How I Met Your Father...

It's funny, this story is such a part of me and my life story that I feel like everyone must know it. As we approached the wedding of our youngest daughter, the subject of how I met my husband came up several times. I am surprised that many people that I have known for years did not know it.

So, just to set the record straight. ;)

On labor day 1977, my family (dad, mom, 2 brothers, and my baby sister) headed to Santa Cruz beach along with a friend of mine. I was just about to begin my freshman year in high school. We spent the day building sand castles and getting tossed around by the waves. I remember one particular wave that day completely upended me. There was a moment that I couldn't find where up was- very scary!

Anyway, we finished our day by piling into a borrowed station wagon that had the back seats that faced rear view. My friend, Brenda, and I were lucky occupants of those back seats.

The drive home was slow going. Lots of traffic going over the winding road home. At some point, two guys pulled in behind us. In the stop and go traffic we had lots of time to "talk" (more like a made up sign language) back and forth.

At some point, one of the boys asked our names. Brenda was a difficult name to sign, but "LORI" (my name) was not too hard. And then came the phone number. I remember actually asking my mom permission to give these boys my number (in her defense, I am sure she never thought anything would come of it!). I signed my number to the boys. They got it wrong the first time! We still have the little piece of paper the number was written on.

Eventually, the traffic jam let loose and my dad drove away from those troublesome boys.

But... a few days later came the phone call. "Hi, uh hem, my name is Frank, the guy from the freeway, may I speak to Lori?"

Yup, he actually called! And arrangements were made for him and his friend to come down that weekend for a visit with me and my friend.

Dads being dads (even mine, who was not all that protective), car keys were confiscated upon arrival. It was one thing to have this crazy boy and his friend over, it was another thing to think that anyone was going anywhere in a car!

And that is how it all began.

For me, it really was love at first sight. Being an introvert, I was not used to talking people's ears off, but I felt instant comfort with this boy.

My friend dated Frank's friend for a few months.

Frank and I continued on. Thirty-seven years later, we are still going strong.

I will always remember "that boy" in the car behind us. I knew, even before I met him in person, that he was the one for me.

It hasn't always been easy, but I thank God often for the gift of that encounter!

An airport goodbye from years ago- he still keeps me from taking myself too seriously! 

Funny side note- my daughters were telling this story to a friend several years ago when they were in high school. When they finished telling it, the friend looked over at our van and, without missing a beat, said "that explains the tinted windows!" 

I admit that I would not have been very pleased for one of my daughters to have met a boy in this same manner, but I would not rule out God's plan in any situation!