Valentine's Day

In February, 1997, I never suspected that my life would change when I tuned in to listen to Car Talk on NPR. Every caller that morning had met through the personals on the Car Talk website. I didn’t even know they had them.

I decided to see what kind of people posted. As I suspected, the first few were from younger men with pickups or muscle cars. Since I really wasn’t ready to make room in my heart for another man, I did not narrow my search to a state.

Then I read the following under Arizona:

"Jeep Cherokee Sport

Tall (6’3”). Fit (188 lbs), 51 years old, funny, loyal and kind. I’d rather read a book or listen to the radio or CD’s than waste time watching TV. I appreciate the outdoors and the great southwest. I actually have a Cherokee and love to explore and travel. I’m interested in meeting someone who can rough it one day and go to dinner and the theater the next. I have a great interest in art, music, and dance and would like to share that interest. I can be sarcastic and irreverent but all in fun."

The similarities in our likes and personality were eerie. Without any consideration, I composed the following in reply:

"Petite (5’3”), fit, just turned 51, sense of humor, often sarcastic and irreverent, a pathological truth teller. Would rather read, listen to NPR or music from Bela Fleck to Kitaro to the Roches to k.d. lang to James Taylor to Galway to Arlo Guthrie to who knows. Currently own 3 cars: 76 Beetle convertible, 77 Toyota Land Cruiser, and 87 Toyota Corolla. Enjoy museums, movies, theater, and dance. Will try almost anything once. Just returned from 9 days in the rainforest of Costa Rica. The only night we dressed for dinner, I was greeted with applause so I do clean up well!"

Thank heaven that I did! I cannot imagine my life without my Sweetie. He makes my life so easy. He does all the shopping and, as I have noted before, 99.9% of the cooking. He also helps with all the other household chores. We share the same sense of humor. Even after 13 years, he can crack me up.

But most importantly, he loves me even when I drive him crazy. It is not easy being married to the women in my family. I raised two equally strong, confident women who do not suffer fools at all. Forget about gladly. Thank goodness we have all found mates that love us in spite of that.

To my Sweetie, please be my Valentine.