The other day marked the 24th anniversary of the passing of my partner's father. It is always a difficult time of year for her.
Driving to work on that day the radio had a feature interviewing people at the airport. One interview in particular caught my ear. One lady said she was coming home to Winnipeg with her husband because her mother was dying and wouldn't be around much longer.
I got yo work and called my partner and said I was feeling weepy and thinking of my partner's dad. Shelley and her dad were best friends. They had a special relationship, she was his spitfire, a go getter, good student and a Page in the House of Commons. I know where Shelley got her quick wit and intellect. I am sorry I never got to meet him. I feel that I know him and what a great man he was through Shelley.
My partner says that people need to be supportive and non-judgemental of others. Advise she gained from her father. I have struggled and continued to struggle wth this. I have been too quick to judge. If I was still this way I would not be in the relationship I am in now.
I first met Shelley 10 years ago and my first impression was not positive. I thought she was conceited, full of herself and a phony. I formed my opinion from one phone call with her where I barely got a word in edge wise and one in person where I heard her giving a speech where I perceived that she was lecturing the audience. My opinion was based solely on this. I didn't know anything about her. How wrong first impressions are?
Years later she told me that she thought I was a conceited, arrogant prick. How we came together in 2010 was fate and through a little shove from a mutual friend at the time. She reached out and asked me for help with a speech. I agreed and we met a couple of times.
In July of that year I was floundering as usual with women, pursuing something that wasn't there. We were texting back and forth when suddenly she stopped for no reason. I went and moped for a few days. I heard a voice saying take a risk (something my father was prone to say to me). Another voice popped into my head saying Shelley.
I knew exactly what to do. As any self confident male would do I asked her out on a date via email. It took her about a day to respond saying yes.
We met a couple of days later for drinks and appetizers. As usual the date started out well, then soured when we left the restaurant to go for a drive. It seemed that every street had a detour or construction. When I dropped her off, she had that look that said get me out of here and quick. I thought I blew it again.
A couple of days later she phoned and set up our next date. Over the next 6 years we have had our moments and are very much in love with each other, with bigger and better things to come.
Merry Christmas to all and have a great 2017.
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