Captured!

[Kpt. Lehmann]

I hope no one minds if I post this bit of news here. I'm most comfortable here in the SH3 forums because I spent so much time here before. I just wanted to share a little bit of my past and present with my friends that still ride the oceans here.

Twenty two years ago during my junior year in high school, I met a young lady that made me weak in the knees and made my heart race like no one else ever has since. (I was 17 years old and she was 16.)

We began to see each other as often as possible, though it was very little indeed by our standards.

You see, we were forbidden to date. Her parents hated me from the moment they found out that I was obligated to enter the Army at the end of my junior year. Her parents were peace protesters during the Vietnam war, and though I always treated them with respect and answered with "yes sir" or "no maam" they felt that their daughter had no future with me.. though NOT ONCE did we ever give them true reason to think badly of us.

We would still race to see each other between classes, and I'd walk her home from school every day... but even that was too much for her parents. They demanded that she "break up" with me... or they would not pay for her law school tuition.

Still we saw each other, but did our level best to not be seen together.

In private we had talked about running away together and getting married... and starting a family... but it wasn't to be.

When I entered the Army, we wrote each other every day... until one day the letters just stopped being answered.

When I was finally able to return home on leave, there was a "For Sale" sign infront of her house...

... and I lost all real hope of ever seeing her again. Their old phone number was disconnected... and we had no email... no text-messaging...

I wouldn't know it until last year, but we now believe that her mother had started to intercept the mail from both of us. During that time, her family picked up and moved to a new address... and I had no way of knowing.

"WE" had ceased to be... because we were hated for what we had.

As it turns out, she has been looking for me all this time, and says that she stopped just short of hiring a private investigator to determine my whereabouts... feeling that after all the time that had passed, it would be an invasion of privacy.

On October 23rd of last year, she found me on Facebook. (Friends had razzed me to death just weeks before about building a facebook account... and I had just done so to make them be quiet.)

Though we lived in cities more than 200 miles away from each other, we began to visit... and from the first meeting, it was as if twenty years simply hadn't happened. After all this time, it was as if it were only a single day.

Incredible odds against us. Decisions made for us so long ago... It seems to me that one's chances of winning the lottery are much better.

She is an attorney for Lubbock county now... and now I am a Paramedic in Lubbock after having moved there myself.

Today, I was finally able to get down on one knee infront of the courthouse main entrance and ask her to marry me.

She said yes...

... and after all these years, we can finally be together.

We will be married on October 23rd... one year to the day that we found each other again.

Her parents are talented grudge holders... and want nothing to do with our wedding next month...

... and though it hurts my now-fiance to be treated so badly by her parents... she tells me that WE are the ones who make decisions about our lives from here forward... and that they can be there with us... in support of us... or not at all.

... and I can think of NO ONE that I'd rather grow old with.

Some may wonder if they've found the "right one."

I know that I have.

Some things really are unbreakable... and it is UNREAL to me that this story is unfolding as it is today...

Thanks for letting me ramble guys.

I am truly, one of the luckiest men in the world.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f117/KptLehmann/055a2.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f117/KptLehmann/152.jpg

[K-61]

That's great! I wish you both the best. As to her parents? They sound like dopey liberals.

[frau kaleun]

:hmmm:

:wah:

:yeah:

Group hug?

That is an amazing story. Best wishes to you both... I'd say "best of luck" but it seems like you've already got that covered. :up:

[Gerald]

and what you describe was not a coincidence, you were meant for each other,long before you met, all this was a sentence :salute:

[Sailor Steve]

I think you told part of this story before, Todd. Which doesn't lessen its effect on us all. Glad to hear the middle is progressing toward a satisfactory end.

I'll save my "Best Wishes" for the wedding. :rock:

[timmy41]

That's an excellent story! Best wishes to you both! :salute:

so, whens the party? :woot:

[nemo7]

I thing I am going to cry...You are a VERY LUCKY man matey...Best wishes:03:

[OSU]

Congratulations! Awesome story too by the way. It's amazing what Facebook can do these days. :yeah:

[reignofdeath]

Congratulations! :yeah: I knew facebook was good for soemthing :O:

[U777]

Congrats! I wish you two the best of luck and a long and happy life together!

