Our Story
How We Meet
Short Version: Through a mutual friend.
Long Version: I was in my second and final year at Forsyth Tech in the college transfer program when I first met Rudi. She sat next to me in calculus class and ended up becoming friends shortly after meeting. We beginning meeting before each class to review the previous materials and after a few weeks reviewing became friendly chit chat. We talked about our personal lives and everything else imaginable under the sun. She found out that I was single and mention a single guy that she worked with. She went on and on about how well we would get along and how I needed to meet him. I agreed that I would give him a chance and I meet him eventually.
A few weeks later Rudi invited me meet her for lunch at Fuddruckers. Once we arrived at the restaurant we got in line to place our order. A couple of Rudi’s co-workers came into Fuddruckers moments later and ended up in line behind us. She introduced me to all her co-workers including Darren. We said hello to each other and went our separate ways. Rudi and I had lunch together while everyone else sat at a table of their own. So, that was our first official meeting.
A few days later we begin e-mailing and learned more about each other. I accepted to go on a date after Darren finally got the nerve to ask. We went hiking at Hanging Rock and then out to dinner. I got to meet Presto that night and was introduced to the Beast Van. The date went well but I didn’t hear from Darren afterwards. I figured he wasn’t interested and doubted I would never hear from him again. Come to find out, some personal issues came up and he got back in touch with me when all the ‘drama’ cleared up. And the rest, as they say, was history.
Everyone Wants to Know How it Happened
From Darren's Point of View
Trust me, it was not caving in to any pressure. I just knew when the time was right. I've been thinking about it for awhile and actually did a good job of keeping it a secret from EVERYONE. I just know that though our dreams and ambitions in life are ever-changing, the one thing that has remained constant is our devotion to each other. Through the last 3 1/2 years, we have both been through several life-changing experiences, but through good and bad times, we have continued to support each other and draw closer together.
I wanted to go camping this weekend since it was the first weekend after tax season. We had the day off last Tuesday to relax after the last minute rush. That is when I bought the ring....when I had all day to relax and think about it. She had pointed out things over the years/months/weeks leading up to it, so I knew what she liked and wanted. It's platinum with three small diamonds...simple, elegant, perfect!
Then the weather forecast looked bad for the weekend, so we decided to wait until Saturday to see how it turned out and then go camping for the night if possible. Well, it worked out exactly like the forecast had mentioned...clearing off by Saturday evening, so we found ourselves at Hanging Rock (the first place we ever went together...alone) with plenty of daylight to spare. We setup camp and went for a hike from the campground to the lake. I was going to wait until we were up on the mountain, but that was not to be. We walked up to the bath house by the lake. If you've never been there, there is a pretty cool rustic looking shelter overlooking the lake, that houses the facilities used in the summer for swimming, etc. She needed to use one of the facilities, so I was left alone for a few minutes. I knew that this was it. I had plenty of time to dig into my backpack and get all setup without giving anything away. I even got the camera out so I could delay another minute or so when she came out.
I sat her down to pose for a picture, then I chickened out and went for another diversion. I helped her up and we danced for a few moments to the quiet rustling of leaves (something we only do when no one is looking). I then guided her back to her seat (I'm sure she started to wonder what I was up to by now), knelt down in front and had her close her eyes (she was actually reluctant to do this...not knowing what I was trying to do...probably because she was as shocked as everyone else that I'd actually DO IT). I didn't have a planned speech to screw up, so I asked, she said "yes," and the rest is history.....
I am the happiest and luckiest man on the planet. Neither one of us is perfect, nor will we ever be, but we ARE perfect compliments to each other.
