falling in love again
November 29, 2008I think I’m falling in love…
I went on a date today. I picked her up around 5pm at her friend’s place. After some deliberation we decided to hit the mall. There were a few things on the list to get, but the objective was primarily just to hang out. We ran into a gazillion people of course and without fail, my lady was the center of attention upon each and every reacquaintance. Usually they gawked at her fabulous leather boots (with the furry tops) or her classy brown tailored pea coat that flared out at the bottom as is of course, best fashion in recent years. Many would continue on about her poise, her articulate language, and even her striking blue eyes. I could tell the girls we ran into were all jealous of her. She even got approached by some folks about modeling.
I bought her a huge stuffed animal from the Disney store…carrying it for her made me feel like we were teenagers at the county fair and I had just managed to squirt more water into the plastic clown’s mouth than any of the other testosterone charged pubescent males wielding a high powered water gun. We bought some clothes from Old Navy and got a couple of Auntie Anne’s famous hot Pretzels.
From there we hit up Luigi’s in Little Silver. It’s a take-out pizza place, but there are a few tables there. Not a place garnering top marks from Zagat for its decor, but it’s pizza is arguably the best in the area next to the Front Street Trattoria in Red Bank. We shared a few slices and an Arizona pomegranate green tea…one of my personal favorites (hers too).
By this time, it was quite cold and the wind was picking up. So as we left, we found ourselves running around the side of the building working our way into a full sprint in that last leg before we got to the car. Here’s the part I love. As we hit the corner of the building and rounded it toward the car, we looked at each other and just started laughing. It was a hearty, full belly laugh like you get only once a year when you go to a Brian Regan comedy show. The kind of laugh that you can’t plan…and you can’t control. The kind of laugh that you dream of having on a first date. It’s the same laugh that I had with Misty so many times. Strangely, this girl is so much like my Misty.
We ended up back at my place and I let her in first while I fought the cold to bring my bags in from the car. As I was walking up to the door with arms loaded (I’m a guy, we aren’t allowed to make multiple trips no matter how many bags we have), the laugh came back. The laugh came back as I saw her licking large circles on the window of the storm door. I couldn’t help but laugh – it was such a sight. What a perfect night with a perfect girl. I mean, she’s not even two years old yet, but she is such a blast to be with…just like her mommy was.
PS – I have been in love with my daughter for quite a while now 
PSS – Here is one of my favorite Brian Reagan bits. (it’s audio only)
Darren-
I am so glad that I stumbled across this site. It truly makes you think when you see someone your own age who has lost a battle with cancer. It also looks like our kids are close to the same age. Please know that I am lifting you and your family up in prayer at this very moment. What an awesome testimony you have and what a wonderful tribute to your wife, but most importantly God!
Again, you made my day.
I absolutely loved that….
Your post are full of life! I pray that you and your girl will spend everyday like yesterday! Much love, Brenda
How precious.
What a sweet day to spend with your girl.
Darren, you put the biggest smile on my face this morning! I’m glad your wonderful story has done that. Thank you for sharing that and giving me the dreams of my future. Every time I read your stories it makes me excited for the time in my life when God blesses us with children!
I love your stories too – what a little blessing she is. This blog is like opening a new gift every day – thank you – can’t wait for the next one
:)
Darren,
I just clicked on your blog from the Divine Caroline site. You are in the lead over one of my favorite blogs. So I had to click on here to see who was going to win.
Let me just say that that was the sweetest post I have read in a very long time. I loved it. I was so wrapped up in the story and the ending where she was licking the glass left me wondering what was really going on, but in the end it made me cry. What a sweet sweet post.
My husband and I delivered conjoined twin girls November 11th and they lived for about an hour. We love them so much and I miss them more and more every day. Although this has been really hard it has also been such a sweet time with the Lord.
We have a two year old little girl who I have only REALLY started to enjoy lately. Don’t get me wrong I have always loved her but I really enjoy being her Mom now.
I just wanted to say it breaks my heart that your wife died but I’m so thankful that you know the Lord. We will be praying for you. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Vanessa D
http://goodtimesdelgadostyle.blogspot.com/
You crack me up!! I knew you had not met anyone else but when you said she licked circles on the door I just rolled my eyes and thought, “Yep, its his precious daughter”.
