Tony Steward

we met right after high school, college’s already picked, so after a month and a half of dating in our small home town off we went 10 hours apart.

back then it was all letters, buying and using long distance calling cards and this new thing called email the school gave you.

we talked and talked… and talked on the phone, we wrote, and missed each other in an odd way for being young in age and relationship with each other.

winter break came and we picked up where our letters had left off, comfortable in each other’s presence.

life seemed easier around each other, like someone was on your side that no drama games were afoot, being together just flowed.

but winter breaks come to and end and we wanted to do something special. we’d never gotten to go do a school dance together and we were still young enough to think that something lost - so we planned a special evening on one of our last nights together.

we dressed up like it was homecoming, reservations at a night restaurant in the “big city” and even dancing together that night in the living room.

on the way home you laughed at how your roommates had said you would come back from break engaged. I chuckled as well, but my heart and mind connected in that thought and it wouldn’t go away.

later that evening, 18 years young together, I asked if you would marry me. it was 6 months to the day of our first date but it felt like years and I knew I didn’t want to let you go.

you stared at me, my heart beating fast “you dolt!” I thought…

your eyes tearing up, bottom lip quivering, you nodded.. yes.

you are my first and only love. my mandy.