[Draka]

Just stumbled on this - congratulations. As for her parents - as one of that generation, just remind them that karma goes around in exact measure as to what GOES around - a tenant of that "faith". Obviously your (and her) karma was nearly of Buddha quality - and not to be gainsaid. Thus speaks the Guru ......

[Kapt Z]

Damn the inlaws!

Full speed ahead.......!

:salute:

[mookiemookie]

I was just cutting onions....piece of dirt in my eye....yeah, that's it.

Congratulations, man!

[Madox58]

My friend,
I've still got that dopey smile on my face,
and the tear in my eye I told you about on the phone call today.
:yep:

"I Love You Man!"
:har:

[Sailor Steve]

It's amazing what Facebook can do these days. :yeah:
Worked a wonder for me. Now it's his turn. :sunny:

Well, actually his turn came quite awhile before mine did, but the moral's the same.

[Snestorm]

This story just made my week.
Congradulations, and thank you.

[Gabucino]

Okay, so now maybe you could ease up that firm grip on her shoulder :haha:

[danlisa]

I am truly, one of the luckiest men in the world.

Yes you are. Congratulations and to be honest mate, it's about bloody time! Good for you.:up: Happiness and peace to both of you in your future.

P.S Don't get any anxiety issues from your fiancée standing next to those torpedo launchers.:har:

[JScones]

Congrats and all the best to both of you. :up:

[PhantomLord]

Life is full of wonders and surprises. :D
Good luck and best wishes to both of you!

http://media.80stees.com/images/products/Star_Trek_Spock_Live_Long_and_Prosper-T-link.jpg

[Laughing Swordfish]

Love conquers all!

That's a fantastic happy ending, and I wish you both all the best from London.

Raoul de Bunsen (LS)

[Pisces]

Congratulations, Kpt. Lehmann. I too got face-to-face with a long lost love in July this year. Hadn't seen her in like 25 years. (yeah, puppy love, but who cares) I moved out of town, and later she too. Boy did it feel like an earthquake going through my body actually seeing her again. The meeting was at an awkward moment and hasn't come to anything yet, probably because her life is in a bit of a rough spot right now and I live in another town. We'll see what the year brings. .... Anyway, this is just my way of saying I can relate. :up:

As for her parents, somehow their stance doesn't reflect the expression "make love, not war". I hope for you two they see that sooner rather than later.

[raymond6751]

That's a beautiful love story. Congratulations. Love wins over hate any time.

I wish you many happy years together.

[Jimbuna]

http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/images/smilies/wow.gif http://imgcash4.imageshack.us/img265/5513/starwarsdancinglo0.gif

Absolutely fan-bloody-tastic Todd http://skins.hotbar.com/skins/mailskins/em/110104/110104_emM5.gif

Give Crystal loads of love and best wishes from Ann and me.....she'll probably need it :O:

I found your PM timed at 20:30 GMT (two hours before your public announcement on the board) this morning :damn::damn::damn:

Here's a small extract (suitably censored and not divulging anything you haven't already made public)...

Hi Jim.

I wanted you to be one of the first to know... Crystal said, "YES!!!"

So we will be getting married on the 23rd of October!

We will be sending you an invite... though we know you probably can't make the trip... We hope you'll be there in spirit.

I'm so sorry I never noticed it earlier but you should have telephoned me with news of such magnitude ya bugga :stare:

I am taking up a new appointment on Monday 20th of this month and it is a little ironic and coincedental that you will have detailed knowledge and experience of said discipline (a bet that's gotcha thinking) :DL

I'll open up the TS server @20:00 GMT this evening in the hope you can make it.

If not drop me a line when we can talk.

Time you got back to folding them napkins, polishing the cutlery and inflating the party balloons you lucky devil.

Till we speak mate....best wishes.

Jim

[Mittelwaechter]

Sometimes life is a b!tch - and sometimes just wonderful.

And sometimes it finally pays back.

Great news and thanks you shared your lovestory with all of us.

My best wishes and may your love last forever.

[TarJak]

Todd,

This is fantastic news and I know that both of you will be very happy together.

Let Crystal know that we sympathise with her. :O:

Well done and good luck to the both of you.

[iambecomelife]

Congratulations!!! And all hail facebook! :D

[Herr-Berbunch]

Congratulations on your 'better than a' lottery win!

