This fine tale of adventure all started many years ago on August 1, 2001.

It was a warm summer evening (a.k.a. hot as [fill in the blank] evening) in Central Texas. What started as a fun trip to Schlitterbahn with my buddies, concluded with the ever-lasting adventure of my life.

She was 17 years young and FOR THE RECORD, so was I.

She made me feel nervous. She made me feel self-conscious. She made me feel life. She is amazing.

On the ride back from Schlitterbahn, I knew it would all come to an end unless I said “Aloha.” OK, that’s my internalized nervous side. What I meant to say is that I said “Can I pick you up in my Dad’s 1998 Chevrolet K-1500 later?”

So sure enough, I asked the question (second one that is) and sure enough, she said “absolutely NOT!”…The End…just kidding LOL!!!
She ACTUALLY said “OK.”

At that point, I had no idea on how to respond. Guess I could have jumped up and down, but instead I said “can I pick you up at 9?” Her reply was “OK.” Guess she likes that reply.

So we parted ways for a little while we got ready for this next adventure…

After taking a shower, I traveled IH-35 to Georgetown in my Dad’s 1998 Chevrolet K-1500 to pick her up. Nothing but “Be Like That” by 3 Doors Down was playing on the radio.

Upon arrival, I asked her “where do you want to go?” She said “let’s go to Blue Hole and jump off the bluffs.” So I said, “OK.” Guess that response ended up with me as well.

On the walk to the top of the bluffs I asked her “I have a question for you, do you like me?” Her response was “maybe.” That was when I asked the question “does this make you my girlfriend?” and her response was “maybe.”

We then arrived at the top of the bluffs and while holding each other’s hands, we took the leap of life and had our first kiss once we arrived in the water.

Four months later, I proposed to her at the same spot.

Since then, we have four beautiful children here on earth and three wonderful angels in Heaven that we hold in our hearts until one day we can hold them in our arms.

Our journey together has taken us from Round Rock, TX to Kingsville, TX to Port Lavaca, TX to Rockport, TX back to Port Lavaca, TX to Seadrift, TX and back again to Round Rock, TX. If that ain’t irony, I don’t know what is.

All I can say is “Love Life.” Life is never easy, but with the love of your life, anything is possible.
After all, I am writing this story to you on August 1, 2019.

God Bless Y’all!

The McDaniels
P.S. This tale of adventure is one of…”It’s your turn”

McDoniels family in Port O’Connor, TX
(Tale of the “SEA DRIFTER”) passed by this POC beach two years earlier.