October 9, 1999

That was the day my husband and I met. We actually celebrated this milestone last weekend when we went to the "Livin.g in Love" weekend(see my previous post). Today we went out for a casual dinner. I sat in adoration and remembered our meeting and what happened that day.

My dh and I met at a young Catholic, single adult, retreat that was run by the Arch diocese of Chicago. We were both part of a young adult group but in different towns. This retreat was a place for all of us to gather and pray. It was an amazing weekend. I felt the peace of Christ the first night of the retreat. It was awesome.

Anyway, On Sat, a friend of my dh and I had met casually and this friend introduced me to my dh(does that make sense?). I had actually noticed my dh "S" when we were eating lunch...I was staring at him and when he looked at me, I looked away. I remember thinking that he was cute. There weren't a lot of men on this retreat so I'm sure other women were looking at my dh too. He was by the far the most handsome man there (of course).

So, after the brief introduction, we all went and sat down to listen to a talk. Before the talk began "S" asked me if I wanted a cookie and a drink. I answered "Yes please"...it was then that "S" took real notice of me. He thought I was so polite and he noticed my cuteness. When the talk ended we were given the option to meet in groups, go for a walk (the retreat center had beautiful grounds with fall color blooming) or whatever we wanted. I opted for the walk. I told "S" that I was going for a walk and he said that he was going to stay and join a group discussion. So...I left. I almost sat back down but I really, really wanted that walk. I was sad he didn't want to go with me.

As I was walking by this pond, I turned around and I saw "S" walking towards me. He admitted later that when I left he knew he had to follow. So...we did a lot of talking that afternoon and pretty much hung out the rest of the weekend. I remember praying to God that "S" was special...I didn't want another "fling"...six months prior to meeting "S" I was in a relationship that did not end the way I had planned or liked. God answered that prayer...S became the most special person in my life!!! Little did we know that weekend that we'd still be together ten years later and so very happily married.

We went on our first date two weeks after meeting that weekend. His dad was acting in a play so S took me out to dinner and then we went to see that performance. We shared our first kiss too...I remember it like it happened yesterday. It was very sweet and it told me that S respected me.

It's kind of funny but some of the other women at the retreat noticed that I had met "S" and I got comments like "You are going to marry him."..and I'd be like "Whatever!" or "No, I doubt that." When I went back to work I told a friend about meeting "S" and she said the same thing. My aunt introduced S as my husband at a Christmas party a few months later (I was like "Oh my gosh! He's my boyfriend!)...S didn't really care...the clincher? My mom told him that he was very handsome and gave him a pat on his bum. That was it...I was so embarrassed and thought I lost him for good. He just laughed it off. Within a few months..my dh had warmed up my family and was so accepted and loved. I survived his family gatherings too and was welcoming lovingly too. Looking back.....it just puts a big smile on my face to think of those first few months. Everyone seemed to be comfortable with thinking we'd be together forever.

Besides meeting my dh that day and weekend...I also quit smoking. Yes....it's been ten years since I took a puff. I saved my life...actually S saved my life. On the way home from the retreat I lit a cigarette up...took one last puff...told myself that I really didn't need this anymore and prayed to God that I'd find the strength to quit one more time...Whala...I threw the cigarette out the window...done.. God gave me the will to quit for good!!! I knew it and I did it...cold turkey. S never knew me as a smoker...weird huh? Life changes when someone special enters ones life huh???

So, that weekend was amazing...one day I'll share about the proposal and wedding. But for now...you got to read about how we met. I can't thank God enough for bringing S into my life. I just can't.

I posted some pictures of me riding Apache for the first time this year on my other blog. I will try to add more pictures of my dh and I as soon as I can. If you'd like to see my picture blog...email me. God Bless.