If you ask Joe and Cathy when they first met they’ll chuckle and say, “We’ve just always known each other.” They most likely met on the school bus in Braddock Heights in 7th grade, Cathy the shy new kid in the front, Joey the outgoing fun kid in the back. In high school Cathy was in all advanced classes except for Science; Joe was in all “enriched” classes but took advanced Science. But they did enjoy taking Latin together.

Joe always had a feeling Cathy was out of his league, and was a bit too shy to ask her out. Cathy admired Joe’s friendliness with everyone and the way he made her feel included, especially on those limited occasions when she showed up at a party. “Of course he won’t ask me out,” Cathy thought. “He’s Swim Team Captain, President of Student Government, a football player … he can go out with anyone he wants!”

Nearing graduation, Joe noticed Cathy had won Miss Frederick County 1986. “Of course,” he thought. “Cathy is beautiful, intelligent, and an accomplished ballerina – there’s no better choice for Miss Frederick County.” Joe was voted “Most School Spirited.” “Of course,” Cathy thought. No one was more energetic, enthusiastic, inclusive .. and that smile! Although Joe and Cathy were good friends in high school, they never dated. What Joe did not know is that Cathy would have happily said “yes” had he asked her out.

Upon graduation from high school, Joe reported to Recruit Training Command in San Diego, and entered the U.S. Navy. By August 1986, he had been selected for a Navy ROTC scholarship, and attended University of Maine graduating in 1990. Cathy attended James Madison University (JMU) graduating in 1991. They led separate lives, raised families, and had successful careers.

Life has a way of flying by, even with all the twists and turns, ups and downs. It also has a sense of humor. 2002 saw Joe once again leaving Middletown to serve his country, while Cathy was moving back to be closer to her family. Her new “land line” rang frequently. “Is Joe there?” “Can I please speak to Joe?” After several months of this Cathy finally asked a caller, “Joe who?” “Joe Leporati,” of course! Cathy’s new phone number just happened to be the one Joe left behind.

2010 happened to be a tough year for both Joe and Cathy. Being single again after 15 years made reconnecting with a good old friend on Facebook feel nice, and the two decided to spend an afternoon catching up over coffee. They talked for hours and Cathy thought, “Of course he’ll ask me out this time.” What she still didn’t know was that Joe didn’t know she’d say yes. Silly, of course.

In August 2019, Joe was finally moving back to Maryland and contacted Cathy, asking if she wanted to “catch up.” Cathy informed Joe she was going to Czech Republic, and would have to meet in three weeks. Looking forward to their rendezvous, Cathy realized this was going to be more than just catching up. Joe and Cathy had a date. Of course! They met on September 21, 2019 at Pistarro’s Ristorante in Frederick, and have been together ever since.

More from Joe:

I moved back to Maryland in 2019 with no real plan other than to work at U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), and to eventually attempt to contact Cathy to at least relight a friendship. I always thought Cathy was amazing. I promised myself, if given the opportunity, I would be the best partner she ever had.

On our second date, we met at the Main Cup. I walked her back to her car parked on Main Street in Middletown. It was memorable because I was holding her leftover crabcake as we hugged, and Cathy kissed me on the cheek. On our third date, I took her to a Bob Mould concert at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis. After the show, we hung out at Red Red Wine downtown where we agreed to be together. I will always remember that night. The moments leading up to that decision – I was committed to her then just as I am committed to her now.

More from Cathy:

2019 was a year of restoration after the most difficult time of my life. Taking a second chance on love and then becoming a widow had left me wondering if I could ever have a lifelong partner. Dating wasn’t in my plans, but I knew God did have a plan for my life and I was getting excited to find out what it was. About then, Joe reached out to “catch up” and, of course, I said yes. There was no one else I could imagine feeling comfortable with.

Sitting across from Joe at Pistarro’s, I saw that same smile, heard that same enthusiasm in his voice, and laughed at the same old way he mussed up his hair while we were talking. I felt the shared love of home, family and God that we grew up on and still hold so dear. I’ve known Joe for almost as long as I can remember. And now I realize I’ve loved him all along.