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Columnist for a Day: Love at first sight really happens By By Richard Hunterfor the Mail Tribune Posted May 13, 2018 at 2:01 AM When I was living in Victoria, B.C., a co-worker asked whether I wanted to join him on a road trip to South Padre Island, Texas. Working for Stena Lines (formerly known as B.C. Steamship), having an entire winter off was not uncommon. "When do you want to leave?" I asked. "Early tomorrow morning," he replied. Eight hours later, we found ourselves southbound on Interstate 5. We decided to modify our plans by adding a week-long layover in the San Diego Mission Beach area. One evening we had dinner at the Red Onion, a beachside Sports Bar. My intention was to people-watch while sipping a cold pint paired with a tall plate of nachos and Monday Night Football. Suddenly my world shifted into slow motion. As I looked up, I saw a woman sauntering my way with a confidence that echoed with each step. I leaned in and said to my buddy, "See that redhead coming this way? That's the girl I'm going to marry!" He took my beverage and poured it into his almost-empty mug. "No more beer for you," he laughed, while returning his focus to the huge TV above our heads. This goddess continued in my direction, and when she was a few feet away, our eyes met. Trying to sound cool, I blurted out something about the palm tree embossed on her blouse. Her eyes never left mine, her smile pierced me. I was overcome. She held out her hand saying, "My name is Kerry." I took her hand while introducing myself. I never wanted to let go. Not once did she pull back. In fact, she leaned in closer. She asked what I did for a profession, and I gave her the Readers Digest version of my story. I asked, "Are you an actress?" She laughed and tossed her long, red curls behind her. She told me she was a registered nurse. I was impressed. Here I was speaking with someone who was rocking my world, only 10 minutes into this unexplainable relationship, watching this goddess helping herself to my nachos. Things were moving quickly. Fifteen minutes later we were embraced in a slow waltz. We danced our way onto the beachside deck, taking in the essence of the Pacific Ocean. The evening ended far too quickly. Long story short, two days later I helped my buddy complete his trip to Texas. By the time I reached Austin, my priorities had shifted. Kerry consumed my every thought. I was on the next flight back to San Diego. When I saw Kerry waiting at the airport for me, my world was complete. We met Monday Nov. 12, 1990. I flew back to her Thursday, Nov. 22. We were married Thursday, Jan. 31, 1991, on the La Jolla Cove cliffs, and after 27 years she still makes my socks go up and down. Do you believe in love at first sight? I do. Richard Hunter lives in Jacksonville. Most Popular East Medford residents awaken to find KKK recruiting flier May 8 at 6:58 AM Pro-gun measure clears first hurdle in Jackson County May 9 at 12:09 PM Jackson County targets chronic court skippers May 7 at 12:36 PM S. Medford baseball coach on leave after drinking before game May 10 at 7:06 AM David's Chair opens the way back into the outdoors May 11 at 7:03 AM It's titled 'Phoenix, Oregon,' but movie shot in K Falls May 8 at 2:05 PM Erickson flying high: More than 100 employees hired May 7 at 5:05 PM Harry Mondale May 11 at 2:00 AM Couple's rare Kaiser hatchback gets TV treatment May 7 at 2:01 AM Medford's Kyle Singler returns home for annual tourney May 10 at 7:37 PM Senate candidate writes obscene response to election complaint May 12 at 9:49 AM Drug use, possible 'torture' among details revealed in Ruch homicide May 11 at 5:45 PM © Copyright 2006-2018 Rosebud Media LLC. All rights reserved. Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com ~ P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501