Shannon here: Here’s the second installment of inspirational author, Kimberly Zweygardt’s real life romance. The picture is of a fused glass paperweight similar to the one Kimberly will give to one lucky blogger. Leave a comment by July 23, 8:00 PM Central for a chance to win the paperweight or a copy of her book: Stories from the Well. Here’s Kimblerly:
I waited through that weekend with no trip to Portland but greatly relieved that God was at work. Kary called again and we went out for Chinese food, talking non-stop just like on the phone. It was that wonderful romantic time where you have everything in common. “Oh! I can’t believe it! You like real mayo instead of Miracle Whip? Me, too!”
On our first date we discovered that he is 5 years younger than me, thanks to the Chinese Horoscope placemats. (When I asked if it bothered him, he said no. Since he’s bald, everyone would think he’s older than me anyway. I loved his outlook and sense of humor.) We went back to my house where I impressed him with my homemaking skills by baking a brownie mix and watching an old movie. We ended our date with a hug in my driveway. I was smitten.
He’d had this bright idea that we’d go out on a date. He’d wait a few weeks and call again. Then we’d go out again. Then I’d meet the boys and he would meet Lauren. Then we’d maybe involve the kids.
Instead, he called the next weekend, inviting Lauren and me to go to the movie with him and the boys. Lauren was so excited she wore her prettiest dress because we were going on a date together. Where we live, it is a drive to go anywhere, so Lauren and I met Kary at an intersection midway and left my car there before picking up the boys. We ate pizza, saw the movie and had a great time. The boys were young gentleman, opening the door for Lauren and me and even offering her their jackets when she was cold. It just felt right.
When we got back to my car, Kary decided to kiss me good night. It was like having Howard Cosell giving a play by play from the back seat. “I think he’s gonna kiss her! Yes, he is! Yes, he is! He’s kissing her!” Kary got so flustered, he missed my lips and kissed my eye, but I still thought it quite romantic and very brave to kiss me in front of two five year olds and a nine year old!
I invited Kary over for dinner the next weekend. Lauren had been so excited with the boys to play with; she and Kary hadn’t talked much, though she liked him. While I was finishing dinner preparations, he sat down to talk to her in the living room. She promptly climbed into his lap, wrapped her arms around him and asked, “Can I call you Daddy?”
My heart stopped, thinking that would be enough to make a mortal man turn tail and run, but instead I heard him reply, “Honey, you can call me anything you want to.” Boy, I loved this guy!
After we’d dated awhile, Kary told me that after he and I got off the phone that first night he got down on his knees and said, “Lord, I think I really like this girl. Lord, she doesn’t have to be real pretty, but please don’t let her be “bone ugly.” LOL
Come back July 21 for Part 3 of Kimberly’s real life romance.
Regina Merrick says
“Please don’t let her be bone ugly.” LOLOL I love this! Kimberly, I am enjoying your story so MUCH!! Thank you, once again, for sharing yourSELF with us!!
Janet says
Love, please tell us more.
Kim says
It took him about a month to tell me the “bone ugly” part of the story! Can’t imagine why! When we went on our first date I knew nothing about him except what he’d told me and what my friend said who had played matchmaker–“He’s an artist and has two boys and takes them to church every Sunday!” On my part, we had talked for 3 hours on the phone and discussed a lot of things…including a Christian wt. loss program I’d been on. Well, his dad had been in the hospital l work at and had been confused. He knew Cindy wanted to fix Kary up with someone there, so he pointed out a very plump nurse to Kary as the girl Cindy was going to introduce him to. Also, Lauren had found a spider in the basement while we were on the phone. She’d come in to get one of my shoes while we were talking on the phone so she could kill the spider “Because you have really big feet, Mama!” So I think he was expecting a plump girl with exceptionally large spider killing feet when he came to pick me up but I was just average with average feet so I passed the “bone ugly” test! lol
Glad you are enjoying our story. God has got such a sense of humor, doesn’t he?
stvannatter says
A plump girl with exceptionally large spider killing feet. What an image. Too funny.
Kaye Whitney says
Quite a lovely story. I’ll be back to read more tomorrow.
Barbara Shelton says
Hello again Kimberly! I enjoyed this episode so much, had to laugh along with you…you’ve got a great humor side. I’ve had a yen to write….and trying to get started, but need to know a lot more about it. Congratulations to you for writing for so many distinguished places. I would enjoy reading more. Again, I would love to win. Your bookmark is gorgeous and elegant. Sure hope my name works it’s way to the top of the pile when shuffeld!!
Grace & Joy,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10@tx.rr.com
Tanya says
The part about Lauren crawling up on Cary;s lap and asking if she could call him daddy brought me to tears. You know its right when your children feel it because there emotions are so true.