A Love Story by Peter
We were actually brought together by a couple of frenemies, so we are grateful to them for that. Just the same, they are still "fired" from our friends' list. We first met face-to-face during my going away party for my deployment to Iraq and we continued our friendship via email and care packages during my tour. She had a nice enough sense of humor to send me a naughty magazine, which was a pleasant surprise, heh heh.
When I came back we started hanging out and I got to know her a little better. One of the first things she made clear was that she "ain't NEVA datin' again." I actually thought that was a plus because it totally removed all stress as I had nothing to lose. One day I realized that we had been having a couple of weeks of great phone conversations and I realized that maybe, just maybe, there was something there- and no restraining order ! I "accidentally" let it be known to one of the frenemies with the idea that the gossip would soon get back to Judy. (I guess they continued to have their uses). Word did get to Judy, which stressed her out to no end.
Thanks to a lot of encouragement from Judy's trustworthy friends, she agreed to date me. (Thanks Cindy, Noe and Lea!!). This is the quick story of how it went down: We went to Lea's birthday party and fortunately Judy took a sip of wine and snuggled up a bit, and said "yes" to my unimaginative "so, does this mean we're dating" question. Even better, she remembered what she said the next day, and the answer was still "yes" ! And the rest they say, is history !
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Falling in Love with Peter Cottontail
Life has blessed me with wonderful family and friends. I have seven Beautiful Mothers ! My Ma (Mrs. Juey Chang), Miki Stebbing (Peter's Mother), Godmother (Mrs. Wang), Aunt Kimmy Lin, Mrs. Goldstein (Jewish Ma), Mama Brenda Russell and Susie Fenger ! They are generous with their compassion and wisdom. I am deeply honored to know them and am grateful for their loving support and sincere encouragement. They are powerful inspirations and I am truly grateful to all of them.
Empathy, integrity and respect is important in every relationship. My Ma encouraged me to embrace these values and take active steps to live with a humble heart. This path takes time, patience and faith. I am a faithful student striving to become more like my Ma. I have so much to learn and practice. She has always offered her support and unconditional love. My Ma was the first person to say "Peter is The One !" Thank You Ma !
A few years ago, a former friend told me about Peter Stebbing. She met him through another former friend. They would share outrageous stories describing him as " loud, cheap, obnoxious, self-centered, and funny looking !"
It was sad to hear how they joked and gossiped about his character. I chose not to believe them and hoped he would be safe. Ironically, this former friend would invite me to join her and Peter for gatherings and dinners. Work usually dominated weekends so I didn't get the chance to meet and get acquainted with him. Their ridiculous gossip about him continued on for a few years until December of 2006, when my former friend informed me that he was going to be deployed to Iraq in February of 2007. He invited me to attend his farewell party. Peter and I met for the first time in February of 2007 - we met twice before his deployment to Iraq. We continued communicating via e-mails. I told all my Mothers how courageous Peter is. They encouraged me to offer our support while he was serving in Iraq. We prayed for his safety and health. None of my Mothers had met Peter, it didn't matter, they admired him, and they prayed for him. My Ma, Jewish Ma and I created a tasty care package for Peter - his request for Twizzlers and dried fruit ! We searched for a variety of dried fruit and a buffet of Twizzlers. Before shipping his care package to Iraq, I wanted to add a surprise but was too terrified to complete the purchase solo. Lydia Pallares is my Latina Sister ! She and her baby daughter Allie (she was six months old) went with me to a little liquor store to purchase a magazine - we had never done this before - it was worth the embarrassing glances - we did this for Peter ! (Thank goodness he has a great sense of humor !)
Peter and I continued to send e-mails while he was in Iraq. He was scheduled to return home in March of 2008 ! It was a relief to know he was coming back safe ! Our former friends began their adolescent gossip, and this time, I followed my Mothers' and trustworthy friends' advice, to stand up for myself and my new friend Peter. They encouraged me to break free from the former friends and take a chance with Peter. They supported our friendship and were eager for us to become closer ! Thank You Lea, Lydia, Cindy, Noe, Goetz, Phillis, Rithy, Chloe, Mirlena and Sun ! You helped push me onto a positive path of happiness and hope !
Peter is a courageous leader and mentor. He is dedicated to his family, friends, soldiers and students. He has a generous heart filled with empathy and integrity. He is trustworthy and faithful, kind and humble.
He is my handsome hubby and comic relief. He makes me laugh and smile everyday ! He is my biggest fan and cheerleader ! Peter is my Hero.
Thank you for encouraging me to take a chance with Peter in 2008 ! Hops of gratitude for my Ma, Jewish Ma and Mama Brenda for helping me open my heart and see clearly ! I am truly grateful to everyone who has offered their genuine support for me and Peter !
Thank you all so very much !
Peter and I Thank You !