Believe it or not, the first time I actually ever laid eyes on my husband is during a traffic stop while he was working for the sheriff's department. Yes, that's right; I got pulled over for speeding. Of course, he checked my license to see my name and where I lived, but thankfully let me off with a warning.
As time went by, we crossed each other's paths at restaurants, stores and football games. It was always, "Hi, how are you?" with a big smile and shining eyes, but never anything more.
Finally, one fateful night, Friday Aug. 19, 2005, I decided to go out after work because my boyfriend I was dating from Maryland decided he wasn't going to come up until Saturday. This was a great disappointment, among many from him. I went to O'Shea's in Shamokin where I bumped into Mike. I knew immediately, as soon as we made eye contact, that he was finally going to ask me out ... and he did! Unfortunately I told him I was dating someone and he asked where my boyfriend was. When I told him Maryland, he laughed and said, "Ah, come on; just one date." I assured him my boyfriend would definitely be up to see me tomorrow, and that a date was not possible.
We danced the rest of the night, and I as I went to leave he asked again for a date. I told him no, and said "Look, it took you this long to ask me out and now I know how you feel. If it's meant to be it will be."
The next day my boyfriend stood me up again, telling me his grandmother was sick, while in the background it sounded like a party or bar room. This was the last draw. We had tickets to a clambake that day with my parents. They encouraged me to still go with them, so I did. I stayed out with them all day and most of the night. When we got back home I decided I wanted to go out some more, but my mom took my car keys. She said if I wanted to go out that bad I should walk to the Sobieski Club because it's only a block away. I made it to the club and, just before last call, Mike walked through the door. He came to me immediately and asked, "Where's your boyfriend at?" I burst into tears and explained to him what had happened. He told me he went to the Pine Burr (my usual hangout) to see if I was there. As he headed home, he decided to turn around and check the Sobieski Club. Coincidence? I think not!
I always knew when God closes one door he opens up another; I just never realized how fast he could be at times.
We left the club and went to the Ramp Field in Kulpmont. It was an awesome night. We sat under a clear, star-filled sky and discussed everything from our likes and dislikes, to marriage, children and religion. A week passed and we started talking on the phone for hours before eventually dating.
One of our first, most memorable dates was Halloween. We dressed up as Alice in Wonderland and the White Rabbit. It was a hit, and Mike was such a good sport. He even let me teach him the polka and went on Pennsylvania Polka on WVIA with me. He knew how important my heritage is to me and how much I love to dance.
After dating for a year and a half, I got the shock of my life. Mike had asked my dad for my hand in marriage, and had my mom help him invite my whole family for this huge surprise. It was Sunday, April 1, 2007 (April Fool's Day) at the Lakeside Ballroom. The Polka Family Band was playing for a crowd of about 200 people, including my immediate family.
At one of the band breaks, the lead singer (Hank Guzevich) announced they were having a special 50/50 drawing and assured everyone this was no April Fool's joke. He called out my name; I was so excited I ran right up on stage not even realizing I didn't buy a ticket. He paused for a minute and invited everyone out on the dance floor. Next thing I know, Mike came out from behind the stage and took the microphone. He told me how much he loved me and how I changed his life; he gets down on one knee (in front of all those people) and asks me to marry him! Of course, I said yes
I was so impressed by his proposal. How and where he chose to do it really meant a lot to me. There wasn't a dry eye in the place. Everyone was so happy for us!
We stayed with the Polish theme for our wedding. We were married Aug. 30, 2008 at the Mountainside Assembly of God Church, the day before my parents' anniversary. We chose this date because my mom and I celebrate our birthdays together (June 25 and 26) and Mike and my dad shared the same birthday (Oct. 20). We thought it would be nice to keep our celebrations together because we are all so close.
Our "big fat Polish wedding" included an accordion player at my house while I was getting dressed and everything in the wedding was done in red and white (polish colors). A Cadillac Escalade and a Humvee limo escorted the bridal party of 25 around for the day. Approximately 500 guests attended the reception at Lazarski's Banquet Hall, while 20 couples and family joined us on our honeymoon in Jamaica. We just wanted to keep the party going!
Even though we had a great deal of happy times, we've also had our fair share of the bad. Our marriage is not perfect, but conflict brings intimacy and every disagreement, argument and tragedy has brought us closer. They have truly made our love stronger!
This past year has been a real tough one. Mike lost his job while I was off work on maternity leave with our first child together. This was and continues to be a heavy burden. Our plans of building our home together along with other things have been put on hold. Also, my father suffered a massive heart attack and was in the hospital for 10 days before he passed away. This was a devastating shock. These events are not easy for anyone, especially a newlywed couple just starting out together. We are strong because of each other's love, patience and forgiveness when we lose it in times of stress. With God by our sides, we remain each other's rock with our faith and honesty guiding us together.
I love my husband dearly and am very blessed to have him in my life. He is a great husband, father, friend, coach and all-around great guy! Here's to a great future together!
Happy Valentine's Day, Mike!
Love, Vikki