When my children participated in intense tournament games & matches, my already tiny public cursing filter dropped down to non-existent. I distinctly remember meeting my friend Sandy because she was one of the other moms in the stands of the wrestling meets who matched my level of crazy when it came to cheering on sons. (To her credit, I had her beat on expletives.) When I wrote my post, Massages & Cocktails at Kid Sporting Events – One Mom’s Dream, I specifically referred to her because she had recently posted the picture above to her social media. What mom of athletes can’t relate?
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I have since watched Sandy’s 4 children grow up in front of my eyes, painted inside of her home and walked her dogs. Those points alone make me feel like her life-long friend, but add in Sandy’s sense of humor and she’s sincerely one of my favorite people.
During my Week-of-Extra, I often text her when I’m at my most distraught point, knowing her reply will be relatable and witty. I’ve noticed that when I’ve been in Sandy and/or her husband’s presence, I have never heard them speak ill of each other. They are one of the rare couples that do not sneak in a jab here or there for the sake of a laugh. Therefore, when I saw their 20 year anniversary float across my screen this past June 17th, I wanted to know Their Story.
This couple is my 10th How They Met featured couple but they are the first to simultaneously tell me their story. Sitting back and hearing them ask each other, “Do you remember that?” continued to remind me how special it feels to relive the beautiful moments of our lives.
When I was single I recall pondering where someone could meet a decent person nowadays. The stats from this site’s lasting relationship stories so far are as follows:
- 40% mutual friends
- 20% at church or school
- 20% blind dates
- 10% friendships that grew into love (persistence), and now…
- 10% @ work (Ryan & Sandy)
To help make the title of this post make a little more sense, Ryan & Sandy met while working at Save-a-Lot. Sandy was a cashier as a high school senior; Ryan, as a sophomore at Indiana University, was the assistant manager. The manager’s wife (produce lady) told Sandy that Ryan was interested. This started a banter between the two that made their co-workers question if they hated one another. But, one night came along when Ryan eloquently asked Sandy if she would like to go see her best friend compete in the Fair Queen Contest together so she “wouldn’t look stupid” going by herself. And, ‘Voila’, a Love Match was made. (Love really is just that random, folks.)
On their first date, Sandy wore sandals. Since they parked in a grass field, Ryan carried her on his back. She remembers how clean and detailed Ryan made his ’79 Ford Truck before they went out. Their first kiss knocked her socks off, shocking her lips & scaring her at the same time. Sandy couldn’t wait to tell her father about Ryan and although he had never liked anyone she had dated before, he loved Ryan. The wise man predicted that the couple would eventually marry.
Sandy’s father was very sick which eventually led to him residing in the hospital with tubes and life support. Ryan visited Sandy’s dad and assured him that his daughter was in good care. They shook hands…her father died later that day. The couple continued their relationship with commuting while Ryan worked in Seymour. At 19, Sandy had a rough time at home (as grown teenagers often do) and showed up, packed, on the doorstep of her boyfriend’s one bedroom apartment. She remembers loving that apartment because of it’s feeling of safety.
The duo moved to Ohio after they were married. (The Save-a-Lot lady that ignited the whole flame did Sandy’s up-do for the wedding.) The couple agreed living together, away from anyone and everything they knew, tightened their bond. (I 100% get that!) They eventually moved back to Indiana and in 2006, the couple had twin boys. 2009 brought another son and 2013 brought a surprise daughter.
I asked what seemed to be the key to staying married through 2 decades, 4 children, a few pets, lots-o-practices & games, etc. The husband and wife agreed that there are up and down years, some of which come in a sequence of more than a year at a time. When one partner is at wit’s end, it is the other partner’s time to shine – step up- and be the strength needed for the moment in time.
I’m also going to have to give humor a point in this relationship. The pictures of kids and animals slobbering in their sleep found in their FaceBook albums made it certain that staying grounded in happy is a key to happiness.
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