Oh, how the puzzle becomes clearer as the pieces are put into place and this writeup is about one of those pieces. Back in fall/winter 1992 not long after Larry and I started dating we had an argument after work. Looking back this was really a stupid argument, but aren't most of them. We were not only dating but we worked together, like in the same department 40 plus hours a week, work together. Which does not work well for someone (Larry) who is used to being alone most of the time. So one night after work when we picked up our Donato's and went to Larry's apartment things all went south pretty quickly.
Larry blew up about needing time and space for himself, which was fine with me but he had said things like that before and then quickly changed his mind. This time though he was insistent that he just needed some space. Fine with me, I can take a hint so I'll just grab my pillow and stuff and head home. The drive from his apartment to my house was a long one emotionally. I was questioning the decision to stay in Ohio with Larry and was honestly just hurt. After all he was the one who asked me to come over every night after work and then would convince me to stay the night instead of driving home. So in my mind he was the one who caused the problem and that problem was only a problem for him. I kept going back and forth between being hurt and being angry.
As I got closer to home I could see the lights of a car that was behind me and this song was playing on the radio. I remember distinctively thinking "Well, I guess I still haven't found what I was looking for and that was more than a little heartbreaking in that moment. I pulled up in front of my house and the car behind me did as well. It was Larry coming to apologize for being an ass and to ask me to please get in the car and just go back home with him. It did not take much convincing and it was on the ride back with him that I realized two very important things....one I was definitely in love with this person and two I had actually found exactly what I was looking for. That gesture of chasing me across Columbus, Ohio and asking for forgiveness was monumental for a young me. No one and I mean no one had ever made me feel so wanted and important to them, like I was truly the priority in their life.
In that moment and in so many moments over the years Larry makes sure I know I am his number one customer.
I don't recall exactly at what point in our relationship that I shared this story with Larry but ever since when this song plays it has a special meaning for us.
So tonight I will end my write-up with the following lyrics and a message for Larry...
You broke the bonds
And you loosed the chains
Carried the cross
Of my shame
Oh my shame
You know I believe it
And in you I found everything I was looking for.
Larry’s Perspective:
I could have really fucked up. Like, the worst fuck up in my life.
In 1992 shortly after Shannon and I decided we wanted to move forward together, it all came crashing down. I'm not sure what I said or what I did, but I'm confident it was my fault. Hopefully Shannon with her steel-trap mind will recall.
At the time, I lived right across the street from DC1 off Morse Road and Shannon was living with her step-dad about 20 miles away at 338 Belvidere. In Hilltop. For those not from Columbus, Ohio Hilltop is not exactly the "place to be". It's pretty much the exact opposite. Or worse.
So since I lived right across the street from work, after we got off 2nd shift we would usually get a Donatos pizza and head to my place to hang out.
One night we got into a pretty heated argument and Shannon thought it was best if she just left and went home. Of course being a jackass I'm sure I said "yep, it probably is".
This could have ended it all before it really started and typing this up 32+ years later is pretty tough - reflecting on what might have never been because of my stupidity.
After she left, of course I was still pissed from the argument. But something in my feeble 22 year old brain made me pause, calm down and ask myself: "Is this what I really want? To let this go?"
So I hopped into my trusty POS Ford Escort and hightailed it over to 338 Belvidere in the Hilltop. At what had to be 2:00am to 3:00am. God that area was scary. I have to believe it still is.
I'm fuzzy on whether I caught her before she went inside or if she actually made it, but I caught her nonetheless.
That was all at once the worst night and one of the best nights we've ever had. I admitted my faults, apologized and sincerely meant that I wanted us to keep going. If it was ever going to end, I didn't want it to end that way. After all, prior to even dating we had pretty much become best friends and I didn't want that to end. So while I don't believe I verbalized it at that moment, I knew that I loved her.
Thirty-two plus years later "...and now you know, the rest of the story..."
Paul Harvey
P.S. Here's to you, "F" the doubters!
30th Anniversary
Our Story - Shannon's Perspective
Our Story - Larry's Perspective
Ghost of a Chance (Rush) and why?
Ghost of a Chance 