It was far from a typical first date.

With 18 high school students trailing after me, I walked toward the restaurant in NYC. I hadn’t seen our dinner guest in six years. He'd asked about hanging out. Getting together to catch up. Nothing of his invitation gave an indication that his intention was anything but friendship. But the two block walk from the train station began to feel much longer. What if I don't recognize him and walk right past? What if we have nothing to talk about? What if I spill Chicken Tikka down my shirt? Or all over his? Thoughts flooded my mind and my heart began to race. Why was I so nervous? It was just one dinner.

All hopes of a “casual” meal went out the window when I saw him.

My heart stopped, my breath caught in my throat and I struggled to put one foot in front of the other. Forget Brad Pitt or Ryan Reynolds…this was the most attractive man I had ever seen.

I was startled back to reality by the students around me.

“What’re we eating?” “What does ‘Tikka’ mean?” “Who is this guy?”

I made it through dinner with very few mishaps but knew I couldn't wait another six years before seeing him again. Luckily he felt the same way.

It’s hard to believe that dinner was one year ago today.

When I was a little girl, I played make believe. I watched the Disney movies, read love stories, played with my Barbie dolls. In my naive young mind, I imagined my own Prince Charming. He was brave and strong and very handsome. It might sound like a silly fairy tale or the immature longings of a girl who loved romance.

But years later, I have all that and more...

I have a husband that can make me laugh when no one else could.

Who brings out a part of me that I always knew existed but couldn’t find on my own.

Gave me the courage to find myself again when I didn’t think there was anything left.

Selfless and caring. Kind and generous. Sensitive and understanding. All wrapped up in one. 


One year ago today, my fairy tale prince walked back into my life. And I've thanked God every day since.