Before Dating Apps, There Was Mom! – Part 1

It’s hard to believe that in only two days, my wife, Kathy, and I will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. This might sound cliché, but we often moan, Where have all the years gone? Of course, we don’t expect an answer. What we’re really asking for is more time—and for that time to slow down drastically!

A few days ago, I told my thirtyish niece about how I first met her Aunt Kathy, and we discussed how dating tactics have changed over time. Unlike today’s singles, we had neither dating apps nor online photos, videos, or bios to advertise ourselves to potential mates outside our limited circles of familiarity. I’m not saying my generation is better or worse than any other, but we are surely very different.

I told her how I had occasionally seen my future wife from a distance at our church, but usually the same guy was with her. I assumed he was her boyfriend and took it no further. You know, there are plenty of fish in the sea.

Then, one day, while I helped unload the paper grocery bags from our family’s Ford station wagon, my mom felt the need to heap praise upon her favorite cashier. She even suggested I go meet her and ask her out. Being only nineteen, I was a wee bit shy back then. Therefore, my mother, who was probably eager to kick me out of the nest, coaxed me into accompanying her to the store to see this gem of a girl for myself. She would be my moral support; though primarily, she would be there to make sure her plan succeeded.

I was okay with that idea. So, the next week, we returned to buy our family’s weekly groceries and warm up to a potential daughter-in-law for dear old Mom. Lo and behold, her favorite cashier was the church girl! And, for once, my mother was right—this chick was hot! I briefly and nervously chatted with “Kathy” as she rang up our food items, and I’ll admit I enjoyed my mom’s setup.

The following Saturday, I eagerly returned for a closer look at Kathy. And even though I’d built up some boldness inside me, I didn’t ask her out. Yet, I did go home with her phone number.

There is more to this story, so you’ll have to come back for Part 2 tomorrow. But I will tell you this: While most people will look at my wife and see a 70-year-old retiree, I still see to this day that same hot nineteen-year-old cashier with the beautiful face, eyes, and personality. And yes, I want more time with my best friend. Much, much more time!

“Enjoy life with the wife whom you love throughout all the days of your allotted span of life that have been given to you under the sun, because that is your lot while you live and labor here under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 9:9 NCB)