9 Years and Counting

A lot of married couples that I know have two "anniversaries" . . . One is the obvious "legal" anniversary, the day acknowledged by our local government as the day that we said our vows and an ordained minister, by the powers vested in him, declared us legally married. The other is an "unofficial" one of sorts--the day that the couple went on their first date or started dating (or going steady or going out or whatever the term du jour is) or whatever.

Leah and I are no exception. We mark as that official beginning of the "Eric and Leah" era as June 7, 1997. We went to a Promus Hotel Corporation (our previous employer, now better known as Hilton Hotels) company picnic. I really wasn't sure where it would lead us, and as a matter of fact, 3 years later I would accept a position in Dallas, hoping to start a new life of sorts with just me, new co-workers, new friends, a new church, and figure out what I wanted to do with my life in the area of career, love, home city, etc.

I first kind of "noticed" Leah at my cousin Kristi's 16th birthday party (which would've been July 1994). I don't remember what she was wearing or anything like that--I just remember noticing that I didn't realize Kristi had such cute friends. I would later find out that her grandmother had been friends with my granny for quite a long time, that her family used to go to Merton a long time ago, and there were several other reasons why I should know her or at least remember her. But I didn't.

The next few years were kind of odd. Leah thought nothing of professing her unfaltering feelings for me, even thought I might've been involved in another relationship at the time. Sure, there were times that I might stop by or say hello or something, but quite often I was involved with someone else, and Leah basically didn't care. She just told me that I was making a mistake. Heck, I even got asked to formals and a prom, and had to decline because there was somebody else that wouldn't have understood this girl who wouldn't take "No" for an answer. There were a few times that I wasn't dating someone, but then she had a boyfriend. Then in May of 1995 I became engaged to someone else--I knew I was probably hurting her, but thought at the time that I had found "the one." The fact that our timing was always off had finally reached its final, end-of-conversation point. So I thought.

The original wedding date set at the time was April 20th, 1996--the same day as Leah's senior prom. Although the date had long since been postponed (prior to the breakup which cancelled it for good), Leah wasn't aware of this, and went to prom thinking that by the time she got home, I would be married to someone else. As a cruel twist of fate, that was the day that the engagement was broken, along with my heart into a million pieces. For some reason that night, I called Leah's house--her dad said, "It's a pretty big day for you, isn't it?" My response was basically, "No, not really." I think her mom told her later that I WASN'T married, and I'm sure she had the true definition of mixed feelings--sad at my broken heart, but feeling that her dream of "catching" me was still very much alive.

The next year was a nice mix of playful flirting and a date or two, mixed with both of us doing other things and seeing other people. At one point, I told her that she was WAY too pushy and that even IF I had considered dating her, she had messed it up by smothering the crap out of me. Then I got the silent treatment for awhile. Then there was her graduation (Leah actually bet her mom $20 that I wouldn't show-- an unpaid debt, if I'm not mistaken), and her party afterwards, where I met this moron that she was dating. Yes, I guess I was a bit jealous, but he really did annoy me--I just felt like she could do so much better. I don't remember exactly what he said to her that night, but it was condescending and borderline demeaning. I later learned that her prom night consisted of such things as a fast-food dinner, his pick-up truck, and him talking on his C.B. the whole night. What a freakin' winner. (I would later give her the "prom night she never had", complete with a black stretch limo, dinner at Landry's on the river, and a carriage ride).

A few weeks later, she broke up with him. I told her that I did NOT want to be the reason she did so, and she assured me that it wasn't (just a convenient added bonus!). The rest, as they say, is history. Not quite 5 years later, on a cold night in early January, Leah began a scavenger hunt that involved Blockbuster Video, Super K-Mart, a Bride's Magazine and a Ring Pop that would reward her with an engagement ring. I thought I would share a poem that I wrote the summer before we got married. I intended on reading it at the rehearsal dinner, in front of parents, grandparents, friends and family. All the chaos and tears and excitement made me forget, so I ended up reading to a small group of folks as the party was winding down that night at Coletta's. Reading it, and enjoying the memories that it brings, still makes me smile.

I love you, honey . . . The last 9 years have been incredible!!

To My Bride
Alas, the day we've awaited
After an endless time is here
Two hearts become one, they say
And our parents will shed a tear

It started on a cold winter night
In front of Bartlett's Pizza Hut
You received a clue that began our journey
You probably thought I was a nut!

Or perhaps you had some idea
That you'd soon be wearing my ring
Because you had patiently waited
And for me, you would do anything

So now as I sit back and think
About how it all began
So many things come to mind
I'd like to recall a few, if I can

I guess I first took notice
At a party for Kristi's day
Little did I know, before long
I'd be giving my heart away

But of course it wasn't that easy
We both had to endure some pain
For there is no appreciation for sun
Unless you've endured some rain

It was your birthday party, I believe
When we wrestled and scuffled in the floor
Looking back, I think that was flirting
'Cause your boyfriend had walked out the door.

There was the movie Forrest Gump
Another time, a Bolton football game
I kinda felt like I was on display
How did these people know my name?!

I had no idea why your parents called me
When you had that appendix pulled out
I came with "Get Well" card in hand
I still don't know what that was about!

I called you injured, from a hospital room
And said "Don't go out of your way."
Then I came home, and you thought I was bored
And offered to come over every day

Then I told you that you were way too pushy
You quit calling--now that was a switch
I'm sure every girl that I dated
You called them a, well, you know.

Then there was your senior prom
And part of you was sad and down
Little did you know that it would be you
Who would be wearing a bride's white gown

A few weeks later, it was graduation
And the guy who drove those fire trucks
But you didn't think I would attend
And I became "A walking 20 bucks"

The old saying is "Follow your heart"
And mine began speaking loud and clear
In front of my eyes was a young woman
Who would love me and hold me near

We went to a company picnic
And that's when "us" finally began
The girl that I had frustrated
Became my very biggest fan

We've been to New Orleans, Nashville, Louisville,
Cincinnati, St. Louis-who knows where
Chances are when I had an idea,
You'd say, "I have never been there."

But the rain wasn't quite over, you see
Because Hilton Hotels came along
Moving to Dallas was a bad idea
Because in your arms is where I belong

The time has certainly flown by
But I don't think I would change one thing
Because on a night in January
We hoped for what the future will bring

So tomorrow as we turn a page
And begin a new chapter of life
I hope you know how happy I'll be
When my friend becomes my wife

I'll meet you at the base of aisle
And then we'll say, "I do."
Please know, believe, and trust
That forever I will love you!

Alas, the day we've awaited
In a few hours will soon arrive
Just in case I forget to tell you then
You've made me the happiest man alive.

Love always,

Eric
October 25, 2002