In September 2008, Lauren and Greg’s story began like so many that had come before:
1. Boy meets girl
2. Boy likes girl
3. Boy does nice things to get noticed but girl doesn’t realize the boy likes her
4. Girl even complains to boy about terrible luck with other boys
Ironically, Greg thought he was simply meeting a new co-worker in the newsroom of The Waterloo Region Record, but as it turns out he was about to meet the greatest person in his life. Needless to say, based on the story to this point, nothing had gone quite like Greg expected (or hoped).
Bad taste in music (Nickelback), mix tapes, hot chocolate and a shared love of sports brought them closer together. Their friendship grew, but timing never gave them a chance for anything more. Weeks in the newsroom turned to years, and eventually both moved on from Wilfrid Laurier and the city of Waterloo.
A couple chance encounters down the road made it clear to others that there was a clear attraction and connection between the two.
Sports has always been at the forefront of their friendship – take a Monday Night Football game in September 2012 for example. Greg (two weeks into his new life in Toronto) and his friend Josh happened to walk into the bar where Lauren worked. Their obvious “friendliness” was rekindled instantaneously, but alas, timing again wasn’t on their side.
Fast forward three years to Friday, October 23, 2015 – both were disappointed that the Toronto Blue Jays had been eliminated in a crushing game six defeat at the hands of the evil Kansas City Royals. Frustrated that the Jays late-season run didn’t have a magical finish, Lauren and Greg went on Facebook unknowingly beginning the journey to their own incredible ending.
After Greg left a note on Lauren’s “farewell to the Jays” post, a few comments were exchanged, innocent enough between friends, but admittedly Greg was the first to remember those old feelings from the bullpen. After days of texting and enough flirting that even a blind squirrel could read into, Lauren finally asked Greg to meet for a drink. Seven years after originally meeting they finally had an actual date … talk about anticipation.
From that night on Lauren and Greg fell in love, finding in each other their best friend and confidant. If anyone ever needs to know how much they care about each other just tell them this: Greg now watches football (soccer) on his own and Lauren won’t complain when a regular season Leafs’ game is on their TV. Weeknights are spent cooking, making football picks and geeking out over Star Wars or comic books. Weekends usually involve some horseplay – quite literally, as Greg volunteers at the farm where Lauren trains retired racehorses.
They’ve traveled to Bucs and Broncos games in Florida, the beaches of Jamaica, even hiked a volcano in Nicaragua and are excited for the new adventure each passing month and year will bring.
