With the hustle and bustle of everyday life I feel every experience, action or encounter that occurs in our life affects us; in a positive way. My wife Jane is the most inspiring person in my life and she has affected me in many positive ways throughout our precious time together. The determination and genuine caring she shows day in and day out is truly remarkable and sets the benchmark for others and myself to emulate. My goal is to inform you how a simple decision turned out to be the best one ever made.

As a divorced father of one I had struggled to place myself in the social scene upon moving from the Rhein region in Germany to Central London, I lacked confidence, drive and was still licking my wounds from a divorce and custody battle that had lasted well beyond its expected tenure. I took a chance after residing in the country for several months and agreed upon the advice of a co-worker to accompany him on a blind date in Piccadilly Circus at the Comedy Store in London. I was excited, nervous and to be honest had felt butterflies; as I had seen the pictures of this beautiful women I was about to meet. The butterflies were something that had not been in my view for quite some time, in a sense I had given up.

We had set off from Epping Station in hope to arrive at Poplar Street Station for a quick meet and greet prior to attending our scheduled venue. A calming rain, windy and brisk wind filled the young evening; a typical England weather setting. The evening had started off on what some may call the wrong foot; we disembarked the train at All Saints one station earlier than our scheduled destination. After walking several block's through the Canary Wharf section of London we had arrived at our destination; a small apartment in the Poplar section of London. A beautiful, fit, charismatic young women filled with energy and sass stood before my eyes; the love of my life. I knew from that moment when our eyes had met this is where I want to be. The night was not going to go as exactly as planned. There were many unexpected occurrences; however I was given the chance. The early morning hours in February that followed changed my life experiences and my way of thought forever. I was persistent, and she was reluctant but we spent our weekend together walking around the local market simply enjoying our time. The subsequent day's and week's spent at her apartment not only loving her, but loving the London way of life and learning to live it truly was the turning point in my life. Yes a few less parking tickets and a few less bar tabs would have been nothing short of beneficial on my side but all is well in the end.

One year after we were courting a job opportunity had risen. Unlucky, yes; maybe; NO! The same time I was offered an opportunity for a two year employment in Southeast Asia She was given the chance to work for the mother fleet; British Airways her dream job. A solid career occupancy with an opportunity to excel, and Jane can excel with anything she puts her mind to. She embraced the challenge given to her. I never thought I would feel what she was going through but then again I was naive, and I never thought she would have a hard time with me leaving. I was wrong; being on the other side other the track is not an easy task, her confidence gave me the will to stand out. Jane's confidence, power and willingness to rise above at the face of self righteousness, proves the time we met on a cold night in London that she has shaped my life. I am proud and often wonder how she handles the curves of daily life that come her way; but I know she can do it; in conclusion I only know that I stand next to her.

I experienced London with my co-worker and I have been blessed with meeting my best friend and partner. Not in a million years would I have thought I'd be given the chance to see this unveil and take the course it has. The moment meeting the one you love whom will change your life is something you will never forget. February 21st!