Memoirs of a Hopeless Romantic

• Being scared out of my skin (not quite literally) when some guy came through a previously non-existent door (at least in my mind) while I was diligently working at Rogers.

• Weeks later when the same guy introduced himself to me while I was at the copier, after pacing between his office (which was near the printer) and the server room. I learned that his name was Bob and that he was the computer administrator for the school

• Seeing him the following fall quarter after church, visiting with some mutual friends. Wishing him a “happy Sabbath” and receiving one in return.

• Finding a letter the next morning, asking if I would be interested in going on a date, and sharing that he was interested in getting to know me better.

• Walking to the cafe from Spanish class and finding that this guy is waiting for me. Again. So he can walk over with me and eat together at the cafe.

• Deciding on Dairy Queen for our first date, after ruling out several activities that I wasn’t able to do. Neither one of us wanted to tell the other that we were already anticipating the stomach ache that the ice cream inevitably would cause both of us.

• Visiting over icecream and fries until they turned the lights out on us. Surprised that time could go so fast. Discovering that we shared the same interests, values, and morals. This was too good to be true! Something was different about this guy.

• Driving back from the date and being asked if I was interested in a second date as he dropped me off at Foreman. Hesitating, and saying “maybe”. (Poor guy!)

• Going to the Barn Party together, after being coerced into letting him drive me (not really, but I was tricked ;) Meeting some of his friends for the first time.

• Going to the Jeremy Camp concert together, after I can’t find anybody else to go with (again, poor guy!). I didn’t want to be as forward as to ask him on a date. That would be encouraging him! Getting lost on the way back and stopping by my aunt and uncle’s since I know how to get back from there. Introducing him to my first family member, uncle Mark.

• A walk at Rooks park with him and my roommate, Amanda, after church. Remembering that everything seemed so vibrant and alive. And feeling so happy.

• Shortly after, perhaps the next week, celebrating Amanda’s grandmother’s birthday at The Modern. Not being quite sure how to introduce him to them. Getting teased by friends.

• Saying good-bye at Thanksgiving. Now this was an awkward time for a holiday. Our friendship was just on the verge of becoming something more and we had to spend the time apart. But there were many phone calls.

• Driving out to South Fork the Sunday after we got back into town. Me anticipating the question, him wondering if it was too soon to ask (we’d only really known each other for a month, after all).

• Talking a couple days later about where we thought it might be going. Ran to health class after giving him my Dad’s number, sitting through a lecture I have no recollection of.

• That same day, was asked to meet him in front of one of the guy’s dorms to walk to supper with him. Walking out and not seeing anyone, when he steps out with a bouquet of flowers and asks if I will be his girlfriend. Giddily saying yes and sharing the happy news with all my friends and family.

• Having our pictures taken by some friends. Awkwardly standing close in the freezing outside weather, documenting the start of our new relationship.

• An impromptu visit from my family after church the following Sabbath. My parents and sister approving, my little brother full