The Story behind the Story

This weekend marks one year for Patrick and I.  So, I decided this would be the perfect time to chronicle the beginnings of our relationship.... because everyone always asks.  So today, I start with the story behind the story of how we met...

One of my best friends from UGA, Dana, goes to school at Southeastern Seminary in North Carolina.  For months, she had been telling me about this guy she met who was "perfect for me."  When I inquired more about why he was so "perfect" all she would say is, "he just is."  I was determined the only reason she thought this, is because his name is Patrick just like my brother... personally I thought it was a little weird (he also went to Auburn, just like my brother)... so I resisted, waiting for more explanation on why we would be so "perfect."

Last fall (a year after she first mentioned him to me), after much thought and prayer, I decided to go for it... I sent Dana a message telling her that if she thought it was appropriate she could give him my e-mail address or Facebook... what is the worst that could happen?

For weeks there after each time I checked my e-mail I secretly hoped I had a note from this mystery man named Patrick.  I also tried, to no avail, to search for him on Facebook.  After about six weeks of nothing, I decided it probably wasn't going to happen, so honestly, I put it out of my mind.

I had been to visit Dana once before, but other than that we really had not seen too much of each other.  We missed getting together, so I planned a quick weekend visit.  We decided on the weekend of December 12, she had a bunch going on... but if you know Dana, you know this is pretty par for the course.  I was to drive up on Friday and meet her after work, then I would drive back VERY early Sunday morning, before I had to go to work.  It was a fun getaway weekend for me, and I was so excited about getting to see my faraway friend.

The last thing on my mind that weekend was meeting this mystery man.  It had been a few months since I told her she could give out my information... and still no communication.... I figured it was just another of Dana's matchmaking schemes that never really came to fruition... I had a girls weekend on the brain, and I was totally pumped about hanging out with an old friend... that is, until my phone rang...

*This is the first of a 3 part series... the next part is entitled "Excuse Me"

Matchmaker Matchmaker...

Matchmaker matchmaker make me a match...

People often ask Patrick and me how we met... we grew up in different states, went to different colleges, and currently live 6 hours apart... so it is a very legitimate question. I believe that God brought us together with a little help from my good friend Dana.

Dana and I when she visited me in Orlando... we went to Disney World!

Dana is an amazing friend who I have known since our dorm days at UGA, she even drove with me when I moved to Orlando to work at WFTV. We have shared so much in our friendship, she is truly a wonderful woman of God. She is 6 feet tall though, so sharing clothes and shoes has never been an issue with us. However, we do share a love of bags and purses, the Georgia bulldogs, and of course Mexican Food! (Are you seeing a trend among my good friends?)

Brittany, Dana, and I in Honduras.

She always joked while in college that she was in the "matchmaking" business. She loves meeting new people and getting to know them. She is one of the most outgoing people I know, never meeting a stranger.

She had been telling me for almost a year about this guy in one of her classes, that was, in her words, "perfect for me." More on that story in future posts... suffice it to say, Dana saw something in both of us, I am so glad she kept on!

At the D-Group banquet.... 2004.

Not only did Dana introduce me to Patrick, now whenever I come to visit him she opens her apartment to me! She is such a sweet friend who always lets me crash at her place. It has truly become my home away from home!