I hope domestic bliss you deserve doesn't interfere with subsim too much, or maybe Frau Lehmann should get on board too?

I'm just wondering who will be the first to mod some cans tied to the back of a U-boat? :D

[bookworm_020]

Great to see such a positive story. Congrats on finding each and the best to your future together.:salute::salute::salute::salute:

[Hitman]

CONGRATULATIONS MAN!!

You're not just marrying a wonderful woman, but also have a beautiful story to tell; it's one of those things that will make your relation forever special. :yeah:

The only question is, if she is actually as lucky as you, given whom she marries :har:

Just/joking :haha:

[Kipparikalle]

This one's for you, Lehmann
http://www.anifics.com/dbz-bro-fist-apm14.jpg

[Brag]

A wonderful story and this is the best place to share. Congratahoochies to you both. :salute:

[vanjast]

... and explain to her parents that we 'war mongers', on the side of the 'enemy', all wish the two of you well in the future.

Luckily when I met my wife 30 years ago, my 'outlaws' were not that bad, but I still could feel that I was not 'good enough' for their daughter (is anybody?). I was trouble-in-a-nice-way , which my wife seemed to enjoy, as a way of rebelling against the 'law'. Her aunt's were somewhat worse than her parents, but the uncles were all cool characters.

I think the parents were waiting for this novelty to wear off and dissapear... har har har... 30 years later I'm the favourite son-in-law (well they only had 1 daughter :) )

Your outlaws might wakeup when they got grandchildren !!

[Thomen]

I hope no one minds if I post this bit of news here. I'm most comfortable here in the SH3 forums because I spent so much time here before. I just wanted to share a little bit of my past and present with my friends that still ride the oceans here.

Twenty two years ago during my junior year in high school, I met a young lady that made me weak in the knees and made my heart race like no one else ever has since. (I was 17 years old and she was 16.)

We began to see each other as often as possible, though it was very little indeed by our standards.

You see, we were forbidden to date. Her parents hated me from the moment they found out that I was obligated to enter the Army at the end of my junior year. Her parents were peace protesters during the Vietnam war, and though I always treated them with respect and answered with "yes sir" or "no maam" they felt that their daughter had no future with me.. though NOT ONCE did we ever give them true reason to think badly of us.

We would still race to see each other between classes, and I'd walk her home from school every day... but even that was too much for her parents. They demanded that she "break up" with me... or they would not pay for her law school tuition.

Still we saw each other, but did our level best to not be seen together.

In private we had talked about running away together and getting married... and starting a family... but it wasn't to be.

When I entered the Army, we wrote each other every day... until one day the letters just stopped being answered.

When I was finally able to return home on leave, there was a "For Sale" sign infront of her house...

... and I lost all real hope of ever seeing her again. Their old phone number was disconnected... and we had no email... no text-messaging...

I wouldn't know it until last year, but we now believe that her mother had started to intercept the mail from both of us. During that time, her family picked up and moved to a new address... and I had no way of knowing.

"WE" had ceased to be... because we were hated for what we had.

As it turns out, she has been looking for me all this time, and says that she stopped just short of hiring a private investigator to determine my whereabouts... feeling that after all the time that had passed, it would be an invasion of privacy.

On October 23rd of last year, she found me on Facebook. (Friends had razzed me to death just weeks before about building a facebook account... and I had just done so to make them be quiet.)

Though we lived in cities more than 200 miles away from each other, we began to visit... and from the first meeting, it was as if twenty years simply hadn't happened. After all this time, it was as if it were only a single day.

Incredible odds against us. Decisions made for us so long ago... It seems to me that one's chances of winning the lottery are much better.

She is an attorney for Lubbock county now... and now I am a Paramedic in Lubbock after having moved there myself.

Today, I was finally able to get down on one knee infront of the courthouse main entrance and ask her to marry me.

She said yes...

... and after all these years, we can finally be together.

We will be married on October 23rd... one year to the day that we found each other again.

Her parents are talented grudge holders... and want nothing to do with our wedding next month...

... and though it hurts my now-fiance to be treated so badly by her parents... she tells me that WE are the ones who make decisions about our lives from here forward... and that they can be there with us... in support of us... or not at all.

... and I can think of NO ONE that I'd rather grow old with.

