CIAO

It was Tuesday August 30, 2016...

I was just chit-chatting it up on my cell phone with a friend of mine when the home phone rang; Telemarketer..credit card company calling for Robert Yates (whoever that may be)...political call...Kidney foundation...? Caller ID isn't very helpful in today's day and age. Oh wait I DO recognize this name, but why are they calling me? These were my true thoughts (in a matter of seconds) as the phone rang. With a bit of a chuckle I say "I gotta go Romeo's Pizza is calling me." In my mind I was thinking "did someone order a pizza in my name and they are calling to confirm?"  So I answer and the scenario plays out just like this; " Hello, Michele?" My response a very sure yet unsure "Yes." "Hi this is Ryan Rose CEO of Romeo's Pizza" um...okay...you wanna know how many emoji's I could use right now to describe my feelings at that moment... He continues... "I'm sitting here with Bree (Director of Marketing) and we would like to tell you that out of almost 1500 entries you have been chosen our Grand Prize Winner of the Romeo's Pizza 15yr Anniversary Love Story Contest! Wait, what? Are you kidding me? I can't be on candid camera as I am the only one here and I am on the phone and not on TV. Did I even tell anyone I entered this contest? Who would play a trick on me like this? OMG this is for real, I'm laughing, have goosebumps, shaking and ultimately sweating. Okay pull it together Michele...Ryan continues on...you have won a nine day trip for two to Italy. I was shocked, my entry won. I won a trip to Italy! I remember entering the contest and thinking it would be great to win one of the prizes like an ipad, Keith Urban Tickets, Cleveland Indians Tickets, I mean a free pizza would be awesome. I am pretty sure this win tops my previous memorable wins $300 bingo win a few years back and the giant Disney Store Simba stuffed animal some 20 years ago. 

For 3 months Romeo's Pizza asked its customers for their "Love Story" on a quest for the greatest Love Story in Ohio.  So I thought what the heck I might as well give it a try. Little did I know or even dream that my story would make it to the top 200 and eventually the sole winner (along with Kevin of course) of the grand prize. 

For three weeks I have searched my computer and every Word document in search of the The Love Story with no avail. Would I really write something without using spellcheck? Apparently so... All I could remember was that it had to be a certain number of characters. I also knew it focused on not only our love but the love he and my girls shared. So I would wait nearly 3 weeks to get the copy of the winning essay and what I had written word for word. So by now I am sure you are wondering about that "Love Story" so here it is:

My love story goes back about 24 years. I was a single mom of two beautiful girls (4 & 2). I had gone back to college and was focused on getting my degree. Little did I know that would lead me to meeting the most amazing man. This man not only loved me but loved my girls as his own. Our first date was not very eventful we went to the movies. But eventually our outings went from being a couple to being a family. You see it takes a special man to see beyond the fact that you are a single mom at 22. The love story was more than just him and me. It was watching my girls fall in love with this man as well, as their dad. We have been married for 21 years and now have three beautiful girls! I may not win the Romeo's prize but my prize is really my Romeo, who I call Kevin and my three girls call dad.

That's it folks short and sweet The Love Story of Michele and Kevin in all it's glory. A Major Award except it's not a lamp and not delivered in a box with FRAGILE (it must be Italian ;) written all over it. Our Story was unique to us, just like your story is to you. I never could have imagined it would would lead us on a trip to Italy.

This past June Kevin and I celebrated our 21st Wedding Anniversary. We are still a Love Story in progress... 

So, the next time you are contemplating whether or not to enter a contest or try your hand at writing an essay for the win-GO FOR IT! You have nothing to lose but oh so much to gain.

Arrivederci amica mia!

PS-Thank you to all our friends and family who have supported Kevin and I, as well as our girls, for many many years. We love every one of you!