Tomorrow I am celebrating a true milestone in my life, and the life of another. My amazing wife Debbie and I will have been married 25 years !! It’s incredible to think that we have literally been married for half of our lives (so far).
So, if you will allow me, I’d like to step away from penning an HR post to share our story . . .
I moved to Cincinnati back in 1986 after graduating from Ohio University. I only knew a small handful of people in town and had no social circle. One day at work a flyer came across my desk for Young Friends of the Zoo. This was a group of young adults from all over Greater Cincinnati that met to volunteer at the world famous Cincinnati Zoo. It sounded interesting so I gave it a try.
At the first meeting I attended, the leaders of the meeting were looking for a Chair for the Beastly Ball – the group’s largest fundraiser. I have never been one to shy away from things, so I volunteered to chair the event. The group was a bit shocked I stepped up without being “known,” but they gave me a shot. The Ball was a huge costume party and we transformed an empty warehouse into an Egyptian tomb.
Every meeting I stood up and introduced myself, “Hi, I’m Steve Browne, chair of the Beastly Ball. I need your help to make this happen and I’ll be around to see all of you during the meeting.” The extrovert in me was glowing, and my future wife would make sure to leave the meeting or shuffle around so as to not meet me on purpose. She thought that I was too over the top and brash to want to intentionally meet everyone.
We had several work nights to make the decorations for the Egyptian tomb, and Debbie was there every time. One night she came over to me (after having avoided me for months mind you) and she asked what I was doing that weekend. I said, “Nothing.” (because I’ve always been good with words). And she responded with the best line of all time – “Want to do nothing together?” I was floored and said, “YES !!” immediately.
Our first date was a movie, The Princess Bride. We had no idea that we were seeing a movie about true love and saw this merely as a first date. In this classic film, the main character Wesley, always responds to Princess Buttercup with “as you wish” regardless of what she asks. We loved every moment of the movie and felt connected from that point on.
Fast forward about one year and Debbie and I were going to the monthly Young Friends of the Zoo meeting yet again. I asked her to come a little early and meet at the King Cheetah area. It was there that I proposed to her because the King Cheetah is one of the few animals who mate for life. It just felt right to do. She fortunately said, “Yes” and here we are 25 years later.
Debbie is the perfect balance for me. She is the organized, introverted, brilliant, loving and sensible side that I lack. I am thankful for every moment that I’ve had with her. She is an amazing wife, mother and partner who stepped out of her comfort zone to connect with me.
We come across people every day who can impact our lives. They may be reaching out to see how they can connect. Are you paying attention to this? You never know, you may find someone who will be with you for the rest of your life !!
So, now, I look forward to what will truly be a new adventure as we move towards our next milestone. We are more of the exception in today’s society by being married for 25 years and I dig that. We have found true love just like the movie and, I get to be Wesley, now and forever, who will look to Debbie to respond “as you wish” !!
What a great way to start off a Monday morning. Thanks you for sharing your lovely story and your upbeat attitude. And, Happy Anniversary!
Catie
Wow. Thank you for sharing this amazing story. True, lasting love like yours is hard to find and I’m glad you both found it.
Your story makes my heart smile! Happy Anniversary Steve and Debbie!
Nice story Steve! Congratulations on your anniversary. May you be blessed with many more happy years together.
Love it Steve, and none of which shocked me 🙂
Happy anniversary! Thanks for sharing on a dreary Monday. It gives us all hope.
One of the best love stories ever. Congratulations for having found your “Too Blave”.
Congratulations on the Milestone Roomie! As we both know, our better halves are the balance we need in the crazy lives we lead. Tip of my hat to Debbie for having to put up with you these last 25 years. Speaking from a more senior perspective the ride only gets better and bit by bit, you each will become a bit more like the other.
All the best,
Fred
What a sweet love story Steve! Happy Anniversary to you both!!
Steve,
What a truly inspiring message. I hope you share with Debbie as well. You are both so lucky to have each other and to be able to compliment each other. I loved hearing good news…keep it going 🙂
Congratulations on 25 years with Debbie! What a wonderful love story. It shows that “fairy tales” still come true.
Wonderful, heartwarming story! Happy anniversary and wish you both many more great years together.
Happy Anniversary! May you have another 50 years “as you wish”
Happy Anniversary, Steve and Debbie! May you continue to be blessed together and thank you for being an inspiration!
What a wonderful story Steve! Happy Anniversary and wishes for many more!
What a beautiful story Steve! Many congrats to you and Debbie!
What a Love Story! Congratulations on 25th Anniversary and here is hoping there are many, many more.
Congratulations, Steve! My wife, Robin, and I celebrated our 25th anniversary in February. It is a rarity to make it 25 years nowadays. I can’t say that my proposal was that well thought out or romantic. I think it went something like, “hey, do you wanna get married?”
Steve – my apologies I am late to the party. What a lovely story. Heather Bussing and I were chatting about you on Skype yesterday and we agreed, you exude joy. It was a total delight to spend time in your company again recently and many congratulations to you and Debbie.
With love – Doug.
Happy 25 years, Steve. What a touching love story–thank you for sharing! All the best to you and your wife Debbie!
Congratulations to you and Debbie on 25 years! You are one of the lucky ones. Thanks for sharing your story.
Congrats and best wishes to you both in the remaining journey of life together. Pray that you walk hand in hand for eternity here after.
Wish the new generation can understand from your example how to make things work out (which is the promise one gives to their partner when the wedding knot is tied).
Wow,I just loved this…
Nice! A story where just being yourself works out amazingly. Congratulations.