In honor of Valentine's Day, we share a story of love at first sight. From the moment Walt laid eyes on Pam, he knew she was the one for him. It only took another four months to work up the courage to say hello. But forty-two years later, their partnership is stronger than ever -- and a testament to the power of taking chances and letting love lead.
It's the first day of our graduate study program at San Diego State University. Students are milling about, making introductions and sizing each other up. We're all excited, curious, a bit scared. Soon, I spy with my little eye one particularly intriguing and gregarious woman.
She's socializing with her new friends, engaging and chatty and full of spark. I gaze at her long enough to be rude, but thankfully, she's oblivious to my gaping mouth and stares. She's stunning, just strikingly beautiful. Every thread and hair follicle are luminously in place. She has the zing factor.
One part of me says, she's out of my league. Another part says, so what? You can do this.
Suddenly, she's walking in my direction. I quickly do a breath and armpit check and kick myself for not using mouthwash this morning. Too late now. She draws closer. I look again. She looks at me. I avert my gaze. Damn, my shirt is getting sticky with sweat. My face is tingling. I'm short of breath. The situation is quickly becoming perilous. She walks past but says nothing. Like a schlub, I say nothing too. A fortuitous moment slips away.
The next day, I walk into the classroom, and there she is again. I thank God that I remembered to brush my teeth as I make my way towards her. I walk past her, fixated on her shimmering eyes and beautiful skin. She's even more stunning today than yesterday. I keep staring at her, but she's too busy chatting with friends to notice. My pace slows down as I cruise past her. I find a seat a couple of rows over. I'm all ears as I strain for the sound of her voice and a snippet of their conversation. My heart leaps for joy when I overhear that she's not dating anyone...
