Dating Memories (SWAK Carnival!)

My husband and were introduced three years ago by a mutual friend. We took to each other quickly. We also lived 40 miles apart. When we first started our courtship, he worked weekends, and had Wednesday and Thursday off. I, of course, had weekends off. But, we made it work. He drove down Thursdays (I had aerobics on Wednesday night that took precedent!) and he would treat me to dinner or a movie, or I would make him a meal and we'd watch a borrowed video. Then, on Sundays, I'd drive up in the evening, meet him at his work, and we'd go to his sister's house for Bible study.

After three weeks together, he worked extra hours during the week and was awarded a Saturday off! We couldn't wait to have a whole day to spend together. I drove to his apartment early in the morning for an all day surprise. We listened to Rich Mullins on the drive up, and discussed our surprise at our mutual interest in Frank Capra! I kept guessing where we were going....no, we were not going to the fish hatchery, no we were not going to Multnomah Falls. He took me to Sherwood for a day hike. He even packed lunch, wheat thins, peanut butter sandwich, and green apples. I remember it rained near the end of the day, but I did not care. We'd eaten lunch under a waterfall, it was autumn and the trees were golden, orange and red, plus I was with a man who made my heart soar.

Eventually, his job changed and he had weekends off. We took turns driving up on the weekend (I'd take Sat, he'd drive down Sun, visa versa), but we still kept our Thursday dates. Only, this time we met in the middle. We'd usually dine at...........We'd rehash our long workday over curly fries and roast beef sandwiches, for a treat, we'd split an apple turnover. To date, that Arby's is my favorite. Anytime he takes me to that specific restaurant, it means so much more. Afterward, we'd walk around ye old Target, or Frys Electronics store. We spent a lot of time looking at DVDs! (Also, since it was the evening, and the crowds at Frys were sparse, we were also the target of the commissioned salesmen! We limited our time there for that very reason).


After a year of this, we decided we were tired of driving back and forth, so we got married, and I moved to his town.

Although, the commute was not that fun, I will always cherish our courtship, and especially our simple Thursday dates at Arbys.

I am so blessed to be married to such a godly man who loves the Lord, is a hard worker, a great communicator, my best friend, and someone who would drive his 1988 Chevy Blazer, a car without air conditioning, cruise control, and one that shook badly when it reached 55 mph, down to see his girlfriend more times than I can count! I love you, honey!

For more stories of love and courtship, visit We Are THAT Family's S.W.A.K Valentine's Carnival!