Act III, Scene vi

III,vi, In which our hero meets someone he did not expect.

Her first words to me were something I will never forget.  I was to meet her to go for a bike ride, at the invitation of a mutual friend.  There was a summer fair/marketplace at the Pump House, one of only a few relics of the bygone Steel Days at Pittsburgh's Waterfront District.  The onld pump house has been restored/preserved, and was now being used for this public market.

But there she was, helping our mutual friend - who was offering some sort of tarot reading/palmistry/spiritual cleansing/ whatever other new-age stuff she does - clean up her table.  She walked around the table, and promptly walks right into  - and we're talking full-on, right into it -a wheel that was used to turn some gear/valve/whatever in the pumphouse. 

"Hi, I'm Shanna, and I just crotch-banged a wheel."

I forget what I said in response.  It may have been something like "Well, you have to watch out for those wheels - they just jump out at you." or something more like "Yes, yes you did."  or possibly, "Well, honesty is a good trait."  Frankly, I don't know.  I just rmember that I was partially stunned at the bluntness of the statement, and awed at her honesty with a stranger.  Because, after all, yes, she crotch-banged a wheel.

What followed was a few hours spent with the two - our mutual friend and my new-found friend - running around the Waterfront, into bookstores and other small shops.  It was relaxing.  I let my guard down, and was totally free.  I imagined myself witty and fun, humorous and maybe even a little charming.  I don't know if I really am all those things - well, ok, I have my moments of being slightly humorous - and for some reason or other, it looked like it was working.

This is how I met the most incredible woman I have ever come to know.  And I'm gonna shout it from the rooftops, if I have to, until everyone knows all about it.  Why?  Because, as awesome as she is, and no matter how many times I tell her how awesome she is.....she doesn't believe it.
So, for better or worse, Shanna dear....

I love you. 
like a bird playing in wind,
like an artist finally finding his inspiration,
I love you.

I love you.
like a musician loves a chord that finally resolves
like an actor loves when the lines come easy,
I love you.

I love you.
like the rain loves pouring itself out,
like the sun loves and warms the earth,
I love you.

You are the joy of my life, my dear one, the answer to my prayers.  You are the hope of my tomorrow and the dreams of my good-nights.  Every day you take my breath away.  Your ease and your grace astound me.  I am awed by your powerful simplicity, your courage, and your quiet inner strength.  You are my everything.

And I know that I have now embarrassed you enough, my love, but I cannot help it.  I will lasso the moon if I have to, and give George Bailey a run for his money.  I may be corny, cheesy, and in all other ways a silly idiot to believe in love......but I'm glad I do, for I would change nothing.  This is me, crotch-banging the wheel.

Thanks for reading,
The Fat Kid