Steve Sikes Blog  

This weekend is a very special weekend for Patti and me because it was forty years ago on November 7, 1970, we experienced our first date!  I was 18 and had never dated anyone in my life.  To say I was extremely nervous is an understatement!  What to say?  How do I talk to a girl who’s not one of my seven sisters?  Do I open the door for her…pull back her chair at the restaurant?  After the banquet should I take her bowling or just out for a coke or both?

Marvin, my college dormitory wing-supervisor, showed me how to shave on the Friday before the banquet; Rob, who had a room next door, helped me with my tie; and Dan, calmed me down and gave me tips on conversation initiatives.  Plus, one month before our scheduled appointment, I convinced my older brother, Stacy, who was visiting York College during Homecoming week, to ask Patti out on a date and see what he thought of her.  When he returned he affirmed that she was quite the young lady and that I should indeed date her! Thanks, Stacy!  Good call!!

I picked Patti up in my 1965 Ford Galaxy 500 – both the car and I were completely washed, waxed and shining!  I don’t remember saying anything to Patti at the banquet besides “pass the rolls” because there were others around us who carried the conversation.  Afterwards, I did take her bowling and she beat me both games.  Bummer.  However, our first date was in the books and the rest is history: 40 years of dating; 37 years of marriage next month; 4 children; 3 grandchildren; and no loss of words for conversation!  I love you, Patti!

God is good and pass the rolls!

Mr. Steve

(Note: Steve and Patti are in Boyertown, PA this weekend speaking at a marriage seminar and celebrating their 40th.)