What A Guy!

David is most definitely in the right business. . .he's the quintessential romantic. Selling engagemnt rings and wedding rings to people in love is right up his alley. This January after many years of marriage he pulled off an amazing surprise for his and Lucette's anniversary. it's thrilling to see the excitement and creativity he dedicated to this project.

Knowing his wife's love of Shakespeare, and that one of the two people she'd most like to meet, is Dame Judi Dench (the other Bill Clinton) he planned a surprise trip to Stratford Upon Avon, England to see Judi Dench at the Royal Shakespeare Theater. The piece de resistance, as if that wasn't enough, is that he had one more huge surprise for his love.

They toured the countryside of England, visited 600 year old pubs, had a private tour of Stonehenge, another at Shakespeare's birthplace, and yet anther at Ann Hathaway's home.

Then it was the night of the Shakespearian play "The Merry Wives of Windsor-The Musical". Before the performance they shared an elegantly romantic dinner, then went to the theater. At the end of the play as they were about to exit the lobby they saw an official looking man holding a sign with their name of it . He politely asked them to follow him through crowds and fans who parted respectfully. As they entered locked and guarded doors, other officials watched with huge smiles on their faces. It was as if everyone knew exactly what was happening. Each door opened when the official mentioned David and Lucette's name. Inside the security guarded stage door another official took over and led ,them through the back stage maze, up stairs, through winding halls, and finally to a dressing room door. The door opened and there stood Dame Judi Dench. With a huge smile on her face she said, "Welcome, and happy anniversary, won't you come in?"

The usually glib Lucette was now speechless, which David laughingly added was a rare occasion. Judi popped bottles of champagne in honor of their anniversary, introduced them to other guests who were now invited into the dressing room. They had been kept waiting so that David and Lucette could have some private time with this extraordianry actress. They spent the better part of an hour with her, and when they were ready to take their leave, Dame Judi embraced and kissed Lucette.

After which another actor in the play offered to take them backstage and even on stage. Lucette was in complete awe that her husband could carve out the time to make all the intricate arrangements. She learned that the entire staff at the theater were privy to what was happening.

Upon their return to the hotel, the manager and David had arranged to have dessert served in front of a warming fire. Instead of the traditional coulis on the plate, written in chocolate were the words "Happy Anniversary". Champagne was sent over to further add to the amazing evening.

Even Dame Judi had sent a message in response to David's letter that she would love to share the celebration of their anniversary. When Lucette shared her experience with family and friends the typical response was...What a guy!