Abuella introduced your Dad and I. In high school I worked at an insurance agency with Vivian. We really hit it off and I started going to some of their family functions. She would always say that she had to introduce me to her son when he came to visit (Dad was living in San Antonio at the time). I wasn't really interested until I saw him. I was VERY interested when I met him!
It was June 4th, 1996, the day I graduated high school. My parents had a graduation party and I invited Vivian and her family. In walked Jose and I was smitten ever since. Around the same time another co-worker was getting married and Abuella was making some decorations for the wedding, she's great at that. I went over to her house to help and Jose and I were able to spend time together. Mercedes, who was about three at the time, said to me, "Melissa, I want you to be my Tia." Although I was only 18, I thought it was a great idea.
The wedding was a few days later on June 8th. We say that was out first date because we met each other there and were together during the entire time. I kept asking him to dance because I LOVED to dance. Your Dad wasn't a dancer and instead of saying no, he just said "not this song". Finally, he said "okay, let's dance. At first I was so happy but then when I heard the song I realized that he picked a song he knew I'd say no to. I don't remember what it was but it was the most undanceable song ever. Pretty slick move on his part.
We dated through college and were married on August 16th, 2003 at Centro Astoriano in Ybor City, Florida. We had a Spanish themed wedding with flamenco dancers and all! Autumn was my maid of honor and Tio David was the best man. We had a great time and honeymooned in Costa Rica.
We lived in a one bedroom apartment in a not so great part of Tampa. Seriously, we would hear police helicopters above the complex EVERY weekend. But we saved for a downpayment for our house in Lakeland.
We didn't initally think "Let's move to Lakeland". We were interested in one builder who had neighborhoods in Tampa but they were all sold out. The builder recommended Lakeland because there was availability. We checked it out and really liked it so we moved here. We were so proud of the house. Not only because it was our first house but it was nicer than anything we thought we could ever have. Lakeland has been a great place to raise you and I'm so glad that God brought us here.
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