and treated me like a queen. He really cared about me. I found after each date...I didn't want him to leave.

Christmas break comes around and Michael decides to spend it with his family an hour away. I was so disappointed! We had been dating for 3 months now. I was suppose to spend Christmas with him. Why is he not taking me to meet his family? Yes, I was in love! I talked to him over break, and he actually mentioned breaking up! What? You chased me for over a year and now you want to end it? I told him I know he is in love with me!

January we were inseparable from then on. In 1998 he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him that summer. The ring was burning a hole in his pocket, I was upset with work, and he couldn't keep a secret. (He is much better at surprises now!) He asked me to marry him in the Cracker Barrel parking lot.

One of our engagement photos

August 8, 1999 I married my best friend. It will be 10 years this year. I can honestly say I love him more today than the day we were married. I thank God for my husband! I am blessed! I am looking forward to the next 50+ years. I love you honey...short and all!