In the summer of 1979, I was eighteen years old and I had my dad's truck and two of my best friends. We were going out, going to the Cabin Tavern, still there, on Muldoon road. On the way there I stopped at the gas station on the corner of Northern Lights and Boniface, also still there. This cute Filipino came out to help us. He filled up my gas tank and told me that I was missing a gas cap and that he had extras, he would try to find one that would fit my tank. How very nice of him!! I found out later it was a ploy between he and his friend to keep us there longer. Sneaky boogers aren't they!
We were all talking and they ask us where we were headed. We told them, said our thank yous and good bye's and headed out.
Hours later we were having a great time and these two cute Filipino's came walking in the door!! I was there with another guy that I was kinda' dating at the time, but nothing serious. So Danny and his friend spent the evening with my two friends and me and my date. We all found out that night what a great sense of humor Danny had. We all had such a great time!! When it was time to leave, Danny ask my friend for a date. I was so happy for her, he was cute and lots of fun!! What more could you ask for!!
The time came for their date and I was staying home that night, when the phone rang. It was Danny!! I was a little confused and ask him about his date with my friend, he said that he had called her and had ask how serious I was about the guy I had been with that first night. She had told him, not very, so he broke his date with her, got my phone number and called me!! We talked for over 3 hours that night and the rest is history!!
I guess I should give you Danny's version of how this all came about - according to him, we met at the gas station, but once he hooked up with us at the Cabin Tavern, I grabbed a hold of his leg and begged him to pick me!! You guys can go with whichever version you like!! LOL
I also have to tell you that his proposal wasn't the most traditional either, there was no getting down on one knee or anything like that. We were out dancing and he looked at me and said, "You know I really like you, I don't just like you, I love you, we should cut the cake! How could I ever turn that down!! LOL
When we first got married, Danny worked at the Yamaha distributor in Anchorage. His dream was to
own his own dealership. Finally, in 1992, his dream came true. It was a successful, family run business for over 17 years. Danny was the Salesman/General Manager, I took care of the bookkeeping and our son learned to run the service department. Danny also has always had a love of racing and has been active in the racing world for as long as we have been married. This also was a family activity that we all enjoyed. Both our kids have raced over the years, Chad continues to race, but Danielle decided that she was more like me when it came to racing. I am a backup kinda' gal. I enjoy helping to make sure everyone has what they need and always keep track of the status of each of the racers. This also is something that I admire in Danny. He is happiest when he has all of his family around him. Over the years, either in business or just in life, we have always found ways to spend time enjoying each others company and still remain very close.
I am so very proud of the life Danny and I have. There is always compromises and sacrifices that have to be made in any relationship, and to truly be happy you have to want to make these compromises for the greater good. We have always made the choice to work thru things together. I have always been amazed that when I am at my weakest, he has been there to hold me up and when he is feeling weak, I am there for him. It's definitely not always the easiest path, but it is, without a doubt the best and has always been worth it in the end. And look, now, after 32 years, I get to spend everyday with the man that knows me better than anyone else in the world. A man that has worked thru the bad times and celebrated the good with me. There are so many good memories!! Even the memories of the bad times, we can look back and enjoy the fact that we made it thru - together.
A friend and I were recently talking about another friend who had divorced and how sad it was. The conversation turned to our own marriages and laughing about all the little quirks that make life interesting. There is no perfect relationship, but I told her that no matter what lies ahead of us, I would never want to live it without Danny. She looked at me and said, "Cheri, if you and Danny ever broke up, I would feel that there is no hope for the rest of us." Without even realizing it, she had just given me the best compliment anyone could give!!
Yes, 32 years with my best friend. We have raised two amazing kids who now have their own families and successful lives and they have given us five of the most perfect grandchildren we could ask for. We have had successful business ventures in the past, present and are even working on a future one! Racing has been a big part of our lives and has given us lots of great memories and well as some of the best friends we could ask for. We also have lots of great memories of our travels around the world. Life with him has been an awesome adventure that I wouldn't trade for anything! And yes, he still makes me laugh!
On this day, 32 years ago, in our marriage vows to each other, we both said, "for richer or poorer, til death do us part". There is no doubt in my mind that Danny and I both have done so and fully intend to continue happily stand by that vow.
I love you my hubby! Can't wait to see what lies ahead, always with you!
