Fourteen years ago this week, I did something that most people do once in a lifetime. In fact, my friend Joe did it 32 years ago and it has worked to this day. There are people who have done it for close to half a century and have been successful – but sadly – mine only lasted one year and nine months…

…I’m talking about getting married.

I remember it like it was yesterday. Her name was Elisabeth and, at the time – she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. We started dating in 1992 and got engaged in late 1993 – and on January 21, 1995 – we said the vows that would keep us together, “’till death do us part.”

I actually still have the video of our ceremony and recently watched it – and remember every detail – even the ones that the video did not capture. She was a beautiful bride and at the time I could not have asked for anything more. I remember being calm, cool and collective – until I started placing the matchbooks next to each plate that said, “Paul and Elisabeth – January 21, 1995” – and freaking out.

Once I calmed down, she arrived, and the ceremony began. She was a beautiful bride and I thought, at the time – that we would be together forever – but sadly – our marriage did not experience that happy ending.

We divorced in October of 1996 – just three months shy of our two-year anniversary. The reasons are personal – but truthfully, even though we did not work out – I did, at the time – mean those five words – and I would have stayed with her until the day I died – but unfortunately, fate has its own agenda.

I did reconnect with her when her brother and my best friend Bradd died on January 5, 2001. My at-the-time recent ex-girlfriend Sandy actually managed to get him a plot at a Jewish cemetery – something that was very selfless of her. I recall the day of the funeral – and the two of them instantly bonding – something that I thought was weird at the time. Here is my ex-wife and my very recent ex-girlfriend acting like sisters – and probably trading stories about me and how horrible a boyfriend – and husband – I was.

Last I heard, she is re-married and a mother to a daughter. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about her – in fact – I wish her well and hope her family is doing fine and prospering. She is a great person and even though we did not work out – she still deserves the best life has to offer. I am glad that she found someone to make her happy and hope that this time – her second husband will be with her, “’till death do us part.” – and that she, even though it was not with me – is the absolute best mother in the world.

This year, I am planning to tie the knot once again when I marry my Julie. Obviously, I do not want marriage number two to end like marriage number one – I can only hope that I am as happy with Julie as Lis is with her husband.

Thanks for the memories Lis – you will always hold a special place in my heart.