Dates

Now here’s one I remember.  I remember getting off a ship in Greece and going to Italy where I was supposed to fly home.  9/11 interfered with that plan.  With multiple visits to the airline and consulate I was delayed nearly a week.

During that time I joined Italians in the Piazzia Signoria as 500 of us held hands while the bell tolled then stopped so we could pray.  I also went to Mass with the Consulate staff.  We got to know each other.  Now the street is blocked off and there are armed guards every few feet.

So when I finally got home through Rome I was never so happy to be on American soil. Two weeks later, at lunch at a local TGI Fridays I met my husband.  I say that because I thought I had the dates right.  We met at TGI Fridays and talked for three hours and left with each others’ numbers.

The next night he called and asked me to a movie and dinner, took my hand as he helped me from the car and he’s never let go.  We met on October 3, 2001, and went out for our first date the next day, Thursday, October 4, 2001.  Then he helped me on 14 visits over the weekend to take care of my neighbors’ pets.

I’m wondering which day to celebrate, the day of our meeting or our first date.  We should have dinner, at least, and not one I cook.  He is amazed that I remember these dates and that next year we will celebrate our 10th anniversary of marriage.

Perhaps he sees our nearly eight year-old dog aging and wonders about us.  After all, we don’t see ourselves growing older.

Since we eloped and took a two-day honeymoon in Las Vegas , it might still be time to do something special just for us.  We have always been aware of the needs of our families and have tried to meet them.  Sometimes they are unattainable or we fall short.  We always try.

I know I was raised well, met my Prince Charming at age 40 and we are living happily ever after, always seeking adventure in work challenges and places to live in the way that we wish to do so.

I can only hope that when you take someone’s hand for the first time you know that it is your future that you are holding.  Cherish it.  Nurture it.  Make it real and true. D