Single life: Miracles happen; this one united former friends

We were both married. I worked for him in 1985. He was a caring, thoughtful boss, giving his employees the confidence necessary to achieve their goals. I advanced two years later, leaving his area. 

I remember luncheons and/or meetings with the office group, where he would sometimes sit across or next to me. We would discuss various topics, and he would always have a different slant on the subject at hand, giving me a new and fresh perspective. I felt comfortable around him and free to express myself openly. Now, in looking back, I know that these two years were the most positive years in my work experience. 

We stayed in the same company, in different buildings, advancing and going our separate ways. Only once or twice in the past 15 years did we have chance meetings, the last of which was three years ago at a Christmas luncheon when he learned that my husband had died. He sat next to me at the luncheon and was sympathetic and supportive. I learned that he was planning to retire and perhaps move to the West Coast. I congratulated him, but was still grieving and unable to really focus on anything at the time. My world was in complete disarray. In the two years that followed, I slowly emerged from this deep, emotional pit, taking an interest in life again. 

Then last year at work, quite unexpectedly, I received an e-mail from him, asking me to lunch. He also sent along a picture of me that he had taken in 1987 at a farewell luncheon celebrating my new job. I was completely surprised, but curious, thinking he probably wanted to talk about our years in the company and mutual friends. I accepted his invitation and he picked me up at work the following week. 

Walking toward him, I noticed he hadn't changed much from the man I remembered 15 years ago. My heart skipped a beat. We shook hands, but I believe a hug was intended. During lunch I discovered that he had gone to the West Coast for a year, then decided to come back. I asked him how his family was and what they were doing, and he said, "Didn't you know? I was divorced three years ago!" 

He went on to say that while on the West Coast, after seeing a picture in a magazine that reminded him of me, he decided to come back to pursue me. I was dumbfounded, my thoughts all askew. Lunch became a new and radiant event. When he dropped me off at my office, he suggested dinner and a movie the following evening, and I told him that in a couple of days I was leaving on vacation for a week and didn't think I had time. I said I would call when I returned. However, the next day he stopped by unexpectedly while I was having lunch, saying he couldn't wait until I got back from vacation. So, we went to dinner and a movie that night -- the worst movie we ever saw, but that didn't really matter. 

We went to a concert when I returned from vacation. We walked around for half an hour, looking for the car; we couldn't remember where we had parked, but who cared! 

After two months of dating, he sent me flowers at work with a note asking me to marry him. I was walking on clouds. I didn't think it possible to be this happy again. During the past year while becoming reacquainted, our lives have sparkled, and we plan to be married next month. This is the season for miracles and they do happen! 

-- Judy wishes the same kind of miracle for all you singles out there. 

-- All columns are the opinions of the writers. If you're single, and have an opinion or funny story about navigating life solo, please send e-mail (500 words or less) to dfrancis@StarTribune.com or c/o Delma Francis, Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or fax your submission to 612-673-7568. Remember to include your name, address and phone number. 

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