In the beginning of October of 1998 my cousin Sue introduced me to a chat community called "PowWow". She told me about a cool place to visit called "The Meeting Place". Being pretty much an Internet "newbie" my first visit on PowWow proved to be a bit of a challenge. On my first visit I met people from all over the world, most of whom had cute screennames like Grey Wolf, Panther, Foxy Lady, Kimmie Lime and Grooverider. As I fumbled my way through the Meeting Place, learning the tricks, I met some new friends. Two of them had come to my rescue while being teased about being "Heather" Locklear. One of them was Thomas. From the very beginning my favorite of all was "Grooverider" (a.k.a. Thomas). He was my bud and became my friend. We soon left the Meeting Place for I.C.Q. as it served our needs better. We shared stories and fears. No holds barred play by plays of past relationships and current dates. I remember saying to him a few times "Why can't you be 10 or 20 years older?!". I also remember telling him that he was the most darling guy I'd ever met and the girl he'd one day marry would be really lucky!

In december I went on a cruise for a week and sent Thomas, friends and family postcards. I missed my daughter Jessica and talking with Thomas. When I arrived home I had about 30 e-mails and Thomas had sent me one per day. The last and most remarkable one said "I'd never dreamed I'd miss you as much as I do."

I happened to be dating a few people and so did he. Our "talks" continued as usual.

On the Friday before Valentines Day Jessica called me at work to say that when she got home from school there was a big box at the front door for me from the Vermont Teddy Bear CFactory. Since I only considered the two guys I was dating friends and they were no love match I couldn't begin to imagine who would have sent me a Valentines Day gift. My only guess was my aunt Edna. Being mt favorite aunt she was always encouraging to me. I had shared with her that I wished I had a "sweetheart" this Valentines Day.

When I got home I tore open the box and Jessica and I were amazed to find a beautiful stuffed bear holding a darling red heart that said "I Love You". The card said "What a woman! (A Mr. Butler once said). You really are... Be My Valentine? Love always, Thomas."

Thomas had won my heart!

Two months later, on April 17th, Thomas came to America and a month later we were married, on May 15th, 1999.Jessica was our "Maid of Honor". For our wedding I wrote this poem for Thomas and it describes my feelings for him to a tee. [poem currently unavailable]

-Heather, 11/06/1999

 

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