I know. We were babies.
We met on a cooler.
How many of you can say that about your valentine?
It was 1991, the summer of my 18th birthday, the summer before leaving for college, and I was attending a three day outdoor concert with my friends. I wasn’t looking for love, and I’m pretty sure that if I had been, this concert would have been one of those wrong places to look for it.
He graduated from a high school about fifteen minutes from mine, the high school that one of my dearest friends had also attended. I was with her, in her group of friends, jamming to Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Fishin’ in the Dark” when he stepped up onto the cooler I was standing on – or maybe it was the other way around. Maybe he was there first. Somehow, we both ended up on the the same cooler. I was holding his hand before I knew his name.
We sat on the boat dock of the pond on the concert grounds all night talking. He says now that he was only looking for a summer romance before going back to college in the fall. But we both knew this was something bigger than a single summer could hold.
We’ve had twenty-one more summers together since that July night in 1991 -and springs and falls and winters. We’ve weathered every season together, every stage, every move, every heartbreak, every joy. He is every cliché to me – my rock, my everything, the love of my life, the wind beneath my wings. Did I miss any?
Happy Valentines Day, my love. This one’s for you.
I actually love The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
The tv show The Middle actually did an episode where the mom and dad went to a bar to see them play.
I love stories like these and you WERE babies!!
I was legally eligible to drink that summer.
That was a great summer.
Kari recently posted..I Dunno Universe, How Do WE Feel About Valentines?? NaBloMoPo #14
Kari, I think my favorite NGDB song is actually Dance Little Jean. Do you know that one? I actually don’t listen to that much country music anymore (except Dolly Parton – I adore her), but I sure am glad I was a fan that summer. It worked out pretty well for me.
And I don’t think I’ve seen that episode of The Middle – I must find it (Don’t you just love Sue from that show?)
Oh that is so sweet! You gave me goosebumps. I love how people can meet and just know that it works and have it work for so long. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Michelle recently posted..The Worst Date. Ever.
Yes, Michelle. I think that it is a miracle of sorts that someone can meet a person when they are that young (see picture above -OMG) and still get along after they’ve aged and grown as people over two decades. I am thankful for that… and for your comment!
Every couple worth their salt have a signature song. Ours is “Ventura Highway.” And, you both have aged beautifully!
Maria recently posted..See ya later, alligator
Ah, Maria, you are too kind.
Hi Shannon, Would you happen to be talking about my daughter here?? Love your blog…you have a real talent!