Some may wonder if they've found the "right one."

I know that I have.

Some things really are unbreakable... and it is UNREAL to me that this story is unfolding as it is today...

Thanks for letting me ramble guys.

I am truly, one of the luckiest men in the world.





Hot damn.. That IS awesome! Congratulation! And the best of luck to you guys. :salute:

[Will-Rommel]

Touching story, life is so worth it ! Enjoy !!!

[Schöneboom]

Fantastico! Congratulations! I'm happy for you both!

[Telemon]

Congratulations and a happy future to you both.

[Hans Uberman]

From the title, I thought the allies had captured another of our fine captains! This news is quite preferable!! For a time, the sea may have captured your heart, but now it rests in the arms of another! Congratulations!

[HW3]

Congratulations and all the best to both of you.:yeah:

[Kpt. Lehmann]

On behalf of us both, thank you kindly for all of your good thoughts and words guys! (and gal) :arrgh!:

Here's wishing each of you the same kind of happiness! (The kind of happiness you just can't buy.) :salute:

[conus00]

That is an incredible and touching story. I'm going through very tough streak in my life right now and that story just shed a ray of light in my otherwise really grim weeks. It made me realize that there is a good in this world.

Congratulations and the best of luck!
(even though we've never met, I really mean it)

[desirableroasted]

What a lovely story! :up: Congratulations!

[Jimbuna]

Thanks for the phone call this evening mate, was great to talk to Crystal and yourself...your both going to be extremely happy I'm certain of that http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/thumbsup.gif

Ann was a little lost for words when I gave her the phone (not usually like her at all) http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/wacko.gif

God Bless and all the very best for your futures together.

Best Wishes
Jim http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/pirate.gif

[Kpt. Lehmann]

Thank you Jimbuna! The pleasure was all ours, my friend! It was wonderful to get to talk with the both of you.

I'm very sorry that I missed the TS window the other day, mate.:oops:

I can hardly wait until we get to talk face to face again... and we will again... Mark my words.:shucks:

Tis been far too long already my friend!:arrgh!:

[Kpt. Lehmann]

At 1540 hours Saturday / today, U.S. Central time, Crystal and I will have a live webcast come online so that friends of ours who live far away can watch us get married if they wish. Here is the link:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/crystal-s-wedding

Password is "wedding"

Sorry for such short notice. My hard drive croaked and I am writing to you from Crystal's laptop.

We wish that all of our friends could be here... but maybe this will help a bit. God bless you all!

[Jimbuna]

At 1540 hours Saturday / today, U.S. Central time, Crystal and I will have a live webcast come online so that friends of ours who live far away can watch us get married if they wish. Here is the link:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/crystal-s-wedding

Password is "wedding"

Sorry for such short notice. My hard drive croaked and I am writing to you from Crystal's laptop.

We wish that all of our friends could be here... but maybe this will help a bit. God bless you all!

Hey! stupid bugga! http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1853/angry8ro5.gif

Your PM box is full so this is the only way I can reply to those PM's you sent yesterday :DL

This is what I tried to send:

DAMN! DAMN! DAMN! I'm on a 24 hour turnaround shift commencing 14:30 Sat until 14:30 Sunday (GMT) :damn:

Can the ceremony be recorded or viewed a day after it occured?

If it can and there is a cost/charge simply let me know and I'll wire the money....this is one movie I do not want to miss LOL :DL

I have made the announcement over @ The Lair as requested and apologise for not picking up your call on my Blackberry last night....my phone was switched off whilst charging (very unusual for me) and I only knew of your call when I read your PM here.

Jeff has been in touch and apparently he was out when you rang him (your not having much luck lately but I know that will change tomorrow) :up:

Ann and I wish you both every happiness and hope everything goes as planned on this your special day.

Love and Best Wishes :sunny:

Jim and Ann xxx

[VONHARRIS]

Congratulations and the best wishes!

May you live long and happy!

[Kpt. Lehmann]

No worries Jimbuna my friend. I'll send you a copy of the video when it is available to me... though I'm not sure how to fit a big manly bear-hug in the package LOL!

I know that you, Tarjak, Privateer, all the wolves, and all our friends will be here at heart!

Less than three hours to go... and I'm on cloud nine! I feel like today is the best day of my entire life! :salute:

Best wishes everyone!

