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Thursday, December 10, 2015

Ho Ho Hunsperger: The Christmas Promise

Who loves the 90's?
By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the podcast


In early 1992 I met the woman who would eventually become my wife.  Lisa and I were freshmen in college and became friends pretty quick.  A few months later I finally mustered up the courage to ask her on a date and we essentially became inseparable.  Even at age 19 we'd already started talking about marriage and that Fall I asked her father if I could get Lisa a promise ring with the intent of one day buying an engagement ring.  He approved and I bought a modest ring to show my love and intentions.

I made that bear
I decided to give Lisa the ring on Christmas.  After celebrating with each other's extended families we spent the evening at her parents house, along with my folks.  I had handmade a teddy bear for her (with the help of my mom) as part of her Christmas gift.  Lisa collected bears at the time and I thought the uniqueness of homemade bear was pretty cool.  Looking back, it's a reminder I never really had a man card.  

The bear of course was only part of the gift.  She opened up the ring box and inside was a gum ball machine ring I'd had since childhood. It was the shape of a heart and had a boy and girl kissing on the front of it.  She seemed confused at first and flashed a half smile as she slipped it on her finger and showed it to her parents.  

She's so excited
After a few minutes I told her the real gift was hanging among the ornaments on the Christmas tree.  Her reaction was much more positive when she found the ring and knew the meaning behind it.  

Lisa in 3D photo form
I loved the gift she gave to me.  It was 3-D pictures of her made at the Picture People in St. Louis.  I don't know if the place is still around, but I still have my little Lisas.  It was truly an awesome night and a significant one for our relationship.  Twenty-three years later we're still standing.


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