 True Love Story #3 *~Peg's and Jake's~*  I've been on the internet, or online, for about 6 years now. It was 3 years ago this past April, that I met Jake in a chat room that I used to frequent. He was new to being online, and at that time, he was using a WebTV unit. (We are now on computer). I was chatting with another friend when Jake came into the room. I "whispered" to my friend, "Oh, a newbie!!!!". He introduced himself. We got to chatting and seemed to really hit it off. I think that night, we talked for a few hours. It also sticks in my mind that we exchanged phone numbers that night too. Pretty risky, since we had just "met". After that night, we spent many hours chatting online and on the phone. About 6 weeks after we met online, we met in person. Actually, we had decided after about a week that we wanted to meet. I was living in Pennsylvania, at the time. Jake was living in North Carolina. Since I had enough time with my job to take vacation time, we decided that I would come to NC for us to meet in person. Boy... was I ever nervous!!! So was Jake. And he had more at stake than I did, since he has a son to a previous marriage. He was concerned about the impact that I might have on his son. Jake even told me later, after I spent driving for 8 hours, that he had considered backing out of us meeting. I sure am glad, and so is he, that he didn't do that! It was a Thursday in May of 1999, that I came down. Jake's son had just got out of school and was going to be home for a few days before going to West Virginia to spend the summer with his grandparents. We went out for dinner that night. Jake took Friday off, and we spent the day together with his son. On Saturday, we drove to WV. What a long day that was!! By the time that we had met in person, we knew for sure that we wanted to be together. On the ride to WV, we talked about going to look at rings. It was too late by the time we got back to NC Saturday night, but after the stores started to open on Sunday, we were out and looking at rings. We did some other things. Jake was showing me around the area, and was trying to help me learn where things are. Jake also took me to meet his dad and step-mom, his sister and 2 of his brothers. I was spending a week in NC, and coming Monday, I was going to be on my own while Jake went to work. I remember calling my boss at my job on Monday and gave my 2 week notice, effective immediately. And, Jake and I decided on our wedding date that night! We wanted to get married almost right away. Not that we had to, we just wanted to. After Jake got home Monday night, we had supper. Then we went back out to look at some more rings. We both were hoping to find one that I would be able to wear when I went back home to PA. We did eventually find one... actually, I found the store when I was out getting to know the area. It was Tuesday or Wednesday night that we went to the store together. I had picked out a few rings, then after we went out, Jake found one that he liked better. It's a 2 row diamond ring with 14 stones, equalling 2 Karats. We put a down-payment on the ring. The rest of the week went by too quickly. It was really hard for both of us when I had to go back home. Even if it was for only (ONLY!!!) 2 weeks. It's a good thing I was going back, since I left my pillows at Jake's house! I finally got home and somehow made it through 2 weeks. I was going to stay for 3 weeks, but after I got home, my boss and supervisor started to make my life miserable. I ended up quiting my job on June 2, 1999 and moved to North Carolina on June 3rd. That following weekend, Jake and I went to PA for a quick weekend for him to meet my parents and to get some more of my clothes and things. Over the next several months, I was exploring my new home area, spending time with Jake and rearranging the apartment that we were sharing! I was also busy with wedding plans. I made at least one trip a month to PA. We were going to be married there, and since my mom couldn't do everything...!! Once September rolled around, I made 2 trips that month. Once over Labor Day weekend, we went up to spend the weekend with my parents, and to give them the chance to meet their "new" grand-son. I also went to PA for the last week of September and the first week (or so) of October. Jake and my step-son came up the 7th of October. Our wedding date was the 9th. Like I said, that was 3 years ago. We had a wonderful wedding! It was the "fairy tale wedding" for us! Over the last 3 years, we've had our share of ups and downs, and have made some MAJOR changes (but that's another story). But, we are in just as much love with each other Neither one of us regrets meeting or getting married! And our wedding ... the area that I am from is very rural and close-knit. Our wedding is STILL being talked about.... |
Thank you for sending me your story Peggy. I want to Congratulate you and Jake on your forthcoming anniversary. I think everyone loves happy endings. You are both very lucky and I wish you all the best in years to come. Sincerely, Starz |
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