The 11th of November is one of those overloaded days. It’s Armistice Day, the day on which the treaty ending World War I was signed. It’s Veteran’s Day, dedicated to all those who have served our country in the armed forces.
And for me, it’s also an important anniversary. Ten years ago tonight was my first real date with Lisa. I say “real date” even though we had had several dinners together with Shel and had even gone on a winery tour together—“real date” because on this date I thought of her for the first time as more than just a friend. We went to a concert at George Mason—I think it was Emmanuel Ax and Peter Serkin—and then ran out of gas coming off the interstate onto Route 7. (Thankfully Route 7 goes downhill from the exit ramp to the next gas station.) And you know what? We didn’t even care.
Happy Veteran’s Day, everyone, and happy anniversary, dear.