Theresa McKenna ’89
A chance encounter during a Houston thunderstorm led to 22 years of marriage for Theresa McKenna ’89.
“My friends laughed at my goal of finding a Notre Dame boy because that was not a plentiful thing in Houston. The odds were definitely against me. But that June evening, I met my husband through nothing short of a weather miracle.
“In this season of Advent, may we remember how it was a leap of faith that led Mary to that little stable 2,000 years ago, and from that leap came an infinite love. How might we follow her example, trusting that with faith made possible by the birth of a Savior, we might also nurture love in our own corners of the world?”
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Thanks for a great story of a wonderful romance, Theresa. You brought back fond memories, especially when you said that you had lived in Farley Hall. I also lived in Farley in freshman year, but that was back in the day when it was a men’s dorm (i.e., 1960-61). Was Sister Carrine Etheridge you “Dorm Mother?” Finding your love in Houston with a Notre Dame boy is just another proof that Notre Dame is a magic place.
Finding love at notre dame It’s so sweet Just another Reminder that Notre Dame is a place of dreams.
This story epitomizes the lyrics, “And there’s a magic in the sound of her name. Here comes The Irish of Notre Dame.”
So happy for you!
Thank you for sharing your story. May each of us see and experience the Dreams yet to unfold in our lives. Peace. And lastly, ponder the dreams we have already experienced.
nice story
Another beautiful story that builds our trust in Divine Providence.
Love this! How lucky was I to be a bridesmaid at your Notre Dame wedding! Love you two and all you do!
I am a 90yr.old widow who has never seen Notre Dame but love it with my whole heart. How blessed you all were to have been there, to live and love there. Love these stories.
Hi Gladys! What a lovely comment. You may not have taken classes on campus, but it sounds like you absolutely qualify as a Notre Dame “subway alum!”
Merry Christmas,
Maggie ’89
This is what Notre Dame is all about. I get it, I really do! This place is like no other. Hearing stories like this is all about finding the right connection at the right time. Love is a beautiful thing between 2 people regardless of age difference. I know this from experience since my wife is older than me and here we are now married for 38 years. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’ve been a part of the Subway Alumni since 1974 and have been on campus a handful of times.
Gladys, I hope a visit to campus can be arranged for you! I have asked the Sacred Stories team to give you my contact information so we can discuss a trip. Merry Christmas! Theresa
Theresa, as a freshman in Farley Hall in 1966, a group of my friends and I walked over to St. Mary’s on the third night of our first year. There I met a girl from Louisville, KY. 57 years and six kids and 18 grandchildren later, I am a true believer in the wonder and magic of Notre Dame. Your story touched my heart.
Great story.
Woody: I was a freshman in Farley with you in 1966. Though I was not on that walk with you that night, I remember fondly that you and the St. Mary’s girl you met that night were a perfect match…and obviously continue to be.
All the best.
Great and meaningful story thank you for posting it Sister Emily CSC
Thank you, Theresa, One of the best ND Advent stories ever.
You and all Notre Dame women make our school a better place.
Merry Christmas to you and to your family.
Go Irish !!!
Mike Prendergast
ND 1971 (last all male class)
Blessings upon you and your family. Thank you for sharing.
Lovely story. reminds me of my “meeting of the husband” story, although it was not at ND. 🙂
Beautiful story and beautiful family, Theresa. Thank you!
What a great story & Advent lesson
Notre Dame boys rock❗️🍀
Farley Hall 1967-68. My wife and I have been married for 52 years. We met just before I shipped out for Vietnam. She waited for over year for me to return and always told me “you had me when you told me you were an ND grad”. Seems to have worked out for you and for us!!!. Enjoy the holidays and each other.
Dear Theresa,
Thank you for that wonderful story of how you met Dan. We’re close friends with your In Laws who are members of our parish in Boerne, TX which made your story all the more special. Loved how you ended the story and so beautifully tied it to our Blessed Mother’s response to God’s wishes for her to be the Mother His Son.
Have a Merry Christmas and God bless you and yours!
Where does Gladys Magee live and which ND alum is going to get her to campus or to a last-leg alum who can? Unless she is physically restricted (which may well be the case), let’s make this happen, yo. I am in Milwaukee, love to drive, and am game if she’s in a, say, 500-750 mile radius. Of course, I am happy to be a leg in the journey. I do not remember ever receiving this Sacred Stories thing before, so I don’t know how contributors are contactable, but I trust the runners of it can help facilitate the communications to make this happen. Thanks.
The sacred stories people are giving Gladys my information so she can contact me to discuss how we can make a visit happen.
What a beautiful story, thank you for sharing. God works in mysterious ways, and your story is proof of that. May God bless you and your family for many more years of happiness. MERRY CHRISTMAS!! GO IRISH!!
Theresa,
What a joyous, beautiful and fun story…and, it serves a greater purpose, as a reminder of Jesus’ mandate to us – go out into the world and proclaim the Good News. Thank you.