8 Years

May 19, 2001, Leslie and I were married.  Let me take you back to how it all started...

We met at an inter-collegiate honor band in 1999 in Tulsa.  Both of our directors at our respective schools had urged us to attend, even though we both expressed hesitation before going.  "You never know who you might meet," we found out later both of our directors said to us.  I remember seeing her for the first time, acting "cool" (wow, at least I realize now how un-cool I've always been...), and her using my mismatched socks as an excuse to talk for the few days we were there (yup, that's the reason I still do it today).

I remember walking away as the event ended, stopping myself, and literally speaking out loud, "you have to do something before you leave.. you have to do something.."  Which is when I bumbled myself through a way of asking her if she ever made it from Ada to Norman.

"Yeah, to see my boyfriend," she responded.  Oops. 

"Oh, right.. yeah.. okay.. so.. by then."  But I still couldn't just leave it.. so in a way only I could, blurted out, "well, maybe I can... so, if you want to talk ever.. maybe we could... PHONE"

"That would be great!  Do you have a pen or paper?"

"Uhh (never gotten this far before, unknown territory.. mayday, mayday).. no... But, awww.. don't worry, you're on the ECU directory right?  I'll just email you."

"Great!"

And that was it for a few weeks.  I stewed over it, thought about it, then finally got up the nerve to try to email her.  So, yeah, back in the "day" there really weren't directories online at campuses (LOOONG before IM, twitter, facebook, blah blah blah.. all you whipper snappers don't know how good you've got it!), so she wasn't listed.  Did I stop there?  Nope, went into full stalker mode pretty much: I emailed the webmaster at the ECU website and asked if he/she could send along word to her.  He/She responded (I don't think they were too trusting), and wouldn't you know it, a few days later received this:

Hey, Pete I tried the other day to find your e-mail adress but you
>weren't in the OU directory.  You can send e-mail to
les_mes@hotmail.com 
>How are things going for you at OU?  Times are pretty rough right now
>for me.  The guy I have been seeing for about a year, he and I just
>broke up.  So things are a little tough but getting easier each day.
>Well now that you have heard my sob story How are things for you?  Have
>you seen the movie She's All That?  The main character reminds me of
>you.  I am not sure exactly why.  I think he looks a little like you.
>Well I am going to go eat dinner.  Talk to you later.  HAPPY VALENTINES
>DAY
>
>
>                        Leslie

Ah yes.  So sad for her and her boyfriend.  That email turned into many, then many more trips to and from Ada (more for her.. but come on.. Ada?  Seriously..) which turned into a proposal (I'll give that story sometime.. it's another good one), then a wedding, then Emily Ann, then Benjamin Aaron.

My life with Leslie has put all things in perspective: family, love, and happiness.  I say it countless times, and I still believe the look I get is, "yeah right" when I say it, but when anybody asks me if there's anything I want for birthdays, celebrations, or whatever, my response is always, "Is Leslie okay?  Are the kids okay?  I'm good." 

I will tell you, there are still surprises in our relationship for me.  Specifically, the one I've noticed more lately, is the progression of how we interact with each other.  In the beginning, there was that awkward talk (mostly from me), with the hesitant looks.  Then, as our relationship grew, we became very close, and I found a complete comfort when I looked at her, and didn't mind doing so for hours (even if she knew I was doing it).  Then, as we "settled" into our marriage, we got more comfortable with each other, could read each other much better, and I found ourselves talking a little less, but still knowing what we were each thinking.  What's interesting now is that I find myself looking at her, and becoming shy again if she catches me... Weird moments, too.. like when she's talking on the phone, or doing her hair.  She'll glance over at me, and I find myself the bumbling idiot I was when we first met, trying to find an internal excuse for what I was doing, OTHER than looking at her..who knew after 8 years?

Every time I look at Emily or Benjamin, I see Leslie, and thank God for all that I have in this world.  I've become weepier as I've grown older (as you all know), and most of it centers on how truly blessed and lucky I am to have found her.  She's put up with me for 8 years, here's hoping for 80 more..

And, to celebrate, we're going to Terminator this weekend.  Here's still hoping for 80 more :)

I love you Leslie, happy anniversary.

Pete