4/10/2009

Faith, Hope and Jay

The first time I saw her was, appropriately enough, when she was singing as the entertainment at a Sunday morning breakfast for our college class at church. I leaned over to the guy next to me and asked who the brunette was on the left. I had never seen her before. He told me her name was Hope Davis. I made sure that I finagled a way to meet her before the morning was over and, after that introduction, I did not see her for another year.

We met again during another church event. She was performing with a small group for a church fundraiser and I was waiting tables. I rode in her car with some others to meet a larger group at a restaurant for a post event dinner. I was unaware that she was trying to hook me up with a mutual friend but that didn’t happen. Instead, by the end of the evening, Hope Davis and I were in our own world, dancing, laughing and ignoring the rest of our group.

One week later we had our first date.

Three months later we were engaged.

Eleven months after our first date we were married.

27 years ago today.

I could say that I never would have imagined after that first night out with friends that this day would be here—celebrating an anniversary, three kids, house, cars, approaching 50 with her next to me—but that would not be telling the truth. I imagined all of that and more during that first night because I fell in love with her right after the enchiladas but right before “Celebrate” by Kool and the Gang. And I thank her for eventually returning the favor. It’s been incredible and will continue to be so. Sometimes you just know...

11 comments:

Krista said...

Happy tears all around and it's not just my allergies as Paw Paw Colle used to say. Love to both of you and Happy Anniversary!
Krista

Jason B. said...

Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary
Haaappy Anniversary

Pour a cheerful toast and fill it
Happy Anniversary
But be careful you don't spill it
Happy Anniversary

Ooooo Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary
Haaappy Anniversary

Ooooo Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary
Haaappy Anniversary

Happy she and happy he
They're both as happy as can be
Celebrating merrily
their happy anniversary

Ooooo Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary
Haaappy Anniversary

Ooooo Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary
Haaappy Anniversary

We now state emphatically
its happy anniversary
Not another day could be
a happy anniversary

Ooooo Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary
Happy
Happy
Happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy
Anniversary!!!

Steve Andrews said...

Nice.

Laura Jean's Pies said...

Congratulations parents! I love you both!!!

carO__ said...

O uncle Jay that brought tears to my eyes :). I hope 27 years from now my marriage is at least half of the success yalls is!
Love you guys!
<3Caroline
(now that i'm a tweeter :) i saw this link on there!)

Laura said...

Happy Anniversary to you both. I find that every year together with my husband is more precious than the last. You guys are a great testimony of the love that perseveres.

Sean said...

that's awesome. I'm so blessed to know you both. You rock.

Jim said...

My favorite couple...I love you!

Vivian Myrtetus said...

Seriously-- your love for each other move me to tears. Congrats and I can only pray to be so happy after 27 years with Paul. God bless you both!

mycotn said...

Raising a pint in your direction...

Kahlua Keeping Koala said...

I'm glad you have both done so well. You are an inspiration to us as we walk this road.