September 2, 1990
On that day, fifteen years ago, I went out on a date with a boy and my life was never the same.
We were new college freshmen.
I was still living at home temporarily.
He had just moved himself from Texas to Mississippi.
We were both 18.
Our first date was 6 days after we met. It was a double date with two friends. We went to see a movie: Aracnaphobia. We both have no idea what the movie was about.
His career plan included law enforcement and hopefully, the FBI. (Thank God that didn't stick) or becoming a rock star. (That changed too, tho not nearly as fast as the FBI thing.)
My career plan included teaching high school English and a degree in journalism.
I didn't yet have my driver's license. He taught me to drive. I hated it.
His college job was pulling parts in a car part warehouse. He worked evenings and weekends. It was hard and dirty work, but I admired his dedication and the fact that he didn't shy away from hard work.
He drove an ugly green Impala...maybe a 1984 model. It was ugly. Ugly. Ugly. It was obvious I wasn't dating him for his wheels.
One month after our first date, we started to discuss getting married.
That was fifteen years ago.
This was the first photo taken of us together...November 1990. I never noticed until tonight that I'm kinda standing behind him. I think that's somewhat indicative of our relationship. Joal's standing strong and firm and I'm sheltered a little bit by him. I think I like that.
That night started something that I'll never recover from. Nor do I ever want to.
9 comments:
Awww, that's so sweet...you look like babies!
Awww..how sweet!!
That was really adorable! So what do you two do now? Did you wind up a teacher? Is he in law enforcement?
Such a cute post! I love it.
We were babies!!
Jess, I am a mom to two boys and I homeschool the oldest. So, not a teacher in the traditional sence like I thought I would be...but much happier than I ever thought possible.
He's in sales for a national legislative research company. He's still a musician but has found other, less "rock star-ish" outlets for that passion.
It's so wonderful to hear about a lasting love.
What a lovely entry. I could feel your love for him as I read what you had to share. Congratulations on finding such a wonderful person with whom to spend your life.
Awww, you are so cute together!!! Look at how little you were - you looked like a little girl! You almost made my cry with your "I'm standing behind him" observation. That is so sweet.
This is a beautiful story in it's beginnings! Thank you for sharing.
Sophia
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