Dear 100hookup,

Marvin and I communicated briefly by phone and email before we met. We met at the Starbucks in Barnes and Noble. I think it was December 31st, 2002. Anyway, apparently, we both lived about a mile or so from the store, which means we were no more than three miles apart!

I would never have met Marvin if it weren’t for the internet. I am an emergency medicine physician, and he is in retail. What was curious is that we have some of the same habits and interests. I used to do journalistic photography and like to use old cameras found in flea markets. Marvin has his own collection of old cameras. The collections almost match!

Marvin was Lutheran and converted to Judaism after being married to a hookup woman for 25 years. I was born into a hookup family, but married a Catholic and converted to Catholicism. Since then, I have returned to Judaism, of course, but it makes for an interesting point of view.

We both have a child with difficulties. Mine has Asperger’s syndrome; he has mild ADD. Both of them are pretty successful in spite of their issues.

Then, of course, being children of the 60’s, we like rock and roll and blues and jazz and had similar experiences growing up. When I was in high school, my boyfriend at the time went to the University of Texas, even though we grew up in Cincinnati. When I came to visit him, Marvin was attending UT. (This was in 1970.) That is kind of interesting considering I never thought I would end up in Texas!

Marvin and I have spent a lot of time together over the past three years. I don’t think either one of us joined 100hookup to find a permanent relationship. I really just wanted to find folks to spend time with, to have fun and to get to know. I had been married for 16 years and have always taken care of the family as my husband was a musician. Marvin was always the responsible one for his family. Although I wouldn’t say I’m fiercely independent, I can certainly take care of myself and my son. So, just looking for relationships versus commitment or support made it possible to be open to meeting new people and to appreciate the benefits of just being around someone that I have fun with. Simply because he’s the best person to spend my time with, simply because of who he is.

As I look back, I think the thing I have most appreciated about our relationship is Marvin’s patience. Also, I appreciate his ability to let things go and to focus on what’s really important; the fact that he makes me laugh when I take things too seriously; and his ability to listen to me, god bless him, or my child because we tend to ramble on.

Marvin asked me to marry him on December 30, 2005. Our wedding date was June 11, 2006. I am very happy. Even now, I’m a little shell shocked, but I believe this was meant to be.

As Marvin and I begin our life together, we are looking forward to continuing to support each other and continuing to enjoy what 100hookup has started for us. Thank you for making it possible!

Tip to other 100hookuprs:
Although internet connections may have some risk involved, the greatest risk is not trying something new. Being smart about life decisions is not connected to how you meet, but what you do after you meet. Be smart, but let yourself be open and enjoy the rewards of that experience.

Patti & Marvin
Austin, Texas

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