The anniversary that stands above

Mike note: July 13 is the 17th anniversary of mine and Deb’s first date. I wrote this blog on Thursday to run today in Deb’s memory and then considered bumping it to instead honor retired Judge Trish Thomas, who died Sunday morning.

I decided to stick with the Deb blog. I’ll have my Trish thoughts later in the week. Prayers for our community.

It all started at Patriotic Evening.

We had been texting through the day at work, a friendly banter that bordered on flirting. I asked if she was going to watch the fireworks. She said probably not.

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Yet, I made it clear where I’d be: Roaming Liberty and Wallace Brooks Parks, enjoying the festivities just outside my front yard on the shores of Big Lake Henderson. You know…just in case she changed her mind.

And I’ll never forget the scene that night. Walking with friends through Liberty Park, I felt my phone buzz, then a simple text:

“I’m here.”

I looked up to a sea of people. “Where are you?” I typed.

She told me. I waved off my friends, “See ya later, boys,” and went looking for my future wife.

I’ve mentioned that July is a significant Deb-Mike month. The 6th was my 20-year soberversary. The 24th is nine months since she went home to the Lord. The 26th is her birthday.

And Monday, July 13, is the 17th anniversary of our first kiss. As Deb liked to say, our LAST first kiss. 

Back to Patriotic Evening.

Deb was sitting with her boys and friends from work. I raced home and returned with my folding beach chair, then made the first in a series of blunders that worked out in my favor.

“Mind if I squeeze in here,” said, pushing my chair between Deb and her friend. (She NEVER let me forget that.)

We enjoyed the fireworks. I resisted any attempts to hold her hand or show any sort of affection. I hadn’t even made “friend zone” yet with Deb.

Afterwards, I walked them to their car in downtown Inverness. When Deb couldn’t get anywhere because of the traffic, I ran over to Walgreen’s and returned with bottles of cold water for Deb’s clan.

And that night, after the fireworks settled, I was convinced our relationship was about to take hold.

Which it was. Sorta.

The next day, July 4, I had to cover a protest at the Old Courthouse. While walking over there, Deb texted me to say she had a nice time, but don’t get my hopes up. Still more work to do.

We kept chatting. I had my third sober anniversary right around then, and she knew it was a big deal to me. Yet, she never said a word. By then, it was starting to dawn on me that this just wasn’t going to happen. There was a clear spark, but Deb didn’t seem interested enough to pursue it.

Then came the 13th. A Thursday. She had worn me down. I walked to her office to admit defeat. Before I could say a word, she wondered why I hadn’t said anything.

About what?

About the e-card.

What e-card?

The one I sent for your sober anniversary.

Um…what?

I am not making this up. I received that card in my email within minutes of our conversation, a week after she sent it.

Well, that got my attention. After work, when I was home and she was home, we were on the phone talking. I don’t remember what it was. I just know something happened.

“OK, enough of this,” I told her. “I’m coming over there right now and kissing you.”

I drove to her house, and Deb met me in the garage. Other than hello, I didn’t say a word. Just walked up and planted one right where it counts. Happily, she ready to receive.

Our love was born that day. And while it had its many challenges, the fire never burned out. Instead, God kept stoking it until Oct. 24, when He brought her home.

Deb gave me a men’s prayer book for Thanksgiving 2013. In it, she wrote:

 “My sweet, dear Mike. I love you more and more every day. I hope you enjoy reading a daily word of God.”

Then, she added:

“I am always with you!”

Deb's memory fills my heart. She sealed her promise with a kiss. On July 13, 2009.

— Observation: Our community is thick with political banter right now. Trish’s decades of service in Citrus County remind us to keep it in perspective. Community first, politics second. This week especially.

Have a great Monday, friends.

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