I first met Joe back in September of 1985. We were both 14 year old Freshman at Biloxi High School. We hung out with the same crowd and had lunch at the same hour. His best friend was dating my best friend, so it natural when Joe asked me out. He was my first date, first boyfriend, first person I had make out sessions with. We were always great friends but we made a great couple also. My parents made us break up because we were getting too serious and messing around too much. They were worried I would end up pregnant. Joe and I stayed friends, even when we dated other people. I ended up moving to California that summer, but I never forgot about him.
The summer we graduated in 1989, I came to Biloxi to visit family. Joe heard I was in town and came to see me. He wanted us to try and be together again, but this time I said no. I was enjoying California and had started dating my future ex husband. My grandparents offered to buy me a car and send me to college if I would move to Biloxi. Joe wanted to be together and this time we were both 18, and no one could stop us. The big problem here was that he had enlisted in the service. At the age of 18, getting an apartment on your own in California seemed more exciting than living with my grandparents in MS and going to school. I got back on the plane and made the biggest mistake of my life. Joe went to bootcamp and that was the last time we spoke for the next 14 years. I kept him in my thoughts, but always in a safe place...never any hope of seeing him again.
Fast Forward to Spring of 2003. I was divorced, living in Biloxi with my two adorable sons. I was looking online for summer programs at the school district website and I saw an Alumni page. Just out of curiosity I looked through it and saw Joe's name. I think my heart jumped out of my chest when I saw he left his address and email. I sent him off a carefully worded hello letter. I assumed he was married or dating, and didn't want him or whoever was in his life to think I was starting trouble. He answered me right away and we spoke on the phone about 5 hours that first day. He was divorced, but dating a young lady in FL. I was dating as well, but had ended a bad relationship. I was dating no one special. We immediately hit it off and it was like NO TIME HAD PASSED. I felt such a warmth and familiarity with him. I just knew he was someone I could fall in love with. I didn't have to wait long to see if the feelings were mutual. He was on a plane three weeks later to visit me. We made sure to see each other every month after that and we decided to live together. We started seeing each other in April 2003. He moved in October 2003. We got a house November 2003, We were engaged December 2003. Married July 2004. We are very happy together and every day proves to me even more that we belong together!
XXOO Krissy |
