scribblechic

As I began to scribble my stories, one character abided quietly in the margins.

In the beginning my husband was a classmate, our time together was limited to the space of a college English class.  I was endeared by the undertones of kindness and love that were threaded in personal stories he shared, I noted his confidence and easy humor, but my attention was absorbed by classwork and multiple part-time jobs.  Our class ended and we parted ways for the next two years, never to cross paths on the small, private campus we shared until one evening late in his Senior year.

Drawn away from my books by a phone call from a St. Patrick’s Day celebration I begrudgingly set my studies aside and made my way to the festivities.  Slurring speech and green beer flowed around me while I kept an eye open for an opportunity to excuse myself.  Then, a familiar face offered me a chair in a quiet corner and took a knee settling in to catch up on the years between an old class and that moment.  I was happy to see him and our conversation was easy.

Months later, he was long graduated and , unbeknownst to me, traveling across numerous states to serve as a groomsman in former classmates’ weddings.  With little more than a wish for friendship I sent a note to his home address listed in our college directory.  After a spell I forgot about my note.

Then, out of the blue, he called.  We slipped naturally into an ongoing, long distance conversation.  We filled the distance with details of each other’s days.  Notes and flowers punctuated our phone calls and I recognized there was something beautiful between us.

Still, I was entering my Senior year and not sure a relationship could grow in the demanding space of school work and an uncertain future.  My concerns were balanced by his determination, patience and respect formed a foundation that supported all that we shared.  We moved forward together and have ever since.  The conversation is still easy, respect and patience constant companions.

Tagged: College, Dating, Long Distance