When asked how I met Stacey…the story unfolds with a simple answer…
We were introduced by a little girl named Kelley.
In December 2005 I moved to Texas. Not for the scenery, the Cowboys, or even for the oil (which I have, in less than 18 months, already made money on). I moved for the job. I moved for the simple fact that I am easily excited by anything that flies.
The first social engagement in my new city was a Christmas party at the Wright’s. There I met Brent, Jen, and their 3 kids (Kelley, Mindy, and Matthew). Kelley, as I quickly learned, had just been through an incredible battle with cancer. For the year of 2006 all seemed well. When I returned to work after the holidays (Jan 07) I received an email stating that Kelley’s condition had become quite worse. On March 7, 2007 Kelley’s life on earth came to a close. I can’t begin to imagine the heartache Brent and Jen must be going through as they learn to cope with such a loss.
It was Saturday March 10, 2007 when I sat just a few rows from the front, right side, at the Biggers Funeral Home in Lake Worth. I was grieving with the Thoden’s…we all were. Then it happened…like nothing I’d ever experienced. I can hardly believe I’m even writing these words for it just doesn’t seem real. Kelley’s Child Life Specialist from Cook Children’s Hospital walked to the stand and before she began to speak she had my complete attention. She had been speaking no more than 15 seconds when I realized my focus had unintentionally changed. I didn’t see a ring. By the words she spoke I knew she was a Christian. But there at the funeral of my friend’s daughter was no place to flirt. I decided then that at some point in the months to come I would ask Brent about her and see if there was a way we could meet. But as I was leaving I looked up and there she was! She was holding the door for me. If she’d been from the North (where doors are seldom held) she would have been gone. I walked faster as to keep her from having to wait any longer. I said thanks (for holding the door) and quickly said thanks for all she had done for the Thoden’s. I didn’t know what else to say so I told her about my sister (also my best friend) who works with the cancer patients at Vanderbilt Children’s in Nashville. She said thanks for stopping and thanking her and that was it. Little did I know but her coworker was poking her in the back the entire time. Just as she began to walk away my friend Molly Pranke said jokingly “Gingles! You’re not supposed to be flirting at funerals!!!” I was caught. I thought for sure Stacey had heard her…but she hadn’t.
Friday March 30 I was told by my friend, Mark Pranke, that Darla Hall (an Administrative Assistant at Lockheed) had Stacey’s number.
Gingles, Gregory S [11:24 AM]:
So you know Stacey, huh. Mark Pranke told me I needed to talk to you about a phone number you have. I was *really* impressed by her at the service, and briefly talked to her after, but knew it *wasn’t* the place or time……now I’m trying to figure out how to meet her again. Any ideas???
Hall, Darla A [11:25 AM]:
next week I am going to deliver 4 boxes to her would you like to go with me?
Gingles, Gregory S [11:25 AM]:
ABSOLUTELY!
Hall, Darla A [11:27 AM]:
I also think that you could call her at her work number and just thank her for doing such a great job at the service. Let her know that you understand that it was difecult for her, but that she did an outstand job.
Hall, Darla A [11:27 AM]:
I am not sure when next week I will be going, let me know what works best for you
Gingles, Gregory S [11:32 AM]:
Mon, Tues after 12, and Wed will all work. Thanks!
Hall, Darla A [11:32 AM]:
I will get with you on Monday and let you know when I can go.
Hall, Darla A [11:33 AM]:
have a great weekend
Gingles, Gregory S [11:33 AM]:
you too
Because the boxes continued to pour in, Darla didn’t deliver them the following week…or the next week…or even the next.
Thursday April 26 Brent decided he was going to deliver the boxes himself…and had been told that I wanted to meet Stacey. I remember walking with him to Darla’s office where the boxes were being kept in anticipation of what was to come. We entered the office and he gave me one box. I asked for another…then for another. That’s right…3 large boxes one of which was full of books. I felt like Superman that day…well, minus my underwear on the outside and the ability to fly. I couldn’t see where I was going…but knew where I would soon be. We got to the hospital and unloaded the boxes where I would wait for Brent to park the car. It wasn’t but a few minutes later she came out and recognized me! I was soooo nervous…but tried hard to play cool. Inside the hospital we unloaded the boxes for Brent to go through. While we were waiting she showed me photos of Kelley on the door of her office. I wanted to ask for her number right then but for some reason it just didn’t feel like the right time. Conversation came easy and we were soon walking to the door to leave…and I still hadn’t found a way to ask her. She had mentioned wishing that she had some “dirt” on Brent…that she couldn’t see him as a boss…only as Kelley’s dad. The plan hit me and was underway before I realized what I was doing. I had never asked a complete stranger for her number so I wasn’t sure exactly how it should be done or what should be said. As I pulled her aside I quickly said “I know what I can tell you about Brent! I have some good dirt on him!” As soon as we were out of earshot I explained “I don’t have anything on Brent. I know this might seem sneaky…and I don’t even know if you’re dating anyone (as she shook her head no) but I was wondering if I could call you sometime (as she immediately nodded yes).” She said yes…and like a six-shooting western criminal I went with both hands into both pockets to retrieve the already folded piece of paper in one and pen in the other. Not sure anyone in history has (or could) be ready to write so quickly. She gave me her number…I called her the following week…and the rest is as they say………“history.”