Next time you hear from me, I'll have MRS LEHMANN on my arm!!!
:rock::rock::rock:

[Madox58]

I'm standing by for the Event, My Friend!
:salute:

This will be my first InterNet Wedding!
:o
The only thing that could be better then this
was if I could be there.

I'm so Happy for the both of you!
:rock:

[FIREWALL]

:up: Best Wishes.

[Sailor Steve]

Just saw it, me and 11 others, including James.

[UnderseaLcpl]

Congrats, Todd:up:

I saw the whole thing. Best wishes to you and your beautiful bride.

[frau kaleun]

I missed it... :wah:

Oh well I didn't have anything to wear anyway. :O:

Congrats to the groom and best wishes to the lovely bride and many years of shared happiness to the both of you. :yeah::salute: :woot:

[Canovaro]

Congretulations to both of you, and all the very best wishes!!

http://www.wpclipart.com/holiday/wedding/wedding_cake/wedding_cake_2.png

[Draka]

From someone who is still married to his first and only wife (a rarity in my generation) since 1975, may your run be at least as long and as happy as mine.

[joea]

Wow, this is just what I needed to read Kpt. CONGRATS and best of luck.

[Myxale]

A great story! Very inspiring!

Wish you guys the best and save sailing!:salute:

[Madox58]

Had it plugged into my TV from start to finish.
:yeah:

[CCIP]

Congrats Kpt.! :yeah:

May you both live long and happy and with Lehman-proof doors. :D

[Madox58]

Wedding photo's leaked already?
:hmmm:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cayusa/2838505123/sizes/z/in/photostream/
:03:

[Jimbuna]

No worries Jimbuna my friend. I'll send you a copy of the video when it is available to me... though I'm not sure how to fit a big manly bear-hug in the package LOL!


No video players in the buna household.....please make it a disc (either cd or dvd) dvd would be better mate http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/thumbsup.gif

[LGN1]

Congratulations! I wish you both all the best! :salute:

Cheers, LGN1

[Bosje]

wow, quite a tale!

congratulations and best wishes for the both of you

:salute:

[Philipp_Thomsen]

Wow... I couldn't help myself from smiling all the way thru the end of the story and the pictures.

Trully awesome news, and Im damn happy for you!

Don't worry about her parents man, all you need is eachother!

And good men too. :rotfl2:

Cheers! :yeah:

(ps. dump me a PM with some more news when you have the time)

[nikbear]

What a beautiful tale,and for once with a happy ending!:shucks::yeah:
So pleased for both of you,Its nice to see good things happening to good people!:rock:
Congratulations to you both,long may your love and happiness together continue :woot::salute::DL:up::yep:

[flag4]

its a fairy tale come true and will give hope to a lot of people, especially with the constant bad news we get on the radio and tv.

i have just read the story again, and from the photo it looks like he will never let go of her!

wonderful and congratulations...:up:

[Red Heat]

A true Love story in did...
Allow me to wish you the best, good fortune, and happinesse to you and your "princess"...

Greetings from Portugal! :salute:

[Gargamel]

Grats!!!

[Falkirion]

Congratulations Kapt. That's a hell of a story you can tell your kids one day. Hope you two have a great life together, because its been put on hold for many years.

[Kpt. Lehmann]

Thank you for all the kind words guys. :up::up::up: I've shown them to Mrs. Lehmann and she's tickled pink!

Without a doubt, the ceremony was a dream come true for both of us. Words do not exist that can describe it.

I'm sorry I haven't been able to respond better to you all. I'm still working on getting my hard-drive replaced. Once that is taken care of, and the pictures become available, I'll post a couple on the first post. Then I'll quit shamelessly boring the forum with all my personal biz. :yawn:

Thanks again for all your good thoughts, ya salty sea dogs! You lot are tops in our book! Cheers for now! :salute:

PS: Jimbuna, I'll get that big beta-max video cassette in the mail as soon as I can! We're just waiting on the editor to finish cutting and splicing all that magnetic tape. :D

[Jimbuna]

Rgr that mate....now back to the missus with ya :DL

[frau kaleun]

I'm still working on getting my hard-drive replaced.

So, the honeymoon went well, then? :woot: :O: