Two hours away in Appleton, Jeremy's former co-worker and friend, Dan Kowalke, was getting pumped up for his favorite day of the year....Octoberfest! Yes, it was still September but in Appleton the last weekend of September is set aside for the festivities. Dan was especially looking forward to his buddy Jeremy coming into town for one last soiree before moving.
As Jeremy packed his bags he began thinking, "Perhaps I should call and cancel the trip to Appleton? I'd much rather spend the day relaxing in front of the T.V." But knowing that it was the last opportunity he would have to see his buddy before moving 1600 miles away, he continued packing.
An hour later Jeremy was on his way to Appleton. Or was he? Little did he know that he had missed the exit for 151 and was instead heading North on Interstate 39. When he finally realized the mistake it was too late to turn around. He again contemplated calling to cancel as this unforseen challenge seemed to be a sign to go back home. He continued north on 39 until he found a highway that would get him back into the right direction. In all, the 2 hour drive ended up taking nearly 4 hours.
When Jeremy finally arrived, Dan and his friends were already enjoying the entertainment on college avenue. Near the Lawrence University Chapel Dan, Del, Katie, Sara, and some OTHERS were enjoying a rapturing conversation about quantum physics or something of the like. One of the OTHERS just happened to be a very attractive, blonde hair, blue eyed princess by the name of Amy Behnke.
After a bit of small talk Dan and Jeremy took a little stroll. They were noticing the attractive people when Jeremy asked Dan who was the blonde haired girl dating. Dan quickly explained that her name was Amy and she was currently single. This brought a smile to Jeremy's face!!
Throughout the day and evening Amy and Jeremy conversed and danced, but mostly, they laughed.
The following week was a stressful one for Jeremy. He knew he'd like to see Amy again but what would be the benefit? Why start a friendship when he was to leave in a few weeks? Against his better judgement, he gave her a call. Throughout the week the two talked into the late hours of the night about everything. And although they talked a lot, mostly they laughed.
When the weekend approached, Amy reluctantly drove to Madison to take another look at this dashing young prince who was slowly stealing her heart. She was introduced to many of Jeremy's friends who had gathered at The Old Towne Pub for some after work libations. They all treated the newcomer like she was one of the crew and for that Jeremy was particularly thankful. A few of them even commented, without financial influence, that Jeremy was an amazing guy!!
The following week, the telephone conversations continued and they agreed to see each other for a third time. On Saturday, they left Madison early to spend the day in Chicago shopping. After hoofing around the shopping centers all day and having some dinner the two decided to stay in town and see the sights on Sunday. On Sunday, the two visited the Shed Aquarium and the Navy Pier even though the Chicago Marathon threatened to contain them for the day.
Upon arriving back in Madison that evening the inevitable happened. The two would have to say goodbye and Jeremy would soon be in Georgia and Amy would be back in Appleton. To this day, Jeremy hates to think about how hard that night was.
The following week, Jeremy could not stop thinking about this Amy girl. What was it about her? Why did she make him so happy? What made her different from any other? He got on the phone. He called Metrocall in Georgia to tell them he wasn't going to make it. He had to get an answer to these questions!!
This is only the beginning of a story that seems to get more and more amazing every day. Like every other couple Amy and Jeremy have to face challenges from time to time. They travel, enjoy their friends and family, they talk, but mostly.............. they laugh!!