How we met (for S.Sarah!)

Today I'll share the story of how I met my husband. It's a long story....actually it's not, but I like to add in so many details (it's how I talk too) that it makes for a long story.

I had just entered my first year of University and was still unsure of what exactly I wanted to study. I had never thought about a career other than motherhood, so deciding what to be while I waited for my true calling was rather intimidating.

I felt so lost in the sea of other students, and often found myself in a corner of the main building, writing down random thoughts. The loneliness surprised me, especially since there were so many people around.

On one particular Friday afternoon, my girlfriend and I were in a silly mood. I think it had more to do with fatigue than mischief, but we were caught up in fits of laughter. (I giggle when I'm over tired) As we entered the bus that would take us home, I looked up to see a young man sitting at the front. His eyes pierced right through me, and I had this odd sensation that one day I would 'date' him. (We were both seeing other people at this point)

My friend commented that he was cute, and being in a silly mood, I asked if she wanted me to strike up a conversation so that she could meet him. She was mortified that I would even suggest it, so we continued to giggle to ourselves as onlookers wondered about our sanity.

When I arrived home, I mentioned to my Mom that this guy had looked me in the eyes on the bus. Eye contact was not something that happened often with strangers on a bus. Most people find their seat and keep to themselves. I didn't tell her about the odd thought that passed through my mind, though.

Three weeks later, I was the 'designated driver' for some of my girlfriends as we went out for drinks. It was convenient for my friends to have me tag along, as I was not a drinker. We had decided to hang out at a small lounge at a local restaurant. There was a small dance floor for later in the evening, and my friends beckoned me to join them as they began to show signs of alcohol 'relaxation'.

As I danced, I sensed someone watching me.....it was the guy from the bus! He kept staring at me and smiling, so I smiled back. As he approached me, I felt the need to apologize for my behaviour on the bus. You know that blank, hesitant look people give you when they have no clue what you are talking about? Well, he gave that to me. Apparently, he left more of an impression on me that day, than I on him.

He leaned into me and, speaking over the loud music, asked, "Are you single?"

I happened to be single at that time, and answered in the affirmative. Then he introduced himself to me. "My name is Arnaud." Huh?

"Ar-no....like Schwarzenegger." I loved his comparison, and still remember how cute he looked as he struggled to speak in English with me. When I discovered he was from France, I was hooked. He was in his last year of studies, and on an exchange program.

We searched high and low for a pen and paper in order to share our phone numbers....and wouldn't you know it, not one person (including waiters!) had one for us to use! We decided to meet in front of the University book store at 12:00 pm, in 3 days' time. I couldn't wait to see him again.

I was in front of the book store 10 minutes before the agreed time. I didn't want to risk missing Arnaud. The time came, and I looked around anxiously, barely containing my excitement. 12:05 pm....no one. 12:10 pm....still no Arnaud. At this point, I'm imagining he and his friends perched on one of the balconies, pointing and laughing at the poor girl thinking that her 'Prince' will come.

I started to walk away, angry that I had been stood up. I stopped and decided to go back. This was not like me. I didn't wait around for guys.....I had much more integrity than that. I can look back now and realize that God directed me to turn back, as there was no way I'd ever run into Arnaud again.

As soon as I returned to the book store entrance, Arnaud came waltzing down the corridor to greet me. I had planned to give him a little hug, then suggest a cafeteria to have some coffee in. He being French, had a different kind of greeting! Wow! Talk about rubber legs--he held me in the most passionate embrace, and I lost all the wits about me. I could barely talk after he performed this shocking PDA (public display of affection). I know my face was flushed.

We chatted for awhile, then exchanged phone numbers. He called me that very evening, and I knew this one was special.

I guess the rest is history!