by Bobbi Stonskas

Created on: February 11, 2010

I walked down the rickety steps to enter the basement Irish tavern in the warehouse district.  It was still daylight out and I was alone.  Something was drawing me to this location.  A friend asked me to meet him at this tavern.  He was an internet friend.  Never had I agreed to meet someone I met online nor I had I entered this bar.  Walking down the steps, my heart was racing and hands were sweating.  With each step I took, I felt my head spin a little more and feared I would fall. 

What was I thinking?  Meeting a stranger in a tavern.  This man could be a serial killer or worse.  He could have been giving me stories to lure me to this remote location.

At the bottom of the steps, I looked around.  There were two men sitting at the bar and the male bartender.  Great.  I'm in a basement with 3 men.  My safety had to be in jeopardy.  Then I saw a wave from the man at the end of the bar.  I took a big sigh to clear my head and walked over.

He was wearing a baseball cap.  As I pulled up the stool next to him, I looked into his eyes.  Trying to get on the barstool, I was struggling to get my balance.  His eyes looked so deep and honest.  I could see straight into his soul.  From that moment I was in love.  Very shaky, I said, "Hi."

He smiled and my heart melted.  My soul mate had been found.  Unexpectedly, a friend, a stranger turned into the love of my life.

Prior to our meeting, there was a strong connection even with our online friendship.  Normally I do not respond to strangers contacting me.  Out of my usual character, his instant message inspired me to have the first conversation.  Several conversations later, he wanted to meet.  I agreed.  Whether my decision was foolish or magical it was inspirational in the end.  My online friend and I went on to date, get married and have children together.  Over seven years later, I can still look into his eyes and see his pure spirit.  When he sheepishly smiles and looks into my eyes, my heart still melts every time.  It has been a lasting love at first site.

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