A Chance Encounter: A 25-Year Love Story

Do you believe in fate/destiny?

By Tracy Schruder

In 1993, I worked at a sewing and alteration shop in the heart of town. Every day at lunch, I’d walk past a busy taxi stand next door. That’s where I first laid eyes on him – a man who would become the love of my life, but at the time, was just a stranger.

My boss warned me about him, saying he wasn’t very friendly and to steer clear. So, I kept my distance, exchanging no more than a nod as I walked by. This continued for about a year, until the taxi stand changed ownership.

Fast-forward to August 2000. A friend asked for my help painting her twin girls’ room. That’s where I met Brian, my friend’s husband’s best friend. We hit it off immediately, bonding over our shared experiences and laughter.

As we painted, Brian shared stories about his son, and I found myself drawn to his kind and caring nature. We discovered we were both single, and he asked me out on a date to the fair. I accepted, and little did I know, our lives were about to intersect in a profound way.

Later that afternoon, Brian revealed a surprising confession: he had known me from afar. He told me about his time owning the taxi stand in the early 90s, where he would watch this blonde girl walk by every day. He was taken aback by his strong attraction to her, but felt helpless, being committed to someone else at the time.

Brian shared that he had thought about her often over the years, wondering what could have been. He believed she was his soulmate, and he was overjoyed to have finally met her.

I was stunned. The girl he had been thinking about all those years was me.

That night, at the fair, Brian and I fell deeply in love. We’ve been inseparable ever since, celebrating 25 years together this August.

Was it destiny? I believe so.

Reflections

Looking back, I realize that our chance encounter was more than just coincidence. It was a second chance at love, a reminder that life is full of unexpected twists and turns.

Brian’s story taught me that true love can withstand time and circumstance. Our 25-year journey has been filled with laughter, tears, and adventure, but most importantly, it’s been filled with love.

I hope our story inspires you to believe in the power of true love and the idea that destiny can bring two souls together in the most unexpected ways.

I hope you enjoyed my story. 😊

Thank you for reading 🙏