Thursday, June 15, 2006

EDM 71 My Sport - Roller Dance Skating - A Romance


I met my husband rollering skate almost 15 years ago. Yes, I was skating as an adult.

I had roller skated all my life--loved it! And when I was a single parent in graduate school and stressed out from working a full-time job, raising a difficult teenager, and cerebrially burned out, I KNEW I needed some physical exercise. But what could a single parent, without funds and mentally exhausted, do with a teenager that would be enjoyable for both? ROLLER SKATE!

I took my son with me during an 'adult night.' The music was soft rock and beach and he quickly made friends with the other teens at the rink. I skated and met many of the 'older' folks who came for the music and the bit of social life skating each Thursday night afforded. During a 'couples' skate, this man asked me if I knew how to skate backwards. I replied, "of course," and we skated together. During the skate, we chatted, and afterwards, we shook hands, and went our merry ways.

There was a message posted on the bulletin board for skate lessons. There was a skate coach offering skating lessons for 'dance skating' and 'free style.' My son wanted to learn to jump and race, and I decided I'd like to skate on roller skates as they did on ice (yes, there are even competitions for this!). So I signed up for the one; signed up my son for the other.

On the first night of class, my son and I show up -- and who is the only OTHER person to show up--??? You guessed it -- my current husband! Since we were the only three taking lessons, the coach paired up Charles and me, and gave my son private free style lessons.

Charles and I took skate dance lessons for four years; Mike took lessons for one (teens have such a short attention span! LOL).

Needless to say, Charles and I literally "skated off into the sunset"....and the skate coach was Charles' best man. No, we didn't get married at the rink ... but the friends we made there were at the wedding!

So skating is not only my sport of choice ... it's also the story of how Charles and I met. Romance on wheels!

12 comments:

Teri said...

Lin, this is the sweetest story!!! The skate is just perfect for this 'love' sport!

Anonymous said...

Terrific story, Lin. Skating was a great choice of physical activity to involve both you and your teenager. And doing something you love to do is a great way to meet someone...

Tami said...

This is such a SWEET story!!! That is TOO FUNNY that he just happened to be the only other one to show up! Devine intervention??? HUMMMM, me thinks!

Penny said...

Lin what a wonderful story. I am so glad it worked out that way. Penny in south Australia

Anonymous said...

What a great story! Do you both still skate? I always loved ice and roller skates and continued to do both with my children. After 50 I feared breaking a bone and stopped!

Anonymous said...

Lin, this is so beautifully written. And, of course, the story is so lovely. You deserve all good things---and it looks like you've found them ;D.

Felicity Grace said...

What a super story! Fun must be your middle name!

Nel Jansen said...

Oh, Lin, this is a great story, thanks for sharing it with us. Isn't serendipity wonderful? Your skate has a lovely special meaning.

starrgirl's world said...

I love this story, Lin, and the drawing is a perfect accompaniment. May I complement you on your shadows again? I think it works beautifully!

Cin said...

I love this sketch Lin! your story too, wow, and so agree, beautifully written!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful story; I don't remember
having heard the whole thing -- but then my memory is sometimes lacking (often lacking!!).

The skate is a fantastic rendition.

Lorraine

Nicolette said...

This is such a great story, Lin! I loved it, and I love your drawing...
I was reading your blog, and this entry, and watching the new show "WINDFALL" at the same time. At the precise moment I was reading about your Rollerskating Romance, I looked up at the tv, and two of the characters were at a Roller Rink rollerskating and laughing at how weird it was!
I just love COINCIDENCES like that - don't you?