It was suggested that I write about a time where everything changed in the blink of an eye. This directly ties to Sweetest Day for me.
That time was definitely when my current wife first told me back in 1978 that she would go out with me. Up to that point, my confidence in building relationships with women was shaky. I had only been dating for two years and did not date that often. I was 21 with strong family support, a group of close friends, and gaining confidence in my ability to get a 4-year degree. I was still a work in progress up to that point.
Minnie was a fellow student at MSU that I secretly admiring from afar. She was and is, radiant, beautiful, and often wore a smile on her face. For 2 school terms, my connection with her was only one way, so visual cues were all I had. One dinner meal at Brody Cafeteria my friends arranged an awkward meeting between Minnie and I that lasted maybe 5 minutes. They continued to encourage me to follow up with her after that meeting.
I found out she was already in a serious relationship and lost the confidence my friends had instilled in me. A desperate and courageous note was written to her and placed in her mailbox. The note was asking her if she wanted to go on a date, with a yes and a no box to check. It seemed like an eternity waiting for a response. I finally gave in to the fact that she was just being nice to me, but interested in someone else.
My friend Bruce and I, were dining alone and early because we both had to work on April 3, 1978. We were engaged in discussion, and he went uncharacteristically silent. I looked up from my plate to see Minnie standing before us. She said yes to a date, as long as she could bring some friends.
That moment changed my life forever. We are celebrating 40 years of marriage this year and I have never loved her more. She took a chance on me, and I was never the same. I attribute much of my success to Minnie's unquestionable support of my abilities, and the key turning point was that day. We share many cherished memories and stories together starting with that moment. I truly could not have done this without you, Minnie Kansman. Happy Sweetest
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