Finders, Keepers. Part Two
“Tell me who admires and loves you, and I will tell you who you are.” -Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve
After that, it was daily conversation. Sometimes multiple times daily, but mostly once a day, for about five or six hours, and usually long into the night, or rather, long into Chris’ morning hours.
We were, truly, “friends first.” And it made such a huge difference in our relationship, then, and what would end up being 1.5 years later.
We talked about everything. About past relationships, ourselves. About our families, our friends. About how much I hate cilantro, and about how much he hates peanut butter.
I started to crave his conversation early into our conversing. I kept quiet about how much I missed him throughout the day. About how much I thought about him. He started to develop “more than simply friendly” feelings for me early on into the relationship, but didn’t tell me either.
There was always, of course, the problem of distance. And thus, so much went unsaid. And we let doubts creep for a year and a half. Doubts about our ability to make our relationship really “work,” because of our doubts about the reality of us ever living in the same city, or, you know, even on the same side of the country.
We let doubt creep stealthily, and well, downright overtly, until we both were about to go crazy with the “what if” questions constantly circling our brains like pesky doubting vultures (even worse than regular vultures, those pesky doubting vultures), until I went Impulsive on both of us, and bought him a plane ticket. (That was 15 months! after we first started talking.)
To say we were both giddy with excitement is to grossly understate. Until the moment I emailed him the itinerary, the only moment that caused us to “Um. Wow.” more, was the day after I had called him and left a goodnight message telling him I loved him. For the first time. Ever.
The story of our first I Love You’s went a little something like this:
Before we talked one Thursday afternoon, I worried I had broken everything the night prior, what with my wide-open, post-Karaoke and Kokanee, hidden truth-spilling.
He was all smiles when I called, and rather than make me feel dumb about my voicemail love leaving, he was fearful I wouldn’t remember doing it. Or that I didn’t mean it. Granted, yes, I had been at Karaoke Wednesday the night before, and yes, Kokanee was consumed. But not in non-remembering quantities. And, anyway, my sentiment slurring (I didn’t slur, really; I just can’t resist the opportunity to alliterate) was more of a “I’m tired of not saying it. I almost say it every day. Why not just say it?”
When I explained that I had surely not forgotten, he laughed, and reciprocated, and I heard him smile even broader, and then all was well, and we both joined Northwest Airlines’ frequent flyer program, amen. And, “the end.” Mostly.
Only, you know, it was more a “beginning” than an “ending.” And, ultimately, more thrilling than either of us could have imagined.
Enter brief romantic gushing
I feel so incredibly blessed to have Chris’ love. I feel almost unworthy. And yet he reminds me, on a daily basis, that I am indeed worthy of a true and heartfelt love, an honest love. He reminds me that I deserve to be treated with respect, and to laugh. That I deserve his love.
The road to finding him was a long one. And one that was fraught with sticks and stones that should have broken my bones. Chris helped me pick up memories of myself I had long since forgotten existed. He sees in me the woman I want to be. The woman I once was. A woman strong, and proud, and confident. A woman who can do anything, and yet isn’t too stubborn to ask for help. You know, most of the time.
A woman who was missing crucial pieces of herself that, upon re-discovering them, have made her happier than she can remember being. Ever.
I only hope I can return the love he shows me daily with such fervor, with such humility, and humor, and grace.
Oh, and also! I almost forgot, and this was a central component to the timing of this entire Story Of Us telling:
We picked a date. We are nothing if not (in)decisive. But it is, and shall forever be, upon pain of puffy pink taffeta bridesmaid dresses: June 23, 2007
I’m finishing save-the-dates as we speak. Or you know, as I type. Only that’s mostly untrue, seeing how I may be able to multi-task with the best of them, but two-handed-typing and one-handed writing while simultaneous envelope-sealing? Even I’m not that good.
There is something about relationships that have to go through the long-distance thing. Seriously. As hard as it is, it makes the relationship somewhat…. better?!
I am truly happy for you, Kerri, that you have found this special someone in your life… and I am sure that you deserve Chris’ love, even though it might not feel like it at times. I have only “known” you for a short time, but let me say this: “You two feel right”. Hugs.
Ah, beautiful, kerriboberri.
Can I come? :)
OMG i love you guys! and because i kinda “knew” him before i knew you and/or about you, i KNOW how much better you have made his life! i am SO happy you both have found one another and that crazy and cool thing called love. let the countdown begin! :)
This is a great love story that gives me hope and chills at all once. Love each other fiercely and honestly and only good things will come.
I am so very happy for the both of you..congratulations on finding each other.
I have a huge smile and goosebumps!
Yay for you two finding each other!
I can’t wait to start hearing about all the wedding plans. :) And yay for a date! Like Kim said, let the countdown begin!
How sweet. So does he live where you do now or are you still racking up the frequent flyer miles? Thank you for sharing your story. Is there a part 3 or is that the present day? :)
Great loves have great beginnings.
