Happy Anniversary, again, I hope!

It was 4 years ago today....4 pm.  After 5 years together I had said to Tom "piss or get off the pot" LOL.  So that was my official proposal.    Here's a little bit of history.........

We met in October 1997.  I know it was October because the Yankees were in the playoffs.  Tom's best friend from NY lived here, had a deli behind our store, and had invited my parents and me to a steak dinner at his house.  Tom was there.  He was now a permanent NC resident.  I remember the brightness in his eyes and smile (later to realize WHY).  It was not love at first sight.  Tara was 9 months old. 

A couple of weeks later, I went into J's deli (now in the city) and lo and behold he was there talking.  I struck up a conversation with them and went my merry way.  But I kept coming back just to catch him there.  Tom shared things with me from his heart and past that he didn't have to.  We were not an "item" but we were getting along.

We finally concreted a real live FIRST DATE to be December 13.  The day came and no Tom......his mom had passed away and he had gone to Florida.  I tease him that she messed up our first date.  Then I tell him that the only reason she was able to "let go" was that she somehow knew that now he was in good hands.  I never met the lady...I wish I had known her.  Two weeks went by before we connected again and this time we had the real first date.  And YES, I seduced him....took him back to HIS place and basically said "drop em". LOL!

     

He moved in with me in April 1998.  He became Dad to Tara and has treated her like she was his own ever since.  We had trials and troubles...Tom was so wanting to rid himself of his own demons, it was a tough haul.  This is why it surprises me when we're back in court for another DUI.

In 2002 I started putting it to him that we needed to make some solid arrangements....Tara was beginning to question things, my family (the southern babdisst) were itching.  It was time to do something.  He is one for tradition, so he bought a ring, took me to dinner, presented me with flowers and I said YES.

                              

We set a date of June 29th...now where?  Myrtle Beach at a cute wedding chapel.  Now who to invite?  34 family & close friends drove in to witness and then we went over to Chestnut Hill Restaurant for dinner.  Tom's Dad & baby brother, his girlfriend and her daughter, my parents, brothers & SIL, Jimmy & wife.  Then back to the hotel..............

   

awwwwwwwwwwww

     

(Cindilouwho in blue, stepDad & Jimmy in white)

It actually does get better each year.