The first three weeks in San Diego were a whirlwind as I adjusted to my new work routine, unpacked and decorated my condo, interviewed Nannies, found a new pediatrician, and registered my oldest children at the local elementary school. Mapquest became my new best friend as I tried to learn where everything was located (because, no iPhones). It was a busy time, but exhilarating nonetheless. The kids and I spent most of our free time by the pool, exploring nearby parks or making the short 10 minute drive out to the Pacific Ocean. Two of my dear friends (who still live in Orange County today) drove down one weekend to take us to the zoo and show us around.

 

One day, as I sat at my kitchen table pondering a plan for the weekend,  I decided to clean out my purse. Wallet, pack of gum, pen, mirror, lipstick, a Happy Meal toy, several crumpled up receipts… and a business card.

I pulled out the card from deep within the abyss of my purse and held it for just a moment.

The design boasted a palm tree and ocean scene, conveying a clear message of urgency to buy a piece of real estate somewhere tropical. There, in the top left corner, was his name.

Jose Loera.

Nice last name, I thought.  While precariously biting the inside of my lip, I slowly reached for my laptop and logged into my Hotmail.

Jose, I hope this finds you well. Do you remember me? Let me know if you’d like to grab a bite to eat sometime. -Tiffany

I left my laptop open, but went about my business that afternoon, cleaning my condo and tending to Mom duties.

At one point, I heard the little ding to indicate I had a new email. I opened it up to read,

Hey there. Yes, I remember you. 🙂

And so the adventure began. Our first time meeting up was at Taka Sushi. Our second date was at Indigo Grill. Third was at Trattoria La Strada (unfortunately, permanently closed now). Then there was Blue Point Coastal Cuisine, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Po Pazzo, and at least a dozen others.   Also worth noting, one of our first dates together was a short six mile run on the boardwalk in Pacific Beach. I remember thinking I could never marry someone with so much energy, and I even commented the same to one of my family members.

Funny how that works out.

The saying goes that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and in my case that couldn’t be closer to the truth. As fate would have it, Jose and I ended up falling in love over food. Whether it was in a trendy restaurant in the Gaslamp quarter or over a home cooked meal, we were always getting to know each other with food. As a result, I was continuously putting my culinary skills to work and learning as much as possible so I could woo this beautiful man who seemed to appreciate my every move.  Eventually, we moved out of our respective condos and rented a house together so the kids could have a bigger space. Our cute little house had hardwood floors throughout, a huge playroom, a white brick fireplace, a fenced backyard and a tree right outside of my kitchen window. It was a dream, and I’ll never forget the day we were approved to move in and the feelings of elation I experienced.

After being in our house for 1 month, the Lord called my father home following a 5 month battle with cancer. Although Jose and my father never had the opportunity to meet face to face, they did speak over the phone. In my heart, I choose to believe that my father knew Jose was God’s choice for me. I believe he knew we would be well taken care of and loved. I accepted it was the Lord’s timing to take the most important man in my life, but He also gave me Jose when I needed it most. I will forever be grateful for that.

I eventually quit my job working as a paralegal so I could be at home with the kids 100% of the time. Life was beautiful. Jose filled every need I had, and even the ones I didn’t realize I had. He changed diapers. He carried the kids on his shoulders. He rolled around in the floor with them. He was a father. He listened to me. He accepted my (many) flaws. He protected us. He loved us. And he did it well. One day, I commented to Jose that he saved me from having to do it all alone. He saved us from a single parent household, but the only thing he responded with was,

“but you saved me.”

On December 31, 2006, Jose and I sat on our couch watching NYE specials on tv while we cozied up to a crackling fire. Somewhere around 15 minutes before midnight, he sat straight up, turned to me and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him.

Twelve years ago today, I said yes.

Marriage is such a precious gift, and the good Lord is merciful and kind to show me such undeserved grace.

For as long as I live, I will continue to say yes. I love you, Jose Loera.