One Sunday afternoon while I was working in retail, my mom and grandmother came in to the store to tell me that after going to my church, they saw an entry in the bulletin that there was going to be a newcomer's party for the singles group in the parish. My mom said that I should go and that maybe I would meet someone. I did NOT want to go, but I decided to go just to prove her wrong! At first, I asked a friend to go, but she already had plans, so I asked my brother to go along for moral support. But, at the last minute he bailed on me!
So, I still decided to go, but I was only going to stay for 30 minutes and then come up with an excuse to leave. Then, I could tell my mom..."I went but didn't meet anyone I am interested in!" Hopefully, then she would get off my back!
The person hosting the party was named Matt and so I called to get directions to his place. I had to leave a voicemail, but he did call back and told me where it was. Later that evening, I headed out and parked. I was super nervous, I am never good at these kinds of things, plus I was alone and didn't know anyone there. When I got there, the gate was locked (I was told it would be open), so I almost left. However, I called up this Matt-guy and said I was downstairs. He came down the stairs and we met. He was good looking, but I was still so nervous to really notice.
The first words out of his mouth were, "What's your name again?" I introduced myself and we went upstairs. Upon entering the apartment, I noticed a lot of people and most of them looked a tad older than I was expecting. As they began choosing music, several of them mentioned songs that were popular when they were in high school and my fears were realized. Those songs they listed were popular when I was in the fifth and sixth grade. I nervously laughed and said just that. Matt asked when I graduated high school and come to find out, he graduated the same year. So, we had more in common than most of the folks there.
A bit later, he needed more ice and said he needed someone to drive. I quickly offered to do it. (Backstory...I am NEVER this forward) We drove around the corner to the grocery store and talked the whole way there and back. Once we made it back to the apartment, we just kept talking. He mentioned his twin brother and we went into his bedroom (now, don't be thinking THAT, it was very innocent) and he showed me a picture. We just sat on his bed and talked. Before we knew it many of the party goers were leaving to head to a local bar and asked if we wanted to go. I had to work the next day, so I didn't want to drink anymore. We decided not to join everyone. Low and behold the night had flown by and I had met a really nice guy.
At the end of the evening, I asked "So, when's our first date?" Again...I am NEVER that forward!!!!! He said, "How about tomorrow night?"
And the rest is history.
He is the love of my life and we have always said that things happen for a reason. I would have never known about the party if my mom hadn't pushed me (and, NO, she has not let me live that one down!), and Matt had recently moved to Dallas from Manhattan for a job. Had he not taken that job, we never would have met.
He is my rock when I am feeling sad.
He is my lighthouse when I can't find my way.
He is a hand to hold.
He is a faithful man who believes in me and everything I do.
He is a gentle soul.
He is the best father to our children!
Matt...I love you! STARS IN THE SKY!
So, I still decided to go, but I was only going to stay for 30 minutes and then come up with an excuse to leave. Then, I could tell my mom..."I went but didn't meet anyone I am interested in!" Hopefully, then she would get off my back!
The person hosting the party was named Matt and so I called to get directions to his place. I had to leave a voicemail, but he did call back and told me where it was. Later that evening, I headed out and parked. I was super nervous, I am never good at these kinds of things, plus I was alone and didn't know anyone there. When I got there, the gate was locked (I was told it would be open), so I almost left. However, I called up this Matt-guy and said I was downstairs. He came down the stairs and we met. He was good looking, but I was still so nervous to really notice.
The first words out of his mouth were, "What's your name again?" I introduced myself and we went upstairs. Upon entering the apartment, I noticed a lot of people and most of them looked a tad older than I was expecting. As they began choosing music, several of them mentioned songs that were popular when they were in high school and my fears were realized. Those songs they listed were popular when I was in the fifth and sixth grade. I nervously laughed and said just that. Matt asked when I graduated high school and come to find out, he graduated the same year. So, we had more in common than most of the folks there.
A bit later, he needed more ice and said he needed someone to drive. I quickly offered to do it. (Backstory...I am NEVER this forward) We drove around the corner to the grocery store and talked the whole way there and back. Once we made it back to the apartment, we just kept talking. He mentioned his twin brother and we went into his bedroom (now, don't be thinking THAT, it was very innocent) and he showed me a picture. We just sat on his bed and talked. Before we knew it many of the party goers were leaving to head to a local bar and asked if we wanted to go. I had to work the next day, so I didn't want to drink anymore. We decided not to join everyone. Low and behold the night had flown by and I had met a really nice guy.
At the end of the evening, I asked "So, when's our first date?" Again...I am NEVER that forward!!!!! He said, "How about tomorrow night?"
And the rest is history.
He is the love of my life and we have always said that things happen for a reason. I would have never known about the party if my mom hadn't pushed me (and, NO, she has not let me live that one down!), and Matt had recently moved to Dallas from Manhattan for a job. Had he not taken that job, we never would have met.
He is my rock when I am feeling sad.
He is my lighthouse when I can't find my way.
He is a hand to hold.
He is a faithful man who believes in me and everything I do.
He is a gentle soul.
He is the best father to our children!
Matt...I love you! STARS IN THE SKY!
February 2003*************************
This post was inspired by the SWAK Valentine carnival hosted by Kristen {We Are That Family}. Click your way over if you’re in the mood for a love story or two.
10 comments:
That's such a great story Allison! I'm glad you found each other!
No- I'll never let you forget it- but you weren't the only winner of the evening. Matt was too-- and don't forget that your dad and I were too- He is a wonderful son in lawand we got 2 grandkids out of that package. We love you all. Mom
love this story... so wonderful how things are destined to be... I bet you are so glad you went... my husband and I were set up on a blind date... I am so grateful for him..
Sounds like he started bringing out the best in you right away. You are truly blessed!
Patti
http://37blessings.blogspot.com/2009/02/did-one-but-know.html
How sweet! What a great story!
What a great love story. I love how you went in not expecting anything and look where you are today. I hope you have that picture framed somewhere in your house - it's beautiful.
What a great "how we met" story!
AMAZING POST Allison. I mean it that was great! ANd I adore the picture at the end.
I *love* that love story. Most people have boring "how we met" stories like: we met in college, or we met online. Yours? It'll make a great story for those kids to hear!
I am a bit late in visiting via the SWAK carnival, but what a great post!
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