I was sure they were made for each other. Then he called it off

Shani Leiman with Zivia Reischer

Eli was excited to start dating. Most of his friends had already been dating for a year or more, and he’d spent countless nights in the dorm hearing about their adventures: their dates and decisions, hopes and heartaches, and eventual engagements.

Although he knew dating had its ups and downs, Eli was an optimist. Maybe, just maybe, he’d be one of those lucky guys who marries his first girl.

Though Eli had just turned 24, I boldly suggested that he go out with 25-year-old Rena first. I could really see them together.

Rena was one of those superstar, high-energy girls, full of life and passion. She worked full time as a child life specialist in an oncology ward. She treated every sick child like they were her only patient, and every member of their family like they were her own family. Whatever they needed, whenever they needed it, Rena was there — a fresh meal, a hot coffee or soothing tea, a game for the kids, or even tickets to a ball game when they needed a break, a chance to forget the sickness that was swallowing their lives.

People relied on Rena and confided in her. She had that special gift of knowing what to say and how to be supportive. The greatest thing was that her energy never waned and she wasn’t burned out. Helping others left her even more invigorated and energized.

Eli had some similar experiences. He had worked for many summers in special needs programs and had been an administrative assistant to the head counselor in a camp for kids with special needs. Like Rena, he had a magic touch; he could always make the kids laugh so hard, they forgot about their sickness and limitations. He was sensitive, with an exquisite emotional intelligence, and could intuit what was bothering a kid before he even opened his mouth.

Eli and Rena were made for each other. I was sure of it.