Her-Story

The story of how we met is told from HER (MY) prospective. HIS-story may be a little different, but I am letting you know how it really went down:

In 1996, my family and I had visited Ephesus SDA Church in Columbia, SC. There was a nice young man sitting between two older ladies at the church and I whispered to my sister, "He's gonna be my boyfriend when I come back here." (I really did. You can ask her ). I got the 411 about Phil from one of the young girls close to my age in the church. (What? I just wanted to know. She was on her way to the restroom, and so was I! LOL) Actually, when I got to school, that guy was the farthest person from my mind. All I can remember is my mom telling me I better not fail and I better not get pregnant. Those were my ultimate goals-not to fail and not to get pregnant. Well, the lady that had been transporting me to church every Sabbath told me that she wanted to introduce me to this nice guy at church. She went on to say how mannerable, nice, and attractive he was. She also mentioned how nice his family was.  Quiet anticipation continued for months. Truthfully, I was not remotely interested in any man in church. (Or was I?)

One Sabbath during church, I heard some people behind me psst ing.  First of all, I don't answer to psst! They continued to do it for so long that I could not even get mad at them. I started laughing to myself hoping they wouldn't see my shoulders move in hysteria!

After church, this guy walked up to me and introduced himself. Well, out of nowhere, the lady who had been taking me to church chimed in and informed me that this is they guy that she wanted me to meet.  At the same time, his dad came along and whipped out his matchmaking "two cents" .  I felt triple teamed!  I just kept my composure and flashed my smile. I couldn't believe it! I was about to burst. This is the same guy who I claimed before moving to Columbia for school would be my boyfriend.

When we finally had some alone time, Phil gave me his numbers (Yes, he had a pager, 2 home numbers and a fax number!) and told me to give him a call sometime. I called him and the rest is HIS-story or HER-story-however you want to look at it! 

His-Story

Picture it…fall of 1996.  I was a student at South Carolina State University studying Business Administration.   Occasionally, I would drive home to Columbia, SC to visit my family and home church on the weekends.

Several weeks went by and I kept hearing about a young woman attending the University of South Carolina…and that I should really take the time to meet her.   Honestly, I was somewhat hesitant about the notion of meeting someone new.  However, people’s persistence got the best of me and I made plans to attend church service the weekend she was expected to be in attendance.

I remember coming in and sitting down behind a young woman in a black and white suit with micro braids pinned up in a bun.  Intermittently, I attempted to get her attention but she would never turn around.   I thought to myself…that’s rude!  So now it went from me casually wanting to introduce myself to…I KNOW YOU HEAR ME! (All in my mind…of course) .

Anyway, after church someone told me that the woman I sat behind in church was in fact the woman I came to Columbia to meet.  So I approached this small framed, well dressed, shapely woman outside of the church and introduced myself with a smile.

“Hello!  My name is Phil McNeil and I drove from South Carolina State University to meet you here today.  I understand that you are riding with a friend today and I was hoping that I could give you my contact information so that we can talk and possibly go out for dinner.  Here is my card with my home, pager, fax, and my parent’s home number.   You can call anytime…I’ll be waiting patiently.”

I shook her hand and walked away.  I recall seeing a BIG smile on her face and I knew I had scored BIG!

After leaving church and having dinner with my parents, I remember stopping by my best friend mother’s house for a visit as I normally did when I was in town.   We were having casual conversation when my pager began to vibrate.  It was a number from downtown.  I returned the called and it was Dashanna!  We spoke briefly and she stated that she wanted to take me up on my dinner offer that evening…much to my surprise and concern.  I was surprised she called so quickly, but concerned because I only had $20 in my pocket and a half of tank of gas in the car. (What are the odds!!!!)

We did go out that evening and had a wonderful time at Applebee’s on Broad River Rd.  She ordered pasta and I had a basket of fries.  Afterwards we drove around the town, Lake Murray, and ended the evening with a walk on USC campus.

From that day forward, I would return every weekend to see her and take long walks around campus.  We would spend all night sometimes outside just talking for hours and going for breakfast.

I had found someone special…someone I felt would be a part of my life for a very long time.

And we are still walking...