So I feel like a teenager coming to tell all my buddies about my "first date"! I wouldn't have called it a date earlier in the day but I think considering the fact that meeting for coffee and exchanging books at 7:30 is ending at past 1 a.m. makes it a definite first date! For me, my first date in over 20 years! And for him quite a few years. I'm not sure if there is chemistry but if nothing else, I know I have just found a best friend for life. This guy is just so down to earth and compassionate and just "thinks like me"! He says the same thing.

When I pulled up to the coffee shop, his was the only car in the parking lot. He was early/punctual just like me. I had been nervous but as soon as I saw him sitting in the car waiting for me, it was as if I was getting out of the car to see an old friend. He said he was nervous until he saw my smile. He greeted me with a smile and a handshake.

We ordered a coffee and sat for over an hour until it got to the point where we felt we should move on. At first the nervous energy made me feel as though I were blabbering but he smiled and said he enjoyed it. The conversation all came so natural, not forced. And when there was silence, it was a comfortable silence.

Neither of us wanted to end our deep conversations there so I did something bold and invited him back to my house to chat. It didn't seem scary or risky at all and it wasn't. We came and walked the dogs together. Then he cuddled and loved up both of my dogs while we chatted the night away. My youngest dog tried "marking" him as his territory and that didn't even scare him away!



I can't explain the "kindred spirit" connection that both of us feel. It's such an answered prayer. He's an honest, average looking, non-materialistic, compassionate, animal loving, children lover, fellow depression sufferer, single Dad who wants to help me through the struggles and pain that he's already been through with ending a relationship. He's an old-fashioned, romantic, spiritual, intelligent, well-read guy who seems to have his on firmly on his shoulders and his priorities in place. We like many of the same music artists, tv shows and pastimes. His brother is his best friend and lives next door to him. He's close with his parents. He enjoys the simple things in life.



Our evening
Our evening ended with a small hug and a promise of seeing, talking and writing each other again soon.