Debbie Bosak: A funny look at love

• Reprints

Updated: June 22, 2011 9:12PM

I am often asked where I get the ideas for my columns. Although most are my own invention, I also have a website I visit that posts a calendar of monthly observances — some silly, some bizarre — that provides inspiration.

Awhile back, I noticed this was “How I Met My Mate” week.

Thinking back to my parents, regretfully, I don’t think I ever knew how they met.

My sister and I were talking last week about how neither of us could remember the names of our great-grandparents.

With wisdom born of hindsight, I think we’re sorry — as the two oldest grandchildren — that we didn’t capture more of our family history when we had the chance. But, it’s never too late to share.

Here are some “meeting” stories from your neighbors.

Ellen Alt, Highland: “I met my husband, Colin, on the train traveling to and from work in Chicago. Over the course of a year, we eyed each other. Then, it progressed to sitting in seats closer and closer together.

“Finally, we got up the nerve to speak, talk on the phone, go on a date, etc. I guess neither of us are fast movers.”

Donna Albrecht, Schererville: “Sand; it all started with sand. He handed me a paper cup and told me to taste (what was in) it, that it was really good sugar. Of course, I was 4 and he and his screwy friends were 6 at the time. The cup was filled with sand, and I ran home crying, trying to spit it out of my mouth.

“That started an animosity that lasted until I was 17, when I decided he wasn’t quite so awful after all.”

Herb Neumann, Schererville: “I was in a construction accident at work and ended up in traction, flat on my back in the hospital. Josie was my day nurse, and the most beautiful woman with the kindest eyes I had ever seen. I kept trying to ask her out on a date, but she would laugh and tell me it was the drugs talking and, besides, she didn’t date patients.

“It was months later when I was able to walk on my own again, but I couldn’t get her out of my mind, so I showed up one day with flowers and candy in hand, pointing out I was no longer a patient.

“She said ‘yes,’ and the rest is the history of our 48-year marriage.”

Catherine Jones, Gary: “It was the late ’60s, and my grandmother kept insisting that she had the perfect boy for me. He was ‘nice’ and went to church every week. For my grandmother, those were the two most important things.

“Finally, to get her off my back, I agreed to meet him for coffee one day. Let me tell you, Granny missed telling me how handsome that man was. As much as I hated to admit she was right, this was the man for me and I wasn’t going to let him get away.

“To this day, he is the kindest, most handsome, church-going husband there could be.”