When I saw her standing there…

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This is the image in my mind’s eye like a photograph that is permanently printed there.

I am writing this on Wednesday, August 8, 2018.  The 48th. Anniversary of our marriage.  Mine and Aina Kaire’s.  Each year on that date the memory of that first sighting visits and delights my mind.  You see, I am by nature shy, and for whatever reason think less of myself that would normally be called healthy.  At least that’s how I see it in retrospect.  I saw her this way when my friend and I stopped at his cousin’s house in Kalamazoo, Michigan to pick something up.

My friend went into the house.  When he came out so did she.  “Who is that?” I asked him.  “She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen!”  “Oh,” he said.  “Her name is Aina Kaire, she is my cousin’s girlfriend.”  “Lucky cousin,” I remember saying.

The next time I saw her several years later was in a sculpture class at the University.  Being classmates as we were we got to know one another.  We worked on projects together and became friends.  She graduated and took her first job as an art teacher in Albion, Michigan.  I moved to Cleveland, Ohio and eventually was sent to Vietnam for 13 months.

When I returned from Vietnam I was surprised to run into her again.  She worked at the Rexall Pharmacy near my parents home.  “What happened since we last saw each other?” I asked her.  “Oh, the engagement did not work out, and I needed a break from teaching so I am back at school for my Masters.”

“And I am back to finish my art degree,” I said.  “See you in school.”

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Aina on her coffee break at Rexall Drug Store in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Interestingly, and fortuitously, we once again found ourselves in sculpture class.  She, because that was her chosen major for her Masters in Art.  Me, because at least unconsciously, I was growing ever fonder of her company.  Knowing that a romance was out of the question, I settled for a friendship which in so many ways was sweeter still.  Since she was unattached (I guess they say “single” these days) I even, unsuccessfully, tried to set her up with some of my friends.

In January of 1970, my colleagues from my service in Vietnam organized a reunion.  I asked Aina to attend with me.  As my friend.  She agreed.  Something happened that evening which remains in the realm of mystery.  A wonder.  A grace moment.  On the way home from the reunion driving her 1966 Mustang we talked about how we would tell our parents that we are going to get married.

I will never forget the “heady” feeling of gratitude and unbelievable grace when I realized this is really happening.  To me.

When we got home it was time to organize and display my first watercolor exhibit.  We matted, framed and displayed all my current paintings.  At the opening of the show, we formally announced our engagement, our parents and friends congratulated us, I cried, and Aina poured the wine!

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“It’s May, it’s May, that gorgeous holiday When every maiden prays that her lad will be a cad It’s mad, it’s gay, a libelous display” – And thus begins our very own Camelot!

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August 8, 1970.  Yes, sometimes dreams really do come true.

 

 

 

 

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jkinens

Retired from ELCA ministry after serving 39+ years. Need to share what I have learned over the years as a dreamer, artist, husband, father, teacher, pastor, and seeker of grace!

33 thoughts on “When I saw her standing there…”

  2. Beautifully written love story… and it’s true!! Love the pictures. Thanks for writing and sharing. Janis, you have many gifts. ❤️

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  7. God takes us on curious paths. Yours crossing with Aina’s so deliberately … there are no coincidences. The two of you are blessed, and are a blessing to so many others! 48 years is a powerful testimony to faith, love, and a determination to honor and respect each other. You are an inspiration! 💕

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    1. Thank you, Laura, we would not have made it this far without friends like you and Pete and others in the Advent Faith Family to inspire, support, encourage and love us all the time!

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  10. Janis,
    You have made me cry! Congratulations to you both, your children and to all the people lucky enough to know you!
    Mickey and YFA !

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  11. Beautiful story, beautiful couple. You two are a gift to the Cedarburg community! God bless you and keep you on a year-long celebration of your 48th anniversary.

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  12. When I read this story, I am reminded how fortunate Leslie and I were to have crossed Washington Avenue on that Sunday in October of 2001, guarded by a courageous man in a patriotic vestment. Who knew then, how many miles our journey would continue. I am so very glad that we still get to see each other weekly and share our talents. Blessings to both of you. ❤️

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  13. Paldies, tik skaisti! Precetiem vienmer labi atcereties pirmo tiksanos…palidz ne tik labos brizos! Tad vienmer viss ir atkal labi. Paldies!

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  14. What a beautiful story you share here! It was meant to be—and I had no idea you were an art major with such talent! I have long admired Aina’s work in metalsmithing class, but did not know of your love for creating. I would love to hear the story of how you were “called” to ministry! (I, too, was an art major!)

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  15. What a wonderful piece, Janis. Hi and much love to you and Aina on your anniversary—and every day for that matter!

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  16. I’m finally here and loved the story. I didn’t remember all the details but remember from one of your beautiful writings the ~ Lucky cousin. 🙂 Such a wonderful stroll down memory lane. Thank you

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