June 5, 2021
Today is a day of celebration and reflection. I reflect and look back at the young 23-year-old that hopped in her car and followed a road map to Tampa in May of 1991. After just a day in Tampa, I was invited to go out to celebrate my birthday at a local bar. Yep, just one day in town and I was ready to see what this new city has to offer.
Tampa would be the place where I would meet Alex my future husband and father to our four children. Many people have asked and do ask how did you meet? We often smile and say “we met in church” however that’s just not true. It was my new insurance agent and now friend Bonnie that invited me to a place called Stingers. I will spare you of some of the details of this cheesy bar, however that bar would become the spot where I would spend some really fun times. I love dancing and well they played the 80’s music and had a fabulous DJ. You girls my age understand exactly what I am talking about.
At any rate, that first night during happy hour I was standing by the bathroom door, waiting my turn when I looked up towards the bar, I saw this dashing dark haired, brown eyed, fit, well-dressed man. Who can resist a man in a suit? This is so corny, but I have to say it, once our eyes met there was no one else in the room. It was truly magical for me and I actually get goosebumps when I think of that night. When I think about him and how I had prayed for just the right person to come into my life. As a gentleman should, he offered to buy me a drink and I accepted we sat at the bar and I noticed he was drinking water?? Who goes to a bar and drinks water? Long story short Alex was an avid runner and in training for a marathon, he came out that night at the insistence of a friend. See, it was meant to be. Anyway, as the evening went on Alex asked lots of questions, like he was checking off a list. So funny when I think about it now. We all want to have things in common so a big thing on his mind, was did I like running and jazz music? Of course, stretched the truth, well I lied okay, I wanted to ensure a future date. Alex later asked if I would meet him and a few friends to go on a run that weekend. I accepted and since I had not really run ever, maybe in high school for physical education, I had to go out and buy running shoes, shorts and prepare to look athletic!
It was Saturday and I was to meet Alex at a park called Horizon Park now known as Al Lopez park in Tampa. Keep in mind I have been in Tampa all of 2 to 3 days. I had not a clue where anything was nor did I have a cell phone with google maps! Upon my arrival to the park there they were the “real athletes,” I mean mostly men runners in their Nike shorts and running shoes all waiting to check out Alex’s date! I don’t think I have been that nervous in a long time. I had no idea if I could keep up with Alex and run in the heat without passing out. There were two loops at the park which distance measured about 2 miles. Needless to say, we started out on the smaller loop at a jog pace, looking back now I laugh, because I killed myself to keep up with him. He says he ran really slow that day. So, there it began, the adventures of Alex and Sheila. We became an item and have been together ever since.
Today we celebrate 28 years in marriage. I still remember our big wedding day. We were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in downtown Tampa, the church was built in 1905 and is absolutely breathtaking. June 5, 1993 was a particularly warm day and the AC in the church wasn’t working and our invitations read ceremony to start at 7 pm and it was really 7:30. We were surrounded by family and friends and again we were the only 2 in the room.
We still visit Sacred Heart Church from time to time as we are now parishioners at Christ the King Catholic Church in Tampa. I am so happy to say that we live in Tampa Florida. I am so happy I tossed a coin on the map all those years ago and I drove myself to this now place I call home. Florida sunshine has lit up my heart, mind and soul… in more ways than I can count.
Happy Saturday & Happy Anniversary to those that may share our same wedding day!
