36 Years of Dating
Thirty-six years ago, I asked a beautiful, smart, and classy girl out on a date. And for some reason, she said yes.
That first date wasn’t anything extravagant—no candlelit dinner, no sweeping views, no grand gestures. Just two college kids at a Togo’s in Stockton, California, ordering the same thing: #24 Turkey and Avocado on Wheat. Simple. Unassuming. But somehow, it became the beginning of everything.
I still can’t quite believe it. What made me, an immature, self-doubting, short fat kid from San Jose, think that this incredible girl would go out with me? There was no logical reason this should have worked. And yet, it did. Kendra said yes.
That one sandwich date turned into a lifetime of adventure—eight kids, stress, crazy emergencies, late-night talks, and laughter that has carried us through all the ups and downs of life. And tonight, we celebrated the way we began: with two #24 Turkey and Avocado sandwiches, unwrapped at the end of a long, busy day and enjoying them as we stood at the kitchen counter. Between a busy dental practice, her online teaching schedule, board meetings, and everything else that fills our days, we barely had time to eat together. But we made time. We paused. We didn’t even have time to reflect or marvel that one date led to 36 years of a relationship.
I am still amazed. Amazed that she said yes. Amazed that she stayed. Amazed that thirty-six years later, I get to call her my wife.
Quietly making noise,
Fletch