The first time I met Tony was about a year and a half ago. Amy had just re-connected with Tony (they went to high school together over 20 years ago). We were hosting our annual Christmas party and Amy wanted to come up (from Virginia) for the party. Tony lives in Knoxville, TN which meant a REALLY long drive for him! The night they were due to arrive my girls and I were out for our annual girls Christmas dinner (that year Tim splurged and got us a ginormous limo!) In any case my heart went out to Tony even before I met him. He was meeting Tim and my sons for the first time, without the benefit of me or the girls to protect him from our guys. What we soon discovered was that Tony was so likable and so genuinely crazy about Amy that she nor he needed any protection!
Shortly after I had a chance to speak with Tony he mentioned a book he had read. He said the book had had a dramatic impact on his life. He spoke so passionately about it that I knew I needed to get a copy, asap. The book is called The Go Giver, by John David Mann and Bob Burg. Ironically Mann is my maternal grandmother's maiden name. After I read the book I wondered if I was somehow related to John David.
What I also discovered about Tony was his passion for Amy. During the party I asked him if I could ask him a personal question. He chuckled and made some comment about it being ok so long as it wasn't the same question his mother had asked! My question to him was: "When did you know Amy was the one?" He said-the moment she first pulled up to my house in her car and opened her car door. I then asked Amy the same question. She said it was when she first pulled into Tony's driveway and saw him in the garage. Yes, love at first sight still happens. They had become re-acquainted by texting, emailing and talking on the phone. But they hadn't seen each other for many years until the day Amy had the courage to drive to Knoxville and see him in person.
I might add that my son Jason may have had some input into her decision to take this leap of faith. Amy had been married for eleven years, not a happy bride but a woman who had made the ultimate commitment, took it seriously, and took years to get the courage to walk away. We admire her courage. Jason spent time with her on the beach in Myrtle Beach one summer and told her that she was a wonderful person who had so much to give to someone and she should take a leap of faith and go see Tony.
What can I say. We are all so happy for them. As they have said many times, they are living the fairy tale. And let's be honest, most fairy tales have their share of bumps and bruises during the story. Tony and Amy have many battle scars for decisions they made when they were very young. But they also have a love so strong that they are willing to drive hours every weekend just to spend a few precious days together.
What made this last trip to Myrtle Beach so special? Finally getting to meet Tony's amazing daughters. Meet Callie and Josie-2 girls who are as sweet as a sweet tea!
Some other photos from our fun few days together.
Another highlight of our beach days? Getting up to see the sunrise!
Love this one too!
My sweet little Amy is all grown up now. I wish she never had to experience so much pain in the years she was away from all of us. But it's good to know that the little angel I used to spend all my days with has found true love. And if I had to pick her Prince Charming myself I would have quickly picked Tony.
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