Twenty-six years ago, I flew to meet the man I would marry. We’d met over the phone when he interviewed me on his talk-radio show in Prescott, Arizona. The interview was so engaging we kept talking after our allotted time on-air. We talked over the phone every night after that. Six weeks later, I told him, “We need to meet to know if this is real.” I was newly separated. He was three years sober. I was absolutely, positively convinced I would never marry again after several failed marriages. He had never been married, having been consumed with work as a broadcaster earlier in his career and later with getting sober. His wish-list for qualities in a wife-to-be were such that a good friend had told him, “She’s not out there.”
So there I was traveling halfway across the country to meet this mystery man whom I knew only as a voice. He couldn’t get away from his one-man operation so I offered to make the trip instead. We arranged to meet in the bar at the historic Hassayampa Hotel in downtown Prescott. I walked in at the appointed time, butterflies in my stomach. Would he be as great in person as he seemed over the phone? Would he make my pulse race?
There he was, seated at the end of the bar. He’d ordered me a glass of champagne, which sparkled in the afternoon sun slanting through the stained-glass window over the bar. But what I noticed first was his sparkling eyes and smile that lit up his whole face. I walked straight into his arms. I don’t remember my feet carrying me. It was as if I were floating. My every reservation about meeting my stranger from afar melted away as his lips met mine. It was love at first sight.
The rest, as they say, is history. Sandy and I will celebrate our 25th anniversary next week. It seems impossible that we’ve been together so long because it seems like only yesterday that we met and fell in love. It’s as clear in my mind’s eye as it was on that historic occasion. Often I’m asked, “How did you know?” Given my track record, it’s a fair question. How did I know this man was different than the others, who disappointed me? How did I know I was making the right decision when I said, “I do”? I can’t answer that question. I just knew in my heart.
If I’ve learned one thing traveling my broken road in life it’s this: The heart doesn’t lie. My heart knew it was a mistake when I was marrying my previous husbands. My head simply vetoed my heart, giving all the arguments for why it was a good thing when in fact it wasn’t. When I met Sandy my only reservation was that I had no reservations. It seemed so strange—what was I missing here? It was my therapist who advised, “Some things and people are as they seem. Just because you were fooled, or fooled yourself, in the past it doesn’t mean you will be again.” Basically, what she was saying was “listen to your heart.”
I’m glad I heeded that advice. Where our broken roads merged lay the road to happiness. For the past quarter of a century I’ve shared a life with a man who upholds his wedding vows with every waking moment. He honors and cherishes me. He is my partner in sickness and in health, good times and bad times. He’s a wonderful stepdad to my two children. He’s romantic, with a passion that never wanes. He’s never, ever boring.
I look forward to seeing what the years to come hold for us. Wherever we go, it will be hand-in-hand.
That’s such a lovely story Eileen. I didn’t know all those details. Enjoy your anniversary and we hope to see you before too long.
Thank you for reading and commenting on my post, Ingrid! One of the many things I love about Sandy is he has awesome relatives 🙂
How lovely reading this, you are indeed a meant to be couple. Glad that we had several chances to meet from your townhouse in the city, to a book signing, and more.
From a couple married 51 years to you both, Happy Anniversary. May you enjoy life as you prepare for your next chapter.
51 years! Wow. You guys have a beautiful love story of your own. Seems we were destined to meet. Kindred spirits.
Eileen, I love your true story! It inspires me and I do believe that Magic Happens and in your case it most certainly did!
I have read a lot of your novels and look forward to reading more!
Thank you for sharing your own love story.
Bliss,
Stephanie
I appreciate your comment, Stephanie. You never know when/where you’ll find love. Seems like these days it’s mostly on the Internet. I just happened to find it over the phone.
Happy Anniversary to you both!!
Thank you, dear Meri!
Beautifully put.
What a love story! 💗💗
Still crying.
Thank you, my dear friend. You know of what I write.
Oh, this is so beautiful!!!
I am married to a beautiful man. He’s easy to write about.
Beautiful story
Wishing you a Most Happy Anniversary and many many more
Thank you!
Such a lovely story and such a lovely couple – so friendly and generous. Looking forward to having another catch up one day when we are allowed to travel again- congratulations to you both 😀
I would love that, Janine. In the meantime, sending my best to you & your sweet hubby.
What a beautiful love story. You knew and you followed your heart to Prescott. Cheers to many more years together.
Thanks, Glenda! Hard to believe it’s been 25 years. Never thought I’d be celebrating a silver anniversary.
I was in Prescott, AZ when this special occasion occurred, and in NYC when this very special Union occurred. Happy Anniversay to you both. Doesn’t seem possible it was 25 years ago!
Crazy, huh? How time flies! I remember now you were there when it happened. Historic occasion.
What a wonderful story! Happy Anniversary and may you both celebrate many more years together.
Thank you so much! We lovebirds will be parted only in death.
I love your books, love seeing them on my shelf and re reading many, Right now, re reading Woman in Red. Loved reading this about you too. Happy Anniversary and many more.
Thank you, Mimi! It’s nice to know I have a place on your bookshelves. Hope you enjoyed WOMAN IN RED. One of my personal favorites of the books I’ve written.