New Year's Eve, 1994, Miami Brickell Four Seasons. My girlfriend wore a shimmering beaded black cocktail dress that stopped short of tachycardia at both ends and I wore a tuxedo (black of course which would go without stating were it not for the remainder of this story). Her blonde hair was pinned up with several precisely calculated loose curls intentionally dropping to her shoulders inviting the visual caress of their softness. Her black spike heel shoes addressing every curvature of her ankles and inciting a most attractive line about her calves. Everything about her was perfect. Her smile, her hazel eyes and even the way her eyelashes moved upward with a blink just before she slowly turned her head to look at me. I can almost smell her perfume as I recall the glistening curvature of her lips – her hand resting on my arm. The allure numbed the senses. Peripheral vision was lost. This was the place to be.
Besides the sumptuous supply of culinary delights and the appropriate festive dance music filling the ballroom from the live orchestra, the fireworks display over Biscayne Bay could only imitate the sizzle of hope and anticipation in everyone’s heart. The French doors from the ballroom to the outdoor patio were opened allowing guests to mingle among the softly swaying palm trees in the whisper of a breeze on this clear night of 70 degrees. The bay was a sheet of glass ready to fill with the explosions of colored lights about to captivate our senses further. Armani, Chanel and my personal favorite, which I was wearing, Yves Saint Laurent were in great attendance. This was the gala event of the season.
Our attention turned to a young man, perhaps in his late twenties who wore a baby blue polyester tuxedo with dark blue velvet trim and ruffled powder blue shirt also fringed in a darker shade of blue. His oversized bowtie matched the velvet of his lapel perfectly. Almost as girthy were the lenses of his glasses which were wire rimmed only to serve in augmenting the visual of their thickness. How completely out of place he was. As I watched him further, I took note that his handicap went much further than his ability to procure appropriate attire for the times. His exuberance was unrestrained and seemed to be ignited further by the music; his movements jerky and somewhat cumbersome. Yet through what would have made others blush with embarrassment he continued to smile. Then she joined him. A young woman wearing what could only be described as a 1950’s light blue prom dress complete with immense ruffled skirt complimented with innumerable pressed blue satin bows. Her hair was held back on both sides with matching blue ribbons and she also wore thick wire rimmed glasses. I took note that she jumped slightly when she approached her apparent date – a sparkle of glee in her eyes, a smile so broad it almost touched her ears. They joined arm in arm and skipped a beat with delight to be with each other as if their momentary separation only served to anticipate this joyful childlike reunion. They had found each other. The perfect person with whom to share breakfast; watch a movie; cuddle in comfort; hold your hand in distress or illness; tell you your dreams are worth pursuing; create a home - that one person that sees the best in you when others only see the ruffles on your shirt.
I turned to my date and commented, “You see, there is someone for everyone”.
To all single folks out there... don’t lose heart. There is someone just perfect for you, as you are, with whatever issues you have or face. There is someone who wants to be loved by you and receive all the love you have been saving just for them. There IS someone for everyone.
“And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
