There are many times in the life of Diamend and myself's relationship where people have asked, "How long have you guys been together?" or "How did you start dating?" Well tonight I will answer both of these questions. Diamend and I went to the same Middle School since Diamend moved to town in 7th Grade. I had been in the school district and since 2nd grade so by default I was much more popular than she (at least I think so). When we first met she claims I hated her but I think I just did not notice...sorry love. She claims my hate came from her because I did not like the Highlighter Written Valentine Card she gave me out of"pity" as she has put it.
The years went on and, well, lets say I started to notice her. ;-) It was our sophomore year and I asked her out. Since neither of us were old enough to drive my mom drove me to the mall to meet her after she got off work at Bergner's. We went to the latest movie showing at the Mall, "Josie and the Pussycats" believe me, I went only for her. After the movie my mom picked us up and drive her home. Needless to say I thought the date went well, she turned me down. She said she didn't want to date me...I was crushed but she claims there was more to it than her not liking me. (But since this is my version we'll leave it out) However, I am a persistent guy so the story, obviously does not end here.
As a more confident Junior I decided that I was going to pursue her again, but indirectly this time. So as any high school guy knows, if you want to date a girl you have to make her jealous of someone else who went on a date with you. So I did what any guy would do, I asked her best friend out on a date. It was a double date with a friend of mine and hers as well, so low key and very innocent. I knew that it would not work out but it did get her attention. Shortly after we were able to strike up a conversation on foreign, out-dated form of communication called IM-ing. This is short for "Instant Messaging" for you younger generations.
This was used on a computer with AOL 4.0 instead of "Text Messaging". I flirted several nights, hinting that there was "someone I liked and she knew her really well." Then on a night chilly and dark, very similar to tonight, over the IM-ing on February 7th 2002 I asked Diamend to be my girlfriend. Believe it or not she said yes! Although she didn't know it, but the very next day would tell her everything about me she would ever have to know.
The very next day was a weird day at school that gave us the opportunity to do activities after lunch like sports, drama, game show, and other stuff. Diamend was a drama queen and I was a jock. Surprisingly to her I signed up for the drama thing to be with her. Knowing I was a jock she was shocked to see that I had a hidden "Ham" inside of me when it comes to the stage. I don't quite remember the day but I remember a skit with a Kern twin that had to do with a banana. Still to this day Diamend is shocked when I embarrass her in public, although if she were to remember back to this day she would have know that I will always embarrass her even if we had just started dating. I embarrassed her with one line, "Is that a banana in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?" And the first time in human history it really was a banana in his pocket.
We were a happy couple...take a look at the young Tony and Diamend...yea those are highlights in my hair. Don't judge you had them too or wanted them!
Through the years we have had some amazing times. God has really blessed us and our marriage! Each day I thank God for the gift He has given me in my amazing wife Diamend. She has encouraged me, grown me spiritually, and loved me more than I deserve. After God, she is my strength and my support. We have been happily married for just over 3 1/2 years now and we often look back at this story on how providential our relationship was in God's plan for our lives. She is the second best thing to happen to me, outside of my relationship with Christ and I am thankful that each morning I get to wake up and see her next to me!
Now, we have changed a bit...my hair is getting further back and I've lost the highlights, Diamend's is shorter...we've "grown up" a bit (although I still actively embarrass Diamend)...and much more.
But the number one thing that neither of us could foresee was the call into ministry by God. And since we have gotten that call our relationship and life has been more blessed than we could ever imagine. We would have it no other way!
I love you Diamend more than you know and I love the way our story has started and I'm excited to see how it continues!
Tony Bianco
