Melissa and husband Dan got married 24 years in Maui. (Photo courtesy of Melissa)
Earlier this week, I put a call out for love stories from DFW newsletter subscribers. Since it feels like our feeds are often filled with sadness and messages of hate, I thought I’d risk the corny request to share some joy and, maybe, bring hope to others whose worlds feel lonely.
Even with the short notice and challenge to summarize their most sacred stories, a few readers wrote in and opened up. Enjoy these stories, and please write in if you’d still like to share yours. We need love stories 365.
286 Pizzas
Submitted by Melissa
My husband and I met online in in the earliest days of the Internet so much so we felt we had to lie about it. It was so taboo. We got married on secret beach in Maui. I had carefully selected a hot Asian fusion restaurant with an up-and-coming chef, but my husband kept asking where we were going. I sensed he didn’t want to go to the place I had picked so I asked him. What would you like to do? He said he wanted to go to the Bjs Chicago pizzeria we had driven past. I was just so happy that we were getting married I agreed. I let go of my expectation. We had a marvelous time and he said let’s have pizza on the ninth of each month to remember today. We just had our 286 Pizza as we have been married almost 24 years and I’ve never missed a pizza day. It’s a small reminder every month of all the ways our relationship is magic.
Dan and Melissa (Photo courtesy of Melissa)
I love you and the Pocket Sandwich Theater
Submitted by Jerry
It was 22 years ago this Valentines Day. Me being a guy didn’t have a clue that it was Valentine’s day. I said we would go out to the theater. Then I realized it was Valentine’s Day. I couldn’t find tickets anywhere. I put my name on 3 or 4 wait lists. The first one called with 2 tickets, $100 each. It was a first date so I passed on them. Then Pocket Sandwich Theater called with 2 tickets, $25 each. I took them. I bought her a bear holding a plastic heart. Then I realized it said “I love you” on it. I got to the theater early so I spent the next 30 minutes scraping “I love you” off the heart. The date went well, we stayed for the comedy show. Then we went out to eat at Cafe Brazil. Needless to say we have been together ever since. My wife says all she ever wanted was dinner. I tell her she “got the whole package.” We will be celebrating the start of the 23rd year at Pocket Sandwich Theater this Valentine’s Day.
Kris and Jerry (Photo courtesy of Jerry)
Six legs and two hearts
Submitted by Catherine
At the end of 2019, after losing my mom, her sister, my dog, and my job, I separated from my husband. I was living in Honolulu at the time, alone, isolated and lonely, when the pandemic hit just a few months later. I [eventually] came back to Texas to be near family and friends and was fired in December 2022. My medication ran out, and I did not have any health insurance, so I went off antidepressants abruptly and fell into a deep depression. My mind was plagued with despair, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. I recognized that I needed to do something…and quickly.
It occurred to me that a pet might be the perfect solution. I needed something to get me up in the morning, force me out of bed, and ensure that I got outside at least once a day. So, I went to my old trusty friend Petfinder, and started looking. Within minutes, I saw him: a short caramel fur, gorgeous amber eyes, big silly ears. I smiled and felt a little hope. Maybe? He was at the Rockwall Animal Shelter, and I quickly filled out an application to see if we could be matched. They contacted me a few hours later and asked if I wanted to come out to see him.
[Once there] a young woman brought out this bundle of enthusiasm and energy. We had a small play area to use so that I could get to know “Dude”. It was truly love at first sight and I was ready to take him home. Somebody had graciously paid his adoption fee already, so I just had to worry about food, bowls, a crate, etc. He went home with me that day, and my life changed forever.
He was truly my Emotional Support Animal. His 22-pound little self was a salve to my wounded spirit, keeping the depression, anxiety, and despair at bay. Being his “momma” gave me a sense of purpose and responsibility. He never judged me, expected anything, or wanted me to change. Dude adored me just was I was, even when my caretaking skills or habits were lacking in consistency. When I was sick or sad, he would just tuck in and keep me company. When I would get too caught up in the ugliness of the world, he would just look at me with those big, plaintive eyes, begging me for a pet or a scratch. And I instantly felt better, calmer, more at peace. He’s not perfect. He can be annoying, stubborn, and difficult. He’s not always the best listener. But I’m not perfect, either. He puts up with my moodiness, temper, distraction, and impulsiveness. We are truly a matched pair. And, when I’ve been away for hours and hours, and I come home to his hyper greeting, catching up on hugs and love and scratches for my boy. I realize that I am his Emotional Support Animal. He needs me just as much as I need him.
Catherine has had Dude for about three years now. (Photo courtesy of Catherine)
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