I just made that up. Someone probably said that already somewhere though, eh?
Anyway, I adore you, you know that, and this story is so wonderful and magical and makes me grin like an idiot reading it. You two are beautiful together.
Such a good story!! It’s always so great to hear the “how we met” stories. They are always romantic. Warm fuzzies for sure! :)
*sigh* This was beautifully written! And the photos are my favorites yet.
Sooo…in a past life I was a wedding planner. If you need any ideas or advice, just ask. I’m not soliciting business, by the way. This would be free advice. As much of it as you need. :-)
Congratulations on setting a date!
I came here from Sarah, and what a beautiful first post of yours to read.
I’m all teary. At work. I’ll pretend I’m PMSy or something. Love the pictures. Sniff.
So sweet.
I’m not going to cry at my new job. I’m not going to want to get in the “Stunt Kia” drive to where you live six hours away and hug you. I really want to do all of those things. I want to hug you both.
That’s the hopeless romantic in me going awwww, I’m giddy for happy endings or beginnings. You touch my heart and keep me beleiving in love.
You guys are so cute! More Chris stories. I demand more Chris stories!
i can’t wait to put on that puffy pink taffeta dress, down a bottle of wine and/or whiskey, and deliver the best maid of honor speech ever given. seriously. i love you guys.
Oh, sniff! It’s so sweet! Being engaged is such a special time–Congratulations again!
Wow, other than congratulations, what can I offer? I am a horrible planner. And apparently you already have the drunken speeches taken care of (a particular talent of mine). I tend to write dirty limericks in guest books, so people usually won’t put me in charge of that. And I’ve pushed several of my friends “wedding coordinators” over the edge (of sanity, not the verandah). However, if you need a team doctor for your engagement or wedding, I gladly volunteer. I can be the official orthopod of the Quite contrary/Late show nuptials. Unless, of course, there is an open bar.
p.s. I forgot to applaud you on being such a trendsetting fashionista. Have you seen that several young celebutantes have jumped on the bangs bandwagon? So far, I’ve seen Paris Hilton and Rosario Dawson, but you know the others aren’t far behind.
I love this story, and I love the pictures at the end. I’m so glad you have found someone who loves you the way you TOTALLY deserve to be loved.
And: you picked a date! Wheeeeeeee! Congratulations!
This is sooo romantic! Congratulations to both of you!
What a great story!!! I still can’t believe that blogging brought you two together!!! WOW!!!!!
YAY! for true love. And YAY! for June 23rd!!!
Y’all so sweet makin’ me sick.
I love the pics! You both look so happy.
Love…*dreamy sigh*
“The test of love is not when we are together. It comes when we are not together and realize that despite the distance, love is still there.” (Author unknown.) Or as my friend, Don, said to me, “Honey, it’s only a plane ride.”
Miss you both. Come over Sunday.
Love,
CA
Thanks! everyone.
And GillyWeed, you bet you can. Your save-the-date is on the way. You know, when I finall get off my lazy bum and collect all of the needed addresses.
Jean, sorry, yeah, that part was probably confusing. There could definitely be a part 3-7, but I wrapped it up, for long-windedness’ sake. : ) He is here with me now. He moved in June. Well actually “came for a visit” and then never went home is more like it. You can read all about that here.
Sonia, beware! I am totally going to take you up on that offer. I’ll just start my deep breathing first. No need to scare you unnecessarily. ;)
My Hans, you know I can’t wait for that either. I don’t know that there is going to be a bridal party in the history of bridal parties that has more fun than we four.
Stampy, you better believe there will be an all you can drink buffet, especially for honored out-of-towners like yourself. Plus! hearty, yummy food to go right along with it. But yes, you can be our honorary othro. Not that I’m hoping anyone literally “breaks a leg” or anything. And I will not wrestle the mic from anyone. Not before video-taping first, at least. Oh, and the hair! I have not seen that. But I did have a missed call from Ms. Hilton a few days back. Makes sense now. ;)
Connie, you know Chris’ affinity for homemade chili. Why must you tempt us so? Miss YOU. See you Sunday. :)
You two have always seemed like a perfect match. Now I know that it is true. Congratulations!
Okay, I also hate cilantro! But LOVE peanut butter. And June 23 is a most excellent day. It’s my birthday, and it has always treated me well. I know it will you, too.
Your love is just lovely.
Congratulations! That is good news! Now let the insanity begin!
Kerrianne–
After weeks of trying to catch up on your archives, I came across this post and found myself shaking my head in agreement. You are such a lovely writer. I’m so glad you came to my site so that I could discover a kindred spirit of sorts. Congratulations. Isn’t life just divine?
———
Yes, it IS. I love that. And, thank! you for the congratulations. I’m a lucky lass, indeed.
that was just beautiful…