One Whole Decade

Ten years ago tonight, I went on a date. 

It was the first date I’d been on in…I don’t know, ages…and it was a double-date to celebrate my date’s birthday. We went out to dinner (The Old Mohawk in German Village) and wandered around Barnes & Noble for awhile. It was a nice, low-key evening. I liked my date; we were friends. But after we lost both guys at the bookstore, I told my friend Lisa that, even though we’d had a good night, I wasn’t really interested in him “like that.” 

Of course, I married him 17 months later.

And I’m so glad I did.

It’s kind of funny how 10 years doesn’t feel like such a long time ago. I was so busy that fall, preparing for the monstrosity of a Christmas program our church was putting on. But Eric showed up to help build set, and I realized he could work with his hands, build things. He was smart, witty, very funny. He played in the orchestra at church, too, so he was at all the Christmas rehearsals with me. But between end-of-term grading and the program preparations, I was just too busy and distracted to be interested. 

We finished the program, and I crashed. I headed to my parents’ house for Christmas about as soon as I could (I also got sick from being so worn down). But on the Sunday after Christmas, Karen and I were back in Columbus, so we invited Eric and another guy (both of whom had been alone in their houses for the weekend) over to hang out, eat food, and watch a movie. That night, Eric mentioned wanting to see the second Lord of the Rings movie that had recently come out. I’d seen it already with Karen, but I decided to open a door for him (Karen and my mom had been encouraging me all month to flirt with him a little more). I said I’d like to see it again myself, and left it at that. A couple of nights later, he called and asked me out.

And we’ve been married for 8 1/2 years.  

I think the thing that surprised me most about Eric was that I wasn’t really looking for him when he showed up. I mean, I wasn’t looking for HIM. I had sort of an idea what kind of guy I wanted, but it wasn’t Eric. At least I didn’t think so at first. But God knew better, and it didn’t take very long to realize that I’d never met anyone more perfect for me than Eric Hogue. He was all the things I thought I wanted in a guy, plus a bunch of stuff I didn’t know I needed. His inherent self-confidence was refreshing to my inherent insecurity. He just knows he can do what he sets his mind to, while I doubt myself the whole way. He is even-keeled and patient even when I’m at my craziest. Karen said she knew I’d marry him because he brought out the girl in me. I guess she was right. I didn’t have to prove anything with Eric; I told him the worst of my junk and it didn’t even faze him. I could relax. I could breathe. 

I still can.

There is no one in the world I’d rather hang out with than my husband. He is a fantastic man and father. He is a hard-worker. He sometimes drives me crazy with his confidence and calm, but his counsel is always wise (if I’m willing to listen anyway). He bakes. He cleans better than I do. He still makes me laugh almost every day. He loves his kids. He loves God. And he’s a fantastic kisser!

For one whole decade of my life, I have belonged with Eric. I am so grateful that God gave me such a precious gift. And I’m looking forward to many decades more!

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