Twenty Two Years

Twenty Two years ago tonight, two lives changed and would never be the same again.  On this day in 1987, a chance visit to a Wheaton watering hole reunited Mary and I.  We had met in 1983 when I went to Wheaton for Thanksgiving.  Memories faded as time passed but that all changed December 23, 1987. 

I walked into Hugh's Pub with two buddies and Mary recognized me.  We joined her and her friend for some refreshments.  Later she and I loaded up the jukebox with one of our musical constants, U2 and their album of that year The Joshua Tree.  Her friend left and the party of three became a gang of four.  Mary had hung with my buddies in high school so this would have been the gang if I hadn't moved to Indiana before Junior year in high school.

We then did what all parties must do, we went to Mr. Doughnut.  I'm not sure why.  We then got my car stuck in the Seven Gables park.  Then it came time to take Mary home.  My buddy said he would but fate won out again as I told him that's okay, I will. 

After some intense discussion, I did get my future queen home.  When I asked for her phone number so we could continue our brand new relationship, she tried to give me her Father's phone number.  She didn't live with her Father but was busting my balls.  The politics of passion.

So fast forward 22 years...  two children and plenty of real life later, we share each day and look forward to the next and the one after that. Who knew when I stepped into that tavern that night that my future Best Friend would be there?  I certainly didn't but I thank the Lord every day that she was.

Happy 22 years, Mary.  I love you.