The Date of the Century, part 1

In August of 1998 Bruce took me on the Date of the Century. He'd been planning it for a long, long time before we actually did it. I know the behind-the-scenes stuff now, but I'm just going to tell it to you as it played out for me.

From 1995 to 1998 Bruce was going to school full-time at MTSU and then delivering pizzas for Papa John's all night to keep us all alive. It was hard on all of us, and I was lonely a lot. But, you know, in hindsight you really don't think about all of the icky stuff. Anyway, for the first couple of weeks in August 1998, Bruce had a break from school (which was heavenly in itself!) and this is when we had our Big Date. But, although I didn't know it at the time, the date started a few weeks before this school break. It began with some flowers delivered to me from "Your Admirer." I had an idea who my admirer might be, but Bruce denied it. About a week later, on August 6, I found this letter stuck in my front door:

Dear Loralee,

When I see you, I can hardly control my desire to rush and embrace you, kiss you, and tell you how beautiful you look. I want to walk with you, hand in hand, and see new things together. I hope I don't appear too forward, but I must tell you how I feel. I long to smell your hair, hold you close to me, and whisper my love to you. I must talk to you soon—please think of me kindly and often. I hope to see your smile today!

With my love,

Your Admirer

Bruce wondered who my admirer could be. About a week after the first letter, I was sitting down to dinner with my kids when someone banged on the door. When I went to answer the knock this second letter was there, taped to the door:

Dear Loralee,

You look so beautiful today. I love to watch you walk, hear you laugh, and see your bright, smiling blue eyes. I enjoy just looking at you—as you brush your hair back, bending to tickle and coo to your baby, or simply resting on your pillow, reading. I have always loved to hear you play the piano. You choose such beautiful music, and I feel so pleased—even lucky—to be near you when you play. I often wish I could sit alone with you and hear you play more songs, for me.

You bring me such joy! My words are a poor expression for my esteem and affection for you, yet my heart's desire overturns my discretion. You are every hope and pleasure I have ever known. I can not imagine any happiness in life without you. I long for your constant companionship. I will do all within my limited strength—and ask God for His blessing—that we might be together forever.

With my unwavering love,

A Man Who Admires You

With a letter like that, who needs an actual date? But there was more to come! I thought I had a really good idea who my admirer was, but Bruce said (with a smile) it wasn't from him. Later, after a long pizza-night, when we went to bed, I could feel Bruce's eyes burning a hole in the back of my head. I turned over and caught him with this look on his face (the cliche "burning desire" might accurately describe it). I said, "What's that look for?" He just said, "Ask me later." Curious.

Continued tomorrow . . .