My Aussie friend, Paula (aka appleleaf) wrote about how she and her husband met, as they recently celebrated their wedding anniversary.  She asked her friends to consider writing their own "meeting" story so that's what I'm going to do here.  Only I wrote this back in 1998, when I attended a women's writing conference.  I learned so much at that conference (I have mentioned it several times before) and I recently found my notes and writings from that day.  A blessing, because I thought I'd lost them!  Anyway, they turned up tonight, (thank you, Lord!) so here goes ...

Meeting & Marrying Todd

     As usual, I run in late and sit in the back.  Why can't I get to church on time, I think.  The new people are welcomed and I see him stand up near the front.  He is blonde, dressed in a gray suit.  He has a kind face and sweet, blue eyes.  He says his name is Todd and sits down.  He probably said more but that's all I heard.  He definitely makes an impression.  I wish I would have arrived earlier, so I could have talked to him before the singles' group started.  Later, when everyone moved to the sanctuary for church, I manage to get a seat behind him.  I get to shake his hand during the greeting and introduce myself.  It is hard to concentrate on the sermon.

     Fast forward two months ...

"There's a meeting today after church," he says, "Can I give you a ride?"  Sure, I say.  We arrive at the restaurant and, can you believe it?  No one else shows up for the meeting!  We talk, eat and laugh.  He tells me how his grandfather used to build boats.  Todd, himself, is a cabinet maker.  Just weeks before, I had laughingly told a co-worker I was going to marry a carpenter!  (I thought it was an honest trade.)  When we are done eating, he takes me home and asks to see me again, Saturday maybe?  Such a vulnerable moment and what do I say?  I need to check my calendar!  But yes, of course, I can see him Saturday.  The Friday before our date, he sends me three roses at work.  I tell a co-worker I am going to marry this man.

     Fast forward five weeks

"Will you marry me?" he says.  My heart leaps!  My brilliant response?  Why are you asking me now?  "Because I want you to be my wife," he says simply.  I couldn't think of any reason not to, so, quietly I say yes.  I am dizzy from this life changing moment.

That was back in 1987.   The courtship was brief, we were engaged nine months.  We'll celebrate 19 years this August.  I'm still dizzy!

It would be great to hear your love story - let me know if you blog about it!