15 years ago

“Love doesn’t make the world go round, love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” – Elizabeth Browning

This photo was taken 12 and a half years ago just two days before Tara and I were married.

15 years ago on Sept 21 I met Tara Boone. I was interviewing for a Sous Chef position at Northland Country Club in Duluth, MN. My life was forever altered. I was seated in the main dining room of Northland interviewing with the Head Chef. In the middle of the interview Tara walked in. We looked at each other and we were immediately attracted to each other. She wore ripped jeans and a flannel shirt. She was a server at Northland. I didn’t know it, but she had just rolled out of bed and came into to check her schedule. She looked amazing. Our eyes locked and without hesitation she walked directly toward me and introduced herself, interrupting the Head Chef and our interview.

Later that day when I was home I told my good friend Will Dowdell, who lived in the apartment next door, about Tara. I was smitten. I got the job at Northland. I started a week later. I was so broke I didn’t even have gas money to drive to work; so, I walked the five miles to my new job. Tara worked that day. Again we locked eyes. This time she had her hair all done up poofy and tons of makeup on. I was more attracted to her in the old jeans and flannel with no makeup.

Tara immediately began to insist that we go out that night for a drink. I told her I couldn’t. I didn’t want to admit to her that I literally had no money. She persisted throughout the night. I evaded. Finally Tara declared I must not be interested and informed me she would never bother me again with a request to get together out of work. At this point I told her the truth. I really wanted to go out with her, but I was broke.

“No problem, I’m buying” she insisted.

She had me hooked. We met that night at her place and she presented me with a 12 pack of Bud Light. I may have been poor, but I didn’t drink Bud Light. Realizing my snobbery Tara took me to the Brewhouse where we promptly fell in love.

Here we are 14 and a half years later at the same table we sat together we fell in love at that night so long ago.

I love you Tara. Thanks for being my wife and the mother to my children.