A Memorable Beginning

February is a special month for me, even after it has come and gone.  For years, it marked the month of my humble entrance into the world.  Growing up, George Washington’s birthday was a holiday in Missouri, meaning the day after my birthday was always a holiday; this meant I could have a friend spend the night.  However, in 1971, the month became truly special on the 27^th day when Jim and I went on a blind date.  It was close to love at first sight, especially on his end.  Let me describe his appearance that night as we doubled dated with mutual friends at the University of Missouri, St. Louis, Homecoming dance held at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel downtown.

            Perhaps I should begin with his stylish appearance and nice, lean athletic build.  He was wearing probably the only dressy jacket he owned.  I am not sure how it was obtained; the color was interesting (I love this multi-purpose word).  It was definitely green, not light or dark, more unusual.  His pants went unnoticed possibly because of the intense effect of that green jacket.  His glasses were old and a bit unappealing, not at all enhancing his beautiful blue eyes and  long eyelashes,   

It is a good thing we were having a fine time since our friends who arranged the date were away from our table much of the night due to some spat over a redhead sitting with us.

Jim and I did dance—well, I guess one might call it dancing.  He was not very good at staying on a beat, and neither of us were experienced swingers on or off the dance floor.  Try to envision this with the green coat I have mentioned.  Jim’s most impressive moment occurred when somehow he set fire to the big, tissue paper flower at the table’s center.  He proved his quick reaction time by extinguishing the mini blaze before it spread elsewhere or set off any alarms.

            That green jacket (I can still see it in my mind) and small fire did not interfere with our mutual attraction.  I might have gotten a kiss at the door.  More important was his expressed interest in seeing me again.  This was big.  At 22, there had not been a lot of “again” experiences for either of us, I think.  In sixteen months, we married and continued to celebrate that first February date the next 45 years.  I have discovered it is unusual for couples to observe the anniversary of their first date.  But then none of them wore or saw that interesting green jacket.