Halloween is generally not a time when people get all romantic and sentimental. Except for me and Dr. G.
It was 12 years ago (almost to the day), that we met at a Halloween costume party in Boston. I was dressed as a hippie (after scoring some fantastic pieces at the Garment District in Cambridge) and Dr. G. was, hmmm, no one is quite sure. He had on a cape. And a weird frog mask that he ended up wearing on top of his head all night. Isn’t it funny how guys can get away with throwing random things together and – poof! – it’s a costume?
The ironic thing is that Dr. G’s good college friend and one of my best girlfriends from college were dating (and still are) – yet they never thought to introduce us or set us up. My other friend who was organizing the party at a pub downtown said the more the merrier, so I invited my friend and her boyfriend to the party, and he ended up bringing Dr. G. along too. I don’t remember the exact sequence of events, but all I know is that we somehow ended up talking … all night. It was actually kind of surreal, getting to know someone as witches and devils and zombies moved all around you. Our friends thought this was hysterical because they didn’t think of us as a match. Dr. G. is a science/math guy; I was a writer working in public relations. A true left brain/right brain combo.
We exchanged numbers that night, and he called a few days later to set up our first date. It was the home stretch of the 2000 Presidential election, and I remember initiating a frank conversation with him about his choice for president and his political convictions. Typical first date chatter, right? Then he disappeared for a week to Hawaii for work. I wasn’t sure what would happen when he came back, but he called me and we made plans to get together. I still remember him showing up at my apartment, shyly bearing Hawaiian gifts of Kona coffee, chocolate macadamia nuts and a black lava rock. It was charming and endearing. And that was it for me … I was smitten.
Ironically, in 2010 – exactly 10 years after we met – we finally had an opportunity to go to Hawaii together (Maui, specifically).
We hiked in a dormant volcano. We sunbathed on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. We snorkled with giant sea turtles. We watch dolphins frolic in the warm Pacific (dolphins always make me feel like a 12-year-old girl). And yes, we drank Kona coffee and I did indulge in my fair share of chocolate macadamia treats. But this time we brought the lava rocks home to our son and, wouldn’t you know, we ended up returning home with another souvenir as well.
So forgive me if Halloween makes me a little bit sappy. If it wasn’t for this truly bizarre holiday, I don’t know what direction my life would have taken. I don’t know if I’d be a lucky gal with this beautiful family and this blessed life. I don’t know if I would have met my soul mate.
Okay, enough of that. Happy Halloween from us to you! Enjoy all your little ghouls and goblins!