On Christmas leave in 1985. I headed home from my duty station in Newport, Rhode Island to my parent’s home in Annapolis, Maryland. While at home a Newport friend called and asked if I would be interested in going out with a friend of his who was stationed in DC.
I don’t recall asking very many questions but I do remember my very sophisticated and warm reply, “Well, its a free country.”
Gary called me after checking with his friend that there would be at least a level of curiosity for the first contact. Years later, Gary would tell me he was wondering what he had gotten into when he asked about where to go eat out in Annapolis. My reply, “I don’t get out much.” was not a confidence-building reply. Goodness, I didn’t give that one much thought!
We set up the date and Gary would pick me up in Annapolis. Gary and I first met each other in person in the very same living room where we now have been living for the past twenty years, my parent’s home. I can close my eyes and see my father and brother stopping their air hockey game to greet him at the door. I can also remember trying to get Gary out of there before my father asked too many questions.
14 months later, March 21, 1987, we married in Annapolis. 33 years and I get to sit to spend my mornings in the very same living room where we first met.
I would describe these years with a quote from the book, The Interior Castle.
Remember: if you want to make progress on the path and ascend to the places you have longed for, the important thing is not to think much but to love much, and so to do whatever best awakens you to love.
St. Teresa of Avila
When I was young, I thought I was full of love but mostly it was only for my own opinions. I have much more waking up to do concerning love and loving but I’m deeply glad I picked up the phone 35 years ago.
I’m glad to since THAT decision led us to be friends…and related by love!
I too am glad that you picked up that phone, and that Gary had the courage to make the call in the first place. Love this post!
😉