Permission to Speak Freely

Remember the Ohana Connection? Last evening I picked up Amy after her week in Hawaii (Waikiki Beach) with Dennis, her beau. I asked and was given permission to tell more of their supremely happy story. For those of you who like a good love story, please stay. The rest of you can leave now :)

Dennis and Amy, August 18, 2006, Atlanta

They met on June 1st here in Atlanta when Dennis was here from Los Angeles on business. When his client didn't show for a Thursday dinner engagement, he stayed at the bar with Amy and her friend who were there for drinks. The 3 of them had an engaging conversation for several hours about a book he's co-writing on what singles look for when they're dating. The "list" of what makes them compatible.

Fast forward over the next 2-1/2 months of falling in love through their daily e-mails, text messages, and phone calls between Atlanta and LA before Dennis came out to visit on the August 17th weekend. Donica and I first (and only) laid eyes on him that Friday the 18th when we took them out to dinner. It was love at first sight for us both, but then, we had already been in conversation with him as well. What is there not to love about this incredible man (and woman, I might add :) That above photo is "as they were" sitting across from us. Are they happy or what!

Amy and Dennis, September 4, 2006, Waikiki Beach

Fast forward now to their week in Hawaii, still lingering in the air! It was his gift to her "just because" and with a birthday dinner included, but now he's also coming out the weekend of September 30th (her actual birthday) for the proverbial frosting on the cake before a business trip to Chicago (those circuitous routes, remember!). Then in mid-October he's back for a week and a half on more business and a friend's wedding in Charleston, with Amy at his side.

For Thanksgiving Amy will fly out to LA to be with his parents (Judy and Dave, whom she just met before Hawaii) and his 2 girls, Noelle (12) and Brooke (8), who live with their mom. Amy is in frequent conversation with both girls when Dennis has them every Wednesday night and every other weekend, so they're all looking forward to meeting up close and personal.

In December, the week between Christmas and New Year's, Dennis will fly back here to end one year and begin a new one with each other.

Mind you, all these plane reservations back-n-forth have already been made!

While we parents may be sweating the small stuff (like how this long-distance relationship will work out in the long run), Amy and Dennis are simply savoring every moment for what it is. As Amy says, the details of what happens next will be revealed when the time is right. They are so supremely and solidly in love that they both know they have the will and way to make it happen. The rest of us just watch and root them on in the Grandstand of Life. Hooting and hollering all the way.

That's one heck of a love story if you ask me! And as I've said before, it's a long time coming for both of them. They sure are glad they both waited for each other this time around. So am I!