She Excites Me

July 1982, she opened the door and I was hooked...forever.

That very moment was the beginning of the rest of my life, and it started with a flip through a high school year book. It all began after I arrived from out of state on a Greyhound bus, just a few weeks out of high school. It was undetermined whether I could even stay there, get a job, and earn enough to survive.

Within four days I had my answer, when she answered the knock on the door. You see, when thumbing through the year book, I saw her picture, but hers was not the first one that caught my eye. Had the first answered the phone...my history may be totally different. But God had other plans. When she did answer the phone, and after nervously speaking a while I finally worked up the nerve to ask her on a blind date, and she accepted my invitation to dinner and a movie.

Meeting Her

The knock on the door, then I heard someone walking down the hard wood steps coming towards the door. When the door opened, I was met with her stunning deep blue eyes and long brunette hair. She wore a white blouse and jeans and her smile was perfect.

I was excited, excited that she accepted my invitation, excited she gave me an opportunity to know her. Excited to talk with her, excited to learn about her and her dreams...which would take time to share as we got to know each other and build trust, in what turned out to be a mutual interest in each other. But I had work to do.

Culture Clash

Her parents did not share my enthusiasm, in fact, they did not want her to see me again, although they did not restrict her from doing so. They allowed her make the decision, but they were on guard as parents should be. I was from another state and a far different culture, economic class and frankly I was a boy, so to any parent I would be a threat in a sense. They quickly judged me on my looks, and manners and decided without knowing me whether I was a good match for their daughter. It was an uphill climb.

Growing Closer

As time went on, we both began to realize that our relationship was getting stronger, we shared our dreams with each other...we laughed, cried and argued, but we never allowed a disagreement to linger. She excited me because she was the opposite of where I came from, she brought out the best in me, told me I could accomplish anything I set my mine to and was brutally honest when I needed someone to do so. We could see our future together becoming a reality.

Engagement / Marriage

After almost 18 months of dating, I did something I could not have dreamed I would have done at 19 years old. I asked her parents for her hand in marriage. I was petrified, but confident as the same time. They gave me their blessings, I had earned their trust and respect. On Christmas Eve 1983, I proposed to her in her parents living room. I was beyond excited, that God brought us together from much different backgrounds to be partners in life...forever.

The Rest of the Story

It has been almost 39 years now that we have been married, we have been through many ups and downs, disappointments and successes, happiness and sadness alike. But through it all she still excites me.

I am excited for everything she is to me, God sent...my best friend, partner, lover, mother and confidante in our life together.

Just this morning, I walked away from my office to our room, thinking she was still sleeping, but she was indeed awake and when I walked into the room she met me with that amazing smile...and I was excited all over again.