The Story of Us: How We Met

• Jeremy and I met in April of 2002, although he doesn't remember meeting me until August. We were both out of college and in the working world. We lived at an apartment complex called Meadowview, off of Dublin Granville Rd/161. I was a second grade teacher at Indian Run Elementary and he was in Sales for Qwest Communications.

We met on a brisk, Spring morning around 6 am, outside of our apartment building. Sirens were blaring and our apartment complex was up in flames. Yes, it was truly sparks and love at first sight. . . well, at least for one of us that is! We had passed each other and exchanged hello's before than in the parking lot, but this was our first actual introduction. I had had my eye on him for a while and joked with my friends that he would be my boyfriend one day. We only talked shortly as he was off looking for a neighbor's lost cat and I was phoning into work to let them know I would be late. Our building was eventually condemned due to smoke damage and we were all scattered to different buildings. I thought of him often the months that followed, but didn't see him again until 4 months later .

• It was a Sunday afternoon, and I was driving into the main entrance when I saw a car that looked like his at the clubhouse. It was August now and it was the last week the outdoor pool was open. I decided to go for it and changed into my swimsuit and headed to the pool. I remember thinking that if he was with friends than I would probably not say hi until the right opportunity arose. But, as I walked down the steps to the pool, there he was sitting alone. I walked right up to him and asked him if anyone was sitting in the chair next to him. He replied "no", so I began laying down my belongings. I told him that we had met before and it was then that the story takes a turn for the worst. Before I could remind him of the apartment fire, he asked if I was the girl who lived near him who rode a skateboard. I remember thinking, do I look like the type of girl that rolls on 2 wheels? (no offense to you skateboarders out there) I politely said "No, I don't own a skateboard" and then he inquired if I was the girl who asked to borrow his cell phone late one night a few weeks back. I reminded him that we had lived in the building that had caught fire, back in the Spring, and he acted like he remember me. I however knew it was just to be polite. We reminisced about that day and ended up talking and laughing for several hours. By the end of the day, I knew for sure that he was a catch and hoped that one day I really could call him my boyfriend. Several hours later, we packed up our pool belongings and walked out to the parking lot to our cars. I was hoping that he would ask for my number, but he DIDN'T! I thought, what is wrong with this guy? I know I was sweaty from being at the pool, but come on! So, I decided to yet again take things in my own hands. I told him that we should get together sometime and hang out and he said "Ya, that would be great, I live in Building A." I replied "All of Building A or do you have a specific address?" I was beginning to wonder if there was any interest there on his part or not. He told me his address and as I drove off, I repeated it over and over until I could find a scrap of paper inside my apt.

• A week later, I walked over to his apt, knocked on the door and. . . NO ANSWER! He was either gone or not answering his door. I left a note saying that I knew of a fun Japanese Restaurant that had karaoke and if he ever wanted a good laugh and a night out, to call me. The next day, he called and asked me if I had plans for that evening and of course I said NO! The truth is, I did, but I was not missing my chance to get to know him better. From there, it is history. We hung out every day and have been inseparable ever since. Who would have known that the love of my life was right in my backyard all along? We have been happily married now for almost 4 1/2 years and I love him more with each day that passes.