Love Story: Christine and Stan Fraize

Published 11:18 pm Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Christine Cuoco and a girlfriend were at a Bobby McGee’s restaurant in Phoenix on March 2, 1984, when Cuoco met Stan Fraize.

As she leaned against a pillar to people-watch, Stan, a very handsome young man, caught her eye. It was just like a scene from a love story movie: His gaze caught Christine’s, there was an instant attraction. Her heart was pounding and Stan walked across the dance floor to the young woman. It was as if no one else in the room existed, Christine said.

“It was mind boggling,” she said. “It was like nothing else was there. It was blurry, and I didn’t even hear what was playing.”

As he leaned against the pillar he told Christine that he had to know her name. Before she could answer Stan moved in with a long lingering kiss.

That one kiss was all it took. Christine was hooked.

Stan and Christine Fraize of Marysville celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary on March 2.

The couple were married March 2, 1986, in Phoenix.

Christine works for American Advanced Hearing Aids in Everett. Stan is in sales.

Two years after their first kiss, Stan and Christine got married. They had their ceremony and reception in the place they met, Bobby McGee’s. Christine’s friend was dating a judge who performed the ceremony. They had a miniature wedding cake and they danced with family and friends.

Stan and Christine moved to Washington in 1998. They have lived in Lake Stevens and Mukilteo. They have four children and two grandchildren.

Communication is the most important factor for Stan and Christine. The couple tell each other exactly how they feel and listen to the other partner.

Four years ago, they began reading aloud to each other. Christine reads a chapter, then Stan reads a chapter.

“It’s the most precious time in our whole day,” Christine said. “We go to bed early and read to each other.”

Christine describes Stan as having a very commanding presence. He has red hair, blue eyes and a huge heart.

“When you meet him, you immediately like him. He talks very easily with people.” Christine said “He’d give you the shirt off his back.”

Stan is very romantic and writes loving stories for Christine on special occasions such as her recent birthday.

Christine believes that she and Stan are soul mates, that he’s the other half of her. They cook together, read together and take road trips.

“Other people say ‘How can you be around him so much?’ ” Christine said. “He’s my best friend. He’s honest, straightforward and very, very loyal.”

Christina Harper is a Snohomish Country freelance writer. She can be reached at harper@heraldnet.com.