Monday, January 12, 2009

A Tribute to Sven

Today, January 12, is the fifteenth anniversary of my first date with Sven. I reminded him this morning, a wistful smile on my face, remembering us falling in love. He turned to me, shaving cream dripping from his cheeks, and said, romantically,

"Was I supposed to remember that?" Then Sven Jr. pulled my hair.

Okay, so it wasn't the world's most romantic moment, but I feel today I should honor the man who made me a wife and mother in not-so-rapid succession.

Picture it: January 1994. Bill Clinton is still new in office, no one has yet heard of Monica Lewinsky. The clear beverage craze is over. Pearl Jam is the hottest band around. Deb is hanging out with Sven and his best friend Hezekiah, wearing her best flannel and her saggiest jeans.

"So," says Hezekiah smoothly. "A bunch of us are going to a club tonight. Do you want to come?"

"Sure," Deb replies, "but I don't have a car right now."

"Sven will pick you up," replies Hezekiah. Deb does not catch his wink.

At 7:00 that night, Sven comes to Deb's house. They drive to Houston, talking all the while, having a great time. They get to the club, and- no Hezekiah, no "bunch of us..." What gives?

Only slightly abashed, Sven says, "Oh, everybody else cancelled."

Right. The sly fox tricked me into going out with him. I was feeling flattered, until I heard, "Why don't your pants fit?"

So much for flattery. We spent a great evening together getting to know one another, and then he took me home.

Where he did not kiss me. He didn't even try. I knew I had found someone special.

He still is.

7 comments:

Barbaloot said...

I'm sorry-was there ever a time when Pearl Jam was the hottest band? Cuz I'm fairly certain that should not have ever been the case.

Jill @ Sneaky Momma said...

What a great story! I love hearing stories of how people got together. How sneaky of him!

Kristina P. said...

What a great story!

And I remember our wedding anniversary, and that's it. Don't know our first date, kiss, day we got engaged, etc. I'm not ery sentimental.

Camille said...

I was right there with you! mmm... love

R Allen said...

Sweet!

I remember my first kiss with MM. He was so nervous, it was like he tripped over and landed on my face... He said, "Oops, oh, ok."

3 Bay B Chicks said...

I have a burning question for you, Deb: Is Sven a "stage name" for your husband? I always wonder whenever I visit your site.

Whatever the case may be, I thoroughly enjoyed yet another one of your wonderful stories today, especially that your romantic moment was interrupted with a bit of reality. That is so how it goes in my house too.

-Francesca

Deb said...

Yes, Sven is his "stage name." Hezekiah is also a stage name...I make up names for everybody except me.

:)

Deb