It all began with what I thought was going to be a girls' weekend to the beach.  It was the annual trip that my grandmother, mom and I take to the beach every October.  I had taken a few mental health days from work for what was some much needed "sand therapy."   After arriving at the beach my mom and I decided to take a walk on the beach.  Immediately after sinking my toes into the hot sand there he was.....  this hot lad with dog tags.  Now those of you who know me know that I am a sucker for men in uniform.  I immediately said to my mom "oh, no."  Mom quickly offered up a "go and talk to him."  There was no way I was going up to this stranger on the beach to talk to him.  We continued to walk on the beach and upon our return to the hotel he was gone.  Oh well.  That was until a day and a half later when I was lounging by the pool.  Low and behold who was staying at the exact same hotel but this hot, young lad I had been thinking about the entire day before.  After staring at him for quite some time and praying this new, hot pink, polka dotted bikini would do the trick he mustered up enough courage to come and talk to me .... or at least say "hello."  I did most of the talking.  We exchanged information and he was off.  Many hours passed before I would see him again.  In fact, it wasn't until 9:00 that night that I heard a tap at the door.  I had just gotten in to my pjs  thinking I would relax for the evening.  Oh no!  I leaped 2 feet over the coffee table to quickly go and change while mom opened the door.  It was Adam dressed in his Army uniform come to ask me for a walk on the beach.  It was just like the movies and rest assured he knew what he was doing!!  We went for the long walk on the beach and talked for a long time.  Our time would be cut short for I was leaving to go back home the next day.  It was a memorable evening to say the least.

  After returning home I didn't really think I would hear from Adam but that begin our 8 month long distance courtship from Virginia, Indiana to North Carolina.  Now after almost 2 years we will be saying " I Do."  We have faced several obstacles to get where we are today but one thing is for sure we love each other very much and are looking forward to many happy years together.