February 15th, 2009. It is so funny how just a change of plans can change your whole life.
My friend Jenni Braucks and I were headed to the movies after another disappointing Valentine's day-which is really only meaningful if you are in a meaningful relationship. We were off to Topeka to do our usual dinner and a movie when, on our way through, Jenni suggested doing dinner at Gambino's, which is in Auburn-on the way to Topeka. Our mutual friend Taylor worked there--the other worker there was content but busy and quiet. As is my nature, I made absent-minded small talk with the quiet one...asked his name, his education, preferred music etc. For the life of me, I could not remember his name, Levi! As we were chatting, a house across the street broke into flames. All kinds of sirens and lights flooded the air as Jenni and I watched out the window. As we were watching the "show", we heard laughter. We looked over to find Levi standing in front of the television, oblivious to his surroundings and reality, completely absorbed in a Family Guy episode. We tried to rope our friend into joining us for the movie that night. He reluctantly agreed on the condition that Levi come too, which Levi was excited about. As it was time to go, Taylor ducked out. Jenni and I were on our way out the door when Levi came up to me and asked for my number. He was so nervous and shyly said, "If I could...get your number...we could catch a movie some time...like...tomorrow?" I gave him my number and off we went. Messaging back and forth on the cell phone throughout the rest of the night, we exchanged more causal information.
As the big day came, I asked my friend Jenni to tag along, not knowing Levi and wanting an escape if I needed one. Our first date was terrible...or as Levi would say, "GREAT!!" Jenni was upset the whole time as her boyfriend had just left for basic training and Levi was shy and quiet. He told me to pick a movie, I chose "The Unborn". Little did I know that Levi hates horror flicks. He was terrified, Jenni was tearful and I was bored! Upon ending the evening, I reluctantly agreed to Levi's request that we go out again, "...but without Jenni this time." And we have honestly been together ever since.
My Levi is the most precious person in the whole wide world and God has given me such a great family to join into. My in-laws are a charming and talented bunch. I can not wonder whether or not God intended Levi and I be together because of all of the aspects of our relationships with each other and our relationships with our new families. They are interwoven like the weird puzzle piece that fits only 1 opening. It is like Levi and I have always been together, like he has always been a member of my family. It is like we are home, where we never even left.
For our dating anniversary, we had a day to ourselves. We drove around, did some shopping, watched movies, had a nice dinner and completely enjoyed each other's company. It was mega relaxing--we need an excuse to do that more often!