Your daughter is so blessed and wont really know it for many years to come, I just wish you didnt have to travel so much for work.
Thanks for sharing your heart daily. I dont even know you but I know that If I were to meet you I would hug you like I had known you for years because of your heart!!! We do need MORE pictures of your gorgeous Olivia! Maybe even the two of you
Hi Darren,
That was I am sure one of the best dates ever!!!! I loved reading every moment of it, and I am sure you and your little girl enjoyed every moment of it. I am sure you will have many more like it. If you don’t mind ask, God to impress the memory of that day and the laughter you shared in that moment coming around the building in your heart and mind forever. He will do it, and anytime you reflect back on it you will remember ever tender moment of it. I know because I did this once when Aaron was a baby. Sammy and I were waiting with Amanda at the bus stop to send her off to Kindergarten. Sammy was riding his tricycle around in a circle as Amanda ran around in circles. I happen to glance down at Aaron whom I was carrying in a papoos on my chest. He had on a white snow suit and a little white hat and he looked like a beautiful snow bunny with his beautiful cream like skin. He was so amazingly beautiful to me, and I just wispered to God and asked that he never let me forget this moment. And till this very day, I can look back to that moment and see it as if it were happening right now and I have never forgotten it. I can even see Amanda in her funny little pigtails and her black and white saddle shoes, and Sammy riding around with lots of energy in huge circles in the lot we were standing in. Thanks for sharing. Thought a lot about you the past few days and prayed for you too.
Love Lavenia
Absolutely loved reading this post – and I just knew it was gonna be Olivia!! Keep enjoying every moment.
This is why I love coming to your page! What a great story! Thanks:)
Darren
I read your latest post yesterday and you had me transfixed on the story you were telling. I could relate so closely with your “date” with your daughter. I am a 47 woman whose dad took her on many a date growing up. I looked forward to those times. Being the only daughter between 2 brothers (for 9 years until my sister came along) these were the special time we shared apart from the boys. He treated me with respect and taught me spiritual things along with what I should look for in a future husband and how I should be treated on a date with a guy. Keep up the good work with your daughter! These are precious memories you are making with her that she will never forget and look up to you in later years for your guidance and listening ear. Bravo!
Brian Regan is the greatest!!! Take Luck!!!
that was so cute!
Darren,
Too beautiful for words, what a wonderful Dad!
That was just too, too cute!
Our Prayers as always are with you and Olivia
Pam and family
ugghh my heart! too cute
Wow! You are such an inspiring individual and and amazing writer. I love reading your blog! That was too cute!
I read this article the other day and it really touched my heart. In the days following, I had discussions with several of my women friends (now in their 50’s) who had such an opposite experience after the loss of their Mothers. For one woman it was also to death and in another case to a divorce. Both women were both very young at the time. In both situations, like yourself, Dad became their only parent, in both cases, unlike you, Dad decided to retreat to a life of, as they both described it “victimization”. Although they both love their Fathers’ and have forgiven them, this behavior led to years of needless hurt and pain for both of these women. They both attested to the fact that they spent most of their growing up years looking for love to fill the void they felt from losing “both” of their parents, especially their Dads’, as they had come to terms with the reason for their Mother’s absence. As young women, they both struggled with intimacy and both experienced failed marriages. One women, like her Father, battled alcoholism for years. Fortunately she won her battle, her Father,however,was never able to beat it. Today, years later, they have been able to conquer the “demons” that, in their words, their Dad’s didn’t (or were unable) to protect them from. They are both committed to helping other women who struggle with the residual effects of their experience with an emotionally absent parent.
Needless to say, we are all impressed with your choice to go forward and to be the love of your little girls life. Obviously you are a “healthy person”, but even so, it does take commitment and making a choice to rise above the pain and loss that you are facing to create a loving and healthy environment for your daughter and for the next generation. Of course, you do know the Lord, and with Him nothing is impossible! Keep encouraging, keep blogging!
Connie
So, I’ve read this blog quite a few times and when I saw this my jaw hit the floor. I thought… NO WAY! Not that it’s “bad” or “wrong” to date after losing a spouse, but I guess I’m just a romantic at heart.
Man, you had me going! I’m so glad God gave you and Misty Olivia… what a precious little one. And what a beautiful reminder of your wife.
Blessings, Darren! Thanks for the freak out attack.