The Guy

Remember a few months back when I talked about the guy in the above photo?  (here) OK, so it was nearly a year ago, so it's alright if you don't remember.  I was talking about Burger King and how I met this guy and we dated a few months and then I ended with a little sigh I'm sure because I have always wanted to see him again.  Just see him.  To know that he was OK, that he looked happy at least and well, I just really needed to see him one more time.  The last time I saw him was in 1988.  21 years ago. 

Since I had my 25th HS reunion earlier this month I've seen so many old friends and the memories just keep flooding back along with the memories of Pat.  The 4 months we had together have just been searing a hole in my brain.  I couldn't stop thinking about him.

I checked the internet again to see if I could find a phone number for him and nope, no phone.  I tried to figure out how to find a cell phone number, but that was pretty much useless because I wasn't going to pay for such information.  I checked his address once again and it said that he was still living in the same place where I last knew he was living.  I was going to see my friend Missy this evening (who is in the red sweatshirt with her back to us in the photo above) so when I arrived I said, will you come with me to Pat's house?  She said yes and an adventure began.

It took us about 30 minutes to drive to his house.  There were lights on and cars in the driveway.  No Beware of Dog signs or anything, so I was pretty sure I wasn't going to get eaten before anyone answered the door.  Missy stood back a ways while I knocked on the door and I kept thinking, "Woman or Man, Woman or Man."  I was wondering if I wanted the wife to answer the door or Pat to answer. Pat answered.  It took me a second to fully recognize him, but I did before he got the second door open.  He looked at me and I said his name and he said yes and held the door wide open and asked us to step in, but I wanted to make sure he knew who I was before I accepted, so I paused a moment and let him look at me again and said "I'm Kristin Corlett."

To say that a little look of shock came over his face is an understatement but to see his face light up in recognition of both the name and the mug standing before him was great.  I  introduced him to Missy, who he did not recognize immediately, but he did later when we started telling our stories of our double dates and other assorted mischief.

Pat's wife and children were in the house and they all came to say hello.   Pat's wife invited us to stay and chat, which was such a relief.  I told them right up front that I was just giddy to be there and so happy for the warm welcome.  We started in on the stories right away, just to break the ice and to help thaw out Pat's brain...it's only been 28 years since we dated :)  By the end of the evening Pat was telling stories about me that I hadn't remembered and had told the story of how we met.  I think of all the things, that was what was about the best...he remembered how we met and he remembered it the same way I had. 

We talked about the concerts we went to, my 16th birthday party, when we (all 4 of us) went Trick or Treating because Missy's little cousins were ill so we went for them, Pat picking me up in a Trans Am one day, going to the hospital the night his sister had a baby, and then some drinking stories that really shouldn't be shared online!  We packed a lot into those 4 months.

I can say this because it makes no difference to the day to day life that I lead, it won't change anything, but I have loved Pat since the very second I met him.  I have.  When I think of him I can only think of love.  It's pretty cool actually because for the past 28 years there has been a steady stream of good wishes and love being sent his way.  I'm betting that's why they let me in the door tonight :) 

When I left they told me to come back any time.  I nearly burst into tears.  He has a lovely family and they love him.  It's good to know it and to feel it.  Since I didn't know Pat at all (except for that brief meeting in 1988) after our little 4 month relationship he became the perfect mythic figure.  He was the best boyfriend, he went out of his way to do fun things with me, he took me places, he called me, he  was perfect, then we broke up and I obviously never got over him!  It turns out that he is real and not mythic, so that's great to know, too. 

So Pat, thank you.  Thank you to your wife, Sherry and your kids for letting Missy and I come into your home.  You folks have made my year -  I think I'll be smiling for a month.  If you ever want to come to Jacksonville, FL just let me know, I'd love to show you around.

Oh right!  before I forget here is the updated photo - Pat and Kristin 2009.  I told them that I was blogging about it and HAD to have a photo.

My Michigan adventure is coming to a close.  I leave on Friday morning.  Thanks everyone for the vacation of a lifetime. Who knew coming home could be so good.

Have a grand day!
Kristin