She's Got a Way

It was not the first job interview I ever had, but it was the most memorable. As a recent college graduate, I interviewed for quite a few jobs. I was gaining experience at how interviewing worked, what questions were typical, how to respond without too many "ummms" and "aahhs". I was becoming discouraged, as my college degree was opening doors but my lack of experience was shutting them in my face. I put on my interview suit, the one my paternal grandparents bought me after I graduated from college, and walked in to another nondescript office in another nondescript company and waited my turn.

I don't remember most of the interview. What I do recall is telling the interviewer at the end of our time that I hoped to see her again soon, something I had not said at the conclusion of any other interview. Perhaps it was because it actually sounded like I could fulfill their requirements. Maybe it was that she was about my age, a first in the bevy of interviews I had gone through. It was, more than likely, due to her bright blue eyes and her nice smile.

And so it came to pass that I was offered the job. My first real job lead to my first apartment, my first non-department store credit card and, eventually, to my first and only wife. It was Cindy who interviewed me, whose smile intoxicated me, who, as my supervisor, should have been verboten to me. I was young and didn't know you weren't supposed to fish off the company pier, especially with your boss. Ignorance was definitely bliss, as I eventually asked her out and she accepted.

The rest, as they say, is history. We were married on May 10, 1986. It has been twenty-five years since we said "I do" to each other. Life has thrown us curve balls, handed us lemons and dropped a wrench in the machinery on many occasions. It has taught us to never take for granted the moments we have shared, to learn to live with intensity and how completely we have learned to love.

Cindy Lane, I love you for who you were, who you are and who you will become. Thanks for putting up with me over the years and the years yet to come.