With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, romance is in the air! Men and women everywhere are starting to think about what they will do for their significant other to celebrate their love and devotion.
For most of us, our soul mate is not the first person we’ve ever dated. In fact, many people can attest to experiencing some very memorable (and not always good!) dates along the way.
My wife and I have been together for twenty-eight years and married for twenty-five. We’ve been to hell and back numerous times. On one of our first dates, we decided to go to with friends to the arcade located at what is now called Bayville Adventure Park. We planned to play miniature golf, take a few swings at the batting cage, and simply enjoy the evening. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. And while the evening was certainly memorable, none would have an especially good time. However, the silver lining inspired me to write the poem below, which among my many talents and charms, ultimately motivated this girl to marry me:
Mighty Haylee at Bat
The mood of Mighty Haylee was not good that summer’s day. She was tired, she was cranky, her mom wouldn’t let her have her way.
The plan was, “Go to Bayville,” for fun and games galore. We’d eat some ice cream, bat some balls, we hoped it wouldn’t pour.
Mighty Haylee was still upset, the fun atmosphere had not yet helped. “Let’s go see the batting cage; maybe that will help,” we felt.
Haylee’s eyes widened, her face lit up, she bolted through the air. She paid the man, she took her bat, she put on her helmet with care.
There was ease in Haylee’s manner as she stepped up to the plate.
There was pride in Haylee’s bearing; How was she to know her fate?
All eyes were on her as she readied herself, all voices gave advice. She had our undivided attention, and we were all enticed.
The pitch came in and there was contact, but the crowd gave no mighty roar. Her bat did not hit the ball, the ball hit Haylee in the jaw.
Mighty Haylee was brave, she took it well, she did not cry nor holler. The park attendant felt so bad, he even refunded her dollar.
By now Haylee was pissed, this wasn’t her day, we feared she’d start a riot. Of course this would not happen since she was comforted by a concerned and caring pilot.
The game was over, the crowds were gone, and this we can say without a doubt; there is no joy in Bayville since Mighty Haylee has struck out.
Looking back, it’s safe to say that baseball’s not her game. But that’s OK, for we all know she’ll have better claims to fame.
Although I haven’t known her long, I think I’ll give her a call. I find she’s often in my thoughts; who cares if she can’t play ball?
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Special thanks to my wife Haylee for being a good sport and allowing me to publish this poem.
Do you recall a first date that was unusual, unique, or memorable? Was it romantic? Did it leave you feeling excited and unstoppable? Or perhaps the date was so horrible, you couldn’t wait to escape!
If your experience was especially interesting or unique, please tell me about it! And if you allow me to use your name and share your story with my readers, the winner with the best story will receive a $50.00 AMEX Gift Card.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Our Winning Valentine’s Day Story!
The Winning Valentin’s Day Story I don’t believe you will consider romantic. However, it is certainly unique, unusual, and memorable! In fact, this story was so unique and memorable, that it was first published in the New York Post on February 14, 1994!
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Lovesick In The Worst Way
In 1979, I went up to Boston with two friends of mine, Joel and Alan. Our car broke down. We managed to get it started, but we were out of money with no place to stay. Then Joel remembered a cousin who lived in the area, and the three of us showed up at her door.
We went out bar-hopping (she picked up the tab – she had too!). I got real sick that night and I remember throwing up in her bathroom. Embarrassed, we all left the next day without saying goodbye. At that time, I was a musician with long hair, grubby sideburns and was an overall mess.
Five years later, I was no longer a grubby-looking musician, but a well-dressed businessman. At a family wedding, a strange woman walked right up to me and without hesitation, demanded an apology. I had no idea who she was or what she was talking about. When she told me, I discovered that I had thrown up all over her house – and had left without cleaning it up.
Needless to say, we started seeing each other. Six months later we were engaged and three months after that we were married. In March, we will celebrate 10 years of marriage and two beautiful girls.
– Howard Recht
Anne Markowitz-Recht told The Post that she only demanded an apology as an ice-breaker at the wedding. “I had just moved back to New York, and you know how you get at weddings. I had a strong attraction to him.”
But he threw up all over your apartment, Anne!
“Yeah, but he was different then,” she said. “People change a lot from their early 20s.”
She might be right. Anne said the Markowitz-Recht home in Plainview is entirely free of vomit.
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Congratulations Anne Markowitz-Recht and Howard Recht for this most unusual story, for being good sports in allowing me to share it, and for maintaining a successful marriage for almost 35 years! You both are the “Runaway Winner” of this month’s $50.00 AMEX Gift Card.
Warren Goldberg is President of Mortgage Wealth Advisors, a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist®, and a published author. His interviews include Blog-Talk Radio, Newsday, The Daily News, Anton Press, and the Long Island Herald. Since 1992, he’s been sharing his financial knowledge and wealth-building strategies, including how to properly use your mortgage as a financial tool. His clients regularly express their trust and appreciation by recommending friends and family call when in need of mortgage, real estate, and financial guidance.
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