The final night of my one week visit I found myself acting as not only producer but as on-air talent as well. As I stood in the phone bank near the volunteers there were three lovely ladies seated next to me, all dressed in red.
Between breaks I would usually go to the break room for some snacks and refreshments but for some reason I never went for a break that night. I stayed and talked to one volunteer who was seated next to me. We talked and talked and laughed and the night just flew by.
For most of the night the crew kept urging me to ask her out. I had never gone out with a volunteer before and didnt see the need then. But something kept me glued to that studio and talking to that volunteer.
At the end of each night I would go to the front door of the studio and say goodnight and thank each volunteer for coming that night. This night was no different.
As that one volunteer made her way down the hall and towards the exit, behind her I could see the creew peering around the corner, mouthing the words "Ask her out!" As she walked past me I said "Goodbye, thank you for helping tonight." I watched in silence as she walked to her car, kicking myself for not saying more.
As she opened her car door she stopped and turned and saw that I was still watching her. She walked back to where I was standing and handed me her business card and said "If you'd like to have coffee sometime, give me a call."
We've been together ever since.
We been through almost all the vows - In sickness and in health; 4 bouts with cancer were she survived them all. For richer and for poorer; unemployment, economic hardships, ups and downs and she is still my rock.
After being together for nearly seven years she finally said yes and so nine years today at the Parma Relay For Life not only did we set the Guiness World Book of Records for The Most Elvis' Singing Viva Las Vegas, we raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars for cancer research and with 107 "Elvi" as our wedding party we got married. It seemed only fitting that we share our special day with all of the more than 3000 attendees and 300 other cancer survivors.
It was hot and muggy but with me in a cherry red Elvis jumpsuit and her in a poodle skirt and Keds we were married. The next day we were all on the front page of the newspaper - Elvis would have loved it.
