How it began? Simple really. I'm a single mom of four, 36 years old, and live in a small town in northeast Ohio. I had been dating on and off since late last year and was getting depressed. There are many reasons why we are single, and I was fast finding out a lot of them. Men were not ready to commit to a serious relationship, I had too many children, I wasn't clingy enough, and I was too young. *I prefer older gentleman...mid to upper 40s* Oh, and I also had a male room mate. Men RUN when they hear that tidbit.
February rolled around and I was getting more and more frustrated. I knew that someone special was out there. It was not for the lack of trying either. I was on most of the major dating sites except one that started with a large e. That was was a little expensive in comparison to the others. However, for my birthday present, I bought myself a one month subscription to that one site that starts with the big E that has commercials on it as well. One more chance at this...then I was throwing in the towel for good.
This is when I met Mark. A man with a good job, custody of his two girls, a hard worker, and an extremely sweet and old fashioned gentleman. One marriage, 19 years to the only girl he ever loved. Wow. Is he for real? I had tagged him, and he doesn't know this....The Disney Prince. In comparison to the others, he was a prince.
Our first date was about one short week after we started talking. We met at Applebees. I arrived after him, where I viewed him hunched over at a table across from the bar. He's a tall guy....six foot 4 inches and he looked so upset about something. Instantly I thought that 'this doesn't look good' if he's this upset and he hasn't even seen me in person yet. LOL
Well, we met and outright as I was sitting down I asked him why he was upset. He looked up, timidly smiled and said that he was 'so nervous' about meeting me. That did it, I was toast right then and there. His vulnerability with his emotional state was sweet to me. Dinner lasted quite a long time and afterwards, we agreed to go to Denny's for a cup of coffee and more talking. We both loved and am addicted to coffee. Bonus point.
Walking out to his vehicle, he opened the back door and presented me with a single red rose. Another HUGE bonus point. I couldn't remember the last time I was given flowers on a first date. We kissed there too....innocent, sweet, full of promise. Just a few little pecks and a hug. And for the first time, I caught myself looking up at my date instead of looking at my date. I'm five foot 7 inches and have never dated anyone much taller than myself.
The evening ended on a great note...and so does my story for now..................
Michal
This is what has been occupying our time for the past few weeks. The first two pictures are what the house looked like when Mark bought it. The last, it is in the process of being restored inside and out.
To know a little about the backstory of this place....we have to start at the very beginning of my story. Welcome....and if you are so inclined to know more...read on....................
Michal Elaine
