Personal
Notes: |
Personal
Notes: I will always remember being honored to get to be the first family member to meet Meredith's "new boyfriend". This was serious stuff. I was told to be the judge and jury and submit my opinion to the almighty parents about Meredith's choices!
We all happened to be in Arizona - Meredith servicing the less fortunate and Uncle Brad and I enjoying the life of leisure on a week's vacation with 2 other couples who we barely knew but came together on a charity auction adventure package. We were staying in this luxurious home in a resort development and honestly I was dying to show off my temporary digs to anyone. If you know me, I do not typically spend my money on extravagance, but now that I've got it, I'm gonna live it like I own it. I invited Meredith to visit as she is the only person I knew in Arizona. Fortunately, she knows a few people and she offered to bring her "new boyfriend" and another couple who were soon to get married. The clincher was she was going to bring the makings of her favorite concoction - Margarita's! I was so excited and nervous at the same time. Here we are with two other couples that I barely know and who were - let's say - somewhat stuffy (they were the ones who could actually afford this luxury home) inviting 4 younger generation hip kids over and now suddenly hosting a dinner party for a dozen people in a kitchen we've never cooked in.
Well, the moment of truth arrived and I remember it like it was yesterday. The door knocker alerted their arrival and we opened the door with a boastful welcome. The grin on Meredith's face was so readable. She walked in like a proud but coy peahen (a female peacock - in case the word looks funny!). She was certainly gracious for the invitation and impressed with the home, but, as her aunt who knows the real Meredith, she was clearly "all about" the new beau. And she had every right to be. This guy was hot! He had a smile that lit up a room, he had an accent that melted your cares away, he was dressed like he was ready for a good time and his "guns" were the sexiest I've ever seen. Now let me tell you, I had not had a drop of alcohol yet, but I didn't need it. These kids were so relaxed, so interesting, and so fun that we didn't need any spirits; but don't get me wrong - we imbibed! As the night progressed, I realized the book was as good as the cover. Zach didn't know I was practicing my stealth evaluation technique, but he passed all my tests with flying colors. He thought I only noticed his enormous, shapely biceps, but believe me I was watching everything else too. He had good manners, he was engaged in the conversation, he displayed his intelligence modestly and wisely complimented the chef but more importantly, you could tell he really liked Meredith, he was respectful and comfortable with her and he cherished family. Can't get much better than that!
We had a great evening under the desert sky and heat lamps getting to really know each other. It didn't take long to realize I was witnessing something big. Our niece Meredith was falling for a really nice guy and Zach was getting the best gift ever. That night, they got my seal of approval and I had no problem letting Dan and Lydia know their little girl had picked a fine mate. This was the real deal.
Meredith and Zach - Thank you for letting me watch this seed grow. I wish only great things for you and pray that your love and fun spirit carry you through all the days of your lives together as husband and wife.
Love, Titi Terry
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This recipe for Titi Terry's Pork Chops is from