LEW & TONYA's Story
Page Index:
Begining Engagement
Begining
On Dec 11, 1998 around 6pm Tonya walked in to the KSU Student Center wearing aSanta Clause hat. Lew, sitting by the indoor fountain was wearing a Santa
Clause hat as well. Tonya came over and sat next to Lew. She began to nag at
him for being a copycat. During their discussion about the hats they
found that Tonya had put her's on early in the day and bought her's last year.
Lew had just purchased his this year.
About 6:30 they left the Student Center for an Intervarsity Christian
Fellowship Christmas Party. Tonya gladly accepted Lew offer to driver her
there. When they arrived they were in separable. The two talked like
they had know each other for years.
At one point Tonya said to a five year old boy "Come sit on Santa's lap", and
pointed to her lap. The boy replied with "Your not Santa he is," and
pointed at Lew. Tonya replied "If he's Santa then who am I?" The boy
replied with "Your Santa Clauses wife!" Tonya got a good laugh out of this
but little did she know Lew was thinking that's not a bad idea.
The evening progressed and a gift exchange game was played. Everyone one was to
bring a gift and when their number was picked they could keep theirs or
take someone else's. Lew took the gift that Tonya had brought (she new he
would too.)Lew still has that gift, an NIV Bible.
They later took a walk around the block to get away and talk more. This was the
first time they held hands. It was also when Lew asked Tonya if she had
a boyfriend. Much to Lew's relief she said no. After the walk they
joined up with others to go caroling.
As the party began to die down, about 11:00 Tonya asked Lew if they could go
somewhere. Lew invited her back to his place. There they had the
opportunity to talk more and about 3:30 Tonya and Lew kissed for the first
time. Thus beginning a long lasting, loving relationship.
Engagement
On Aug 14, 1999 Tonya had just helped Lew move into his new apartment. They
were on their way to Tonya's to change for a wedding. Tonya was driving Lew's
car. Due to rain and fog Tonya did not see the other car coming right towards them.
The car hit the passenger side door (where Lew was seated) and they went into a near
by ditch. Tonya had to force the door open to get out.
They were both taken to the hospital in the same ambulance. In the hospital
they were next to each other for comfort. Tonya was left without a scratch and
Lew had a broken pelvic bone. While in the hospital Tonya waited for Lew to dump her
thinking his car was his pride in joy. Much to her surprise he asked her tom
marry him. She said "You have my hand now and you can have it for as long as you want."
Later after going to Lew's apartment he asked if that was a yes because she never
really came out and said yes.
Wedding
On Aug 12, 2000 at 4:30 in the afternoon Lewis and Tonya Piper had joined
together in Marriage under God. Granted there was much stress
in the wedding planning process, but the wedding went as planned.
HoneyMoon
Tonya and Lew left their reception at 10:15 pm after helping in the clean up.
They drove on ward in search of a hotel. The first stop was in Kent, Oh were much
to their dismay every hotel was filled due to 6 flag's visitors. The drove on ward
and ended up in Girard, Oh were they found a Days Inn motel.
Around 9:00am they woke up, had breakfast and were back on their way to Virginia
Beach, or so they thought. The got on the road and went in the wrong direction
to get back to the interstate. Finally they were able to get on the right road.
On the way down they went though Washington DC and hit heavy traffic.
They finally arrived in VA Beach at 8:30pm on a rainy day.
The next day was beautiful out side. They spent the week doing things such as
swimming, shelling, going though a haunted house, shopping, riding the trolleys,
eating and just relaxing. They enjoyed VA Beach so much they plan to return
for their 25th Anniversary.
Marriage
Lew and Tonya currently reside in North Eastern Ohio.
Lew works for the Cleveland Clinic Western Region Help Desk.
After graduating from Tri -C Tonya recently started working as a
Customer Service Rep at a Canadian standards company.
They have a 1 cat (Peanut) and a dog (Coco).
They have enjoyed several vacations together including: Virginia Beach, Myrtle Beach,
Niagara Falls, Mohican Reservation, Tampa, Fl area.
Disney World, Punxauney, PA and a Caribbean Cruise.
