This time last year I was either driving to the airport… on a plane… or at my new home…
Regardless of what time of day it was, it was a life changing day. A day I didn’t see coming, less than 4 weeks before.
My life had already changed, in ways I had never imagined.
Randy and I had been trying to work out a meeting for a couple of weeks. We had discussed meeting half way, just because we wanted to get it over with if it wasn’t going to work. We wanted to know, so we could move on.
But we had also spent hours and hours going over the logistics, because we knew we had so much to figure out if it were to work. Where would we live? How would we support our family? What did we want and what did it look like??
I giggle when I recall the conversations we had in the wee hours of the night.
But this post isn’t about those talks. It is about that day — the day we finally got to meet face-to-face.
I’m actually not going to write anything about it — it was already written; through our photos and texts from that day.
early check-in. of course.
From Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 0:41 :
Karla we’re now living our dream. See you later this morning. I will always love you. *kiss*Send To Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 3:39 :
it’s no longer a dream is it?…
5hrs until i’m flying to my present and future. i love you so.From Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 3:53 :
This is real. We have chosen to live our lives by our own hearts & minds. Few do. It doesn’t get anymore real than that. We are #one. <3Send To Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 4:00 :
#one… truly… *kiss*Send To Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 6:31 :
getting shower so i can come see you!!!! *shaking*From Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 6:35 :
OMG! My life has changed … for the better. I love you Karla.
Send To Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 6:36 :
“i need chocolate. stat.”
i love you randy. i’m so happy for us.Send To Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 7:09 :
*smile* #breatheSend To Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 7:33 :
i’m starting my car to leave…. #zomgFrom Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 7:36 :
OMG! AWESOME!!! Be safe <3From Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 8:41 :
Wow!! <3Send To Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 8:42 :
omgomgomgomgomgomgomg
Send To Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 8:51 :
on the bus
Send To Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 9:12 :
through security!! one hour!!!!From Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 9:17 :
Can’t grin any bigger!!!!!
Send To Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 9:51 :
plane just landed… will be boarding soon!From Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 9:53 :
ZOMG! This is a beautiful day!!!!
Send To Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 9:53 :
yes it is babySend To Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 10:06 :
getting on plane…
From Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 10:08 :
#breathe You’re going to fly like never before babe! You are incredible!Send To Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 10:15 :
turning cell to airplane mode
xoxoxoSend To Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 12:23 :
just landed!! #zomg…From Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 12:20 :
I’m waiting for my other half at C terminal security. #oneFrom Randy Archer at Feb 15, 2010 10:17 :
Karla I’m here for you & always will be.
I remember when the flight attendant handed me this napkin, I laughed out loud. Truer words have never been written.
Such a great story! *tear*
thanks Daniel!! Appropriate that you were the first one to reply on this — you were the first person we know who ever saw us together – although at the time, you had no idea [we were on the down-low ;)
it is historic but also about hope for the future….. time travel!!!!
it is, isn’t it!!
Thanks for posting this. Quite the Big Love Story. congratulations, you two.
Thank you John! I’d like to hear yours one day.
Wow, congratulations you two!! What a story….and you have the whole day documented from your phones. That is amazing in itself. A few years ago it wouldn’t have been easy to capture one of the biggest days of your lives with a phone……I know that’s not what this is about, but it’s really cool to me that you pulled it off. I wish I had certain special days with my wife captured, that are now long gone, so they could be lived again, and again. I’m making up for it with my daughter (soon to be daughters) though!! Congrats again for LTLF!!
Thanks John! I am fascinated by that aspect as well. It’s so amazing what all we can capture now.
(and big huge congrats to you and your sweet [growing] family!!)
I can’t imagine how excited/terrified/in awe you two were. I adore a good love story :)
It was a big huge pile of emotions!!!
*cry* beautiful! i know that feeling SO well! <3
I can’t wait to read yours one day!!
This is so cool!
thanks ;)
You two have the most amazing story!!
Thank you ;)
Big smile! I just love your story!
Thank you!!
I just love this story. ;) What amazing grace.
thank you :) I am still amazed by how it all happened…
Karla
It is so amazing when you find the love of your life and you realize it!! You don’t need to be physically with each other to know when it is ABSOLUTELY right. I too have been involved in a ‘long distnce’ romance, even though we live close to each other. We do see each other from time to time, but it is never enough and the second she leaves I feel utterly lost and alone. The didstance has allowed US to grow like no other relationship could. We too communiate through text and pictures, minute by minute on our phones. What an life/relationship saver!!!!!!!! We both are VERY passionate and affectionate people and never hide those feelings. It is so awesome to see someone else ‘GETS IT’, to throw themselves at love, with no boundries and enjoy each other without limits!! Love your stoy!! Thank you for sharing it! One day I know Gina & I will be able to enjoy the same relationship that you have. It will just take some time. :)))
Come to the edge, she said.
No, I will fall.
Come to the edge.
No, it is too high.
Come to the edge.
I came
she pushed
and I flew.
Dean~ thanks for your comment!! And WOW, what a story you have, as well :)
I agree about the distance helping it grow in ways it might not otherwise. I’ve always said that about relationships: when I started having children, I lived 18 hours from my family. I thought I was missing something by being so far. Turns out, I saw and connected with my family MORE when there were more miles between us. It was more PURPOSEFUL and we didn’t just presume we’d see each other “soon” — we PLANNED it and made it count.
I can’t wait to see your story unfold, Dean!!
(as a former teacher, that quote is a favorite of mine…)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this story… and I think y’all are the greatest. I’ve really enjoyed watching your story grow and grow (even from across town most times…). Yours is a story for the ages, and it’s amazing to see what love can do!
Thanks for sharing it again! Y’all are such special people! :)
And to think you witnessed it without realizing it! :)
(we need to get together and catch up. SOON!)
How scary, exciting and very romantic! Happy 2 year anniversary of a very special day!
Thank you :)
Loved this story, it’s very similar to how I met my husband on Match.com 12 years ago. I love a good love story.
Thank you, Michele! I love a good love story too. I never thought I’d live one :)