Forty-eight years ago today, she and I had our first real date. That date was preceded by an impromptu visit to a diner for late-night coffee on the night we met at a local bar near her home where I was doing a solo gig. At the diner, I asked her for a real date on my next night off, April 17. When she said yes, I was buzzing. And I remained in a state of heightened anticipation through the days leading up to our date.
On April 17, as soon as she climbed into my VW van, I could smell her shampoo. Later at dinner I casually asked what brand she used. Her answer - "Whatever is in the shower at the time" - charmed me beyond reason. A mundane first date question met with an unguarded response; no pretense.
After dinner, we went to hear a local musician play at a bar, doing a solo act much like my own. At this point, having spent less than ten hours together - including the diner, our dinner, and time at the bar - I was smitten and knew my life had changed. I said to her - "Someday I'm going to marry you". I don't recall her response. But she looked neither scared nor shocked.
We've now been side-by-side since April 17, 1978. She has never let me forget we didn't get married until September 17, 1983. My only defense? I did say "Someday".
Just beautiful, Pat. I'm so glad you two met and are living such a glorious, thoughtful life together.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous; Thanks for the comment.
DeleteThank you for that beautiful memory, Pat, and for all the others we've made since then. You're the one for me.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, it was worth the 5-year wait.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that. Does this mean you've decided to renew my warranty?
DeleteSo sweet! I love stories of how we met our partners. Remind me to tell you ours some day. Coffee?
ReplyDeleteThanks Ines; I'd love to hear your origin story. Coffee soon would be nice as soon as I heal a little more.
DeleteAfter Elizabeth and I had been dating for several years she asked if we were every going to get married. I told her my divorce from my first wife had been one of the more unpleasant experiences of my life--one I had no interest in repeating--so I did a deep dive into the literature and discovered that marriage is the leading cause of divorce. Hence... She was not amused, and luckily I got over my reservations. As for the first wife, Elizabeth and I played bridge with her last night and celebrate all of our major holidays with her and our children.
ReplyDeleteHey Jim; Good to see a comment from you. Thanks for sharing some of the early Jim/Elizabeth story. And good for you being able to maintain a cordial relationship with your first wife.
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