Let me start by saying that photos from back then are rare, not because of the time or lack of pictures but simply the lack of technology and me being lazy. Eventually pictures will be added, but only after spending quite a bit of time scanning them in (which since my scanner is broken will not be anytime soon)
I'm not sure the exact first time I meet Anja, but the first time I recall is in Economics class. She was in that very class, and I recall feeling a strange attraction to her. Not your typical teenage puberty type of thing, but a genuine attraction. At the time her hair was plain, she typically wore jeans and a tee shirt. I found myself staring in her direction quite often. She didn't wear the short skirts, or the high heels, but more simple things. She didn't dress to impress but something about her drew my attention to her.
We talked occasionally in Economics, I tried to teach her a card game called magic the gathering to no avail. We were just acquaintances then.
It was in drama club where we began to form our bond. It was a production of little shop of horrors. I was playing the role of the dentist Orin, and also the voice of the plant. Often times I was singing off stage as the plant, but had to go out as another character. Anja was actually my assistant in getting ready. In fact, one of the roles was as a women and she dressed me for it. (You know it's love when you'll marry a cross dresser).... Actually that was a one time event for me...
The school year continued and we still were just acquaintances. I think though that both of us wished we were a little more. I often thought about inviting her out on a date, but she was German, she was leaving at the end of the year, and the idea seemed ludicrous.
Then we had the famous prom incident. Anja was to go to prom with Dmitry (who incidentally was the best man at my legal wedding). Dmitry however had decided to stop doing homework all together (which makes no sense since he is among the smartest people I know). Anyway, he paid an office worker at school (who shall remain nameless... but I know who you are) for official school paper that was used to mail report cards.
Well, Dmitry being a computer expert replicated his report card perfectly... and sent to his house a fake with him having all straight A's.... He intercepted the original and thought he was home free... but that semester there was a computing error, and all the report cards were wrong, so the actual report card was issued 2 weeks later. Since he was not expecting it.... he didn't intercept it and his parents found out his real grades.
I feel lucky that Dmitry was alive today to be my best man, because his parents were pissed... and that is an understatement..
Needless to say that he was no longer allowed to go to Prom... but the tickets were bought, and Anja was without a date. I tried everything I could to go with her... to no avail. She was quite popular.. she was fought for fiercely, and eventually went with a friend named Steve. I was disappointed, but also this was a wake up call for exactly how strongly I felt about her.
We still went on without being a couple... It was at Ben's graduation party we had our first "alone time" together... She went with me to pick up my car from Franks, and I think it was then that I first asked her on an actual date.
I don't recall what happened first but I have 3 memories of dates with her. Once was with her "host" sister and her boyfriend Adam. We went to a Chinese restaurant called "Golden Mountain" where Anja didn't eat.... Now that I know her better I can not believe that she didn't eat because she loves Chinese. We could have it every day and she would LOVE it.
There was once when I went to her host Grandparents. They lived on a side street that went down to the lake. We walked there, and watched the sunset. Clouds floated across and I remember her saying "stupid clouds... why are you there." We then walked back to her grandparent’s house. We stood hugging for the longest time. I said something to the effect of "don't you hate it when things happen that make things seem confusing" (I think Anja remembers the exact words, you can read her recollections here) She said something like what do you mean, and I replied with "this" and I kissed her... then her grandma came out and I jumped off the porch...
We had other dates, but time was running out quickly. One thing that I remember that also captivated me is being invited to her host parents house. In the basement we played a game, and then she played her Mandolin for me... I was enchanted....
I'm not sure when it was, but at some point we decided that it would be insane to have a relationship and that we would be free to see other people...
That year when she left we exchanged many letters, postcards, and a few gifts. Now understand that today I mail MAYBE 2 things a year... IF that. so me actually writing something (with a pencil/pen... not typing it) was a pretty big deal... and I wrote often.
The next year she decided to come for a visit. My parents were out of town when she arrived. I remember waiting at the airport.... And then I saw her. Jeans and a whitish sweater... She walked off that plane, and my heart sank. Everything suddenly seemed right, and I knew that she was the one.
Since then, we have visited back and forth, each time growing and expanding our relationship.
We have sustained our love through thick and thin, and keeping our Love alive with an Ocean of separation. Our love is true, and has conquered all.
With that, I leave to all who read this...
Be true to yourself, and to those you love.
Always put into the relationship more than you take out.
Always communicate honestly AND completely about all things.
With that, I hope you have enjoyed our story,
Love,
Anja, and Hank
...I will expand on the story soon (especially once I have pictures)
