I love the love stories; how people first meet and find their way to each other. I met Paul when the Hendersonville Community Co-op first opened its deli on Dec. 11th, 1999. I know that because we stood next to each other at the kiosk filling out forms to be eligible to win prizes. I was aware of Paul because he was taller than I am. I am six feet. I paid attention.
He turned to me and said "Do you think I'd be eligible for more prizes if I had kids or pets?". I said, "Get a dog". Paul was tall and playful. I was aware of his presence as I shopped. I ran into a friend and we sang some carole on aisle 4. I was really singing to the tall man.
When I went to leave the co-op, I saw that he was no longer in the deli. Too bad. I drove off and as I passed Barnwell's, I saw him walking on the side of the road. He didn't walk like someone who had to because of a DWI. His posture was elegant. I passed him by and felt such a strong sense to turn around, which I did.
I pulled up next to him and rolled down my window and looked at him. I had no idea what to say. A moment is pretty loaded when you pull up in front of someone and engage them and don't say anything. I finally did say, "You're a pedestrian". It just came out. He introduced himself. "I'm Paul, the pedestrian." I asked him out right then and there and the story continues. It's a good one.