36 Years of Dating

Kendra and Fletch - First Dates 1989

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

Andy Fletcher

Andy "Fletch" Fletcher has been married to Kendra for more than 30 years. He is a proud father to 5 sons, 3 daughters, but has added a few more kids by marriage and now a few grandchildren who call him Pops.
During the day he can be found fixing people's teeth, but the rest of the time you can find him smoking a pipe, enjoying a cup of coffee, riding a motorcycle or hanging out with his loyal black lab, Champ.
Enjoy everything you see on theMangoTimes from this Jesus-loving, wife-smooching, dog-walking, pipe-smoking, mountain-hiking positive guy as he quietly makes some noise.

http://www.themangotimes.com
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