Wedding Home

Our Story – As told by Patty Duffy

 Zach and I met on a beautiful summer evening about 7 years ago. Back then I really loved to play the game of pool and was “sharking” anyone and everyone I could find willing to play with me. I couldn’t help but notice a really cute blond with a gorgeous smile and a great laugh standing in the corner. He was watching me, but I know he didn’t want me to be aware of it. Feeling bold, I worked up the courage to go and ask him if he would like to play a game of pool with me. He told me that he was actually just leaving because he had to take his friend home, but that he would come back.

 I waited in suspense and excitement for Zach to come back, and just before I gave up hope, he did. I don’t quite remember if it was him or me who won the pool game, but what began that summer night was a friendship that would last. Shortly after I met Zach, he moved to Maryland for a career change. I thought that I would never see him again. Some years passed, although I could never quite forget him.

 One day, a friend of mine told me that Zach had come back to Southwest NM area and that he had been asking about me. I was so excited, and flattered because he hadn’t forgotten me either! I couldn’t wait to see him again. We were brought together again in the same place that some years before we had met. I was again playing pool. He walked up to me, and when I saw him my heart leapt into my throat. I was so shy I couldn’t even speak properly. He still had that same beautiful smile and I was instantaneously smitten again. He asked me if I would like to go fishing with him, and I accepted.

The only other time I had ever been fishing was once at the fish hatchery in Glenwood the year before. But I did own an old, almost useless, fishing pole that I had purchased for $10 at a garage sale (this was perhaps too much). Zach taught me how to look under rocks along the river, to find the right kind of bait, or the right style of fly. He taught me how to cast long distances and small, and how to row a river-boat. As we spent more time together I realized that I was truly falling in love with this man.

 The two of us share among many other things, a love for the outdoors. Camping, fishing, and boating adds excitement and adventure to both of our lives! Zach has taught me how to hold a fish so as not to hurt it or take it’s protective coating off. He has let his fish of the day go when he found that she was carrying eggs. Zach taught me how to shoot clay pigeons and he likes to garden with me.

 Zach is caring and compassionate, and goes out of his way to help anyone who needs it. I am in love with a man who is thoughtful and gentle. He is a gentleman, and has made me realize that chivalry is truly not gone from this world. He is kind to people both old and young.

 I know that our lives will truly be enriched by being together, and I cannot wait for the next 60 years!