20th Anniversary of Our First Date

 George and I met “online” sometime in March of 2000, perhaps about 6 weeks after Mike had passed.  We spent six weeks chatting online, instant messaging and so on.  We wouldn’t speak in person until late April.  On April 24^th, we were having our nightly messaging conversation.  It was a Monday night.  During this “conversation” I finally asked, “When……”, “are…..”, “you going to ask me out!”  He replied that he had intended on asking me out on Wednesday.  I queried why that day of the week.  He said that he felt if he waited until later in the week I wouldn’t have a chance to bow out.  I wouldn’t be saying “I have to shampoo my hair that night.”, etc.  Just one of his quirks.

We finally had our first date on April 28, 2000.  It was three months after Mike had passed.  There was no expectation of what would happen.  Yet, there was a companionable feel to the whole date.  I paid for the movie, Keeping The Faith, at the AMC Mercado Theatres.  He paid for dinner at the Peppermill in Santa Clara.  We had a wonderful time. 

We didn’t know then what life held in store for us.  But I am thankful for all the moments I got to spend with George over the past 20 years.  I’m thankful that, on that first date, I laid my head on his shoulder while we watched the movie – and continued to lean on him, put my head on his shoulder all the way to that last day.  

Touching Shoulders

There’s a comforting thought at the close of the day,

When I’m weary and lonely and sad.

That sort of grips hold of my crusty old heart

And bids it be merry and glad.

It gets in my soul and it drives out the blues,

And finally thrills through and through.

It is just a sweet memory that charts the refrain;

“I’m glad I touched shoulders with you!”

Did you know you were brave, did you know you were strong?

Did you know there was one leaning hard?

Did you know that I waited and listened and prayed,

And was cheered by your simplest word?

Did you know that I longed for that smile on your face,

For the sound of your voice ringing true?

Did you know I grew stronger and better because

I had merely touched shoulders with you?

I am glad that I live, that I battle and strive

For the place that I know I must fill;

I am thankful for sorrows, I’ll meet with a grin

What fortune may send – good or ill.

I may not have wealth, I may not be great,

But I know I shall always be true,

For I have in my life that courage you gave

When once I touched shoulders with you.

-       Unknown