How We Met

On August 19, 2002, an unexpected meeting would take place that would change the lives of two individuals forever.

August 19, 2002, was a Monday. Ryan was living with his Aunt and Uncle, Shirley and Greg Rumsey, for the summer while he taking summer classes and working at Southern Adventist University (SAU).

His parents had come to town to celebrate his 22nd birthday the next day, August 20. That evening, his family decided to have dinner at The Olive Garden to celebrate. The evening progressed as any normal evening until a friend of his Uncle Jim’s came into the restaurant. Upon seeing each other, Uncle Jim and Greg Sutherland started to visit. They visited for about 15 to 20 minutes, when Greg got this idea.

Greg had brought several young people with him that evening, as he usually does whenever he’s in town. In the group was a young lady, Mindy Price. Mindy had spent of most the summer at Greg’s house with her best friend, Janell Pettibone—Greg’s Cousin, in Arkansas. While there, Janell and Mindy painted several murals for the local church school. The day before they came back to SAU they had enjoyed skydiving and were riding high from the experience. They just got into town and also decided to eat at The Olive Garden to celebrate.

He brought over Mindy, a very beautiful young lady, who was totally embarrassed and completely red from head to toe. After the introduction, Greg gave Ryan Mindy.s phone number. Ryan immediately knew he wanted to see her again.

The next night Ryan called her and asked if she would join him on a date the next night. Not knowing what to do, Mindy said she couldn’t because her friends would only be in town for the next couple of days. Ryan, being persistent for once, asked if Friday night was open, but it wasn’t. This time she had to pick up a friend at the airport and didn’t know when the fight was scheduled to arrive.

Ryan was disheartened but wasn’t going to give up. The next evening, Wednesday evening, he called for a second time, only to be turned down once again. At this point Ryan didn’t have much hope they would see each other again. However, two days later-Friday night-Mindy tried to call Ryan.

Yet, as luck would have it, Ryan didn’t receive the call as he purchsaed a new cell phone and number. Luckily Mindy decided to leave a message at his old number. Ryan called her Saturday after church and invited her to lunch at his Uncle Jim.s house. She accepted the invitation and they spent 12 wonderful hours together.

And the rest as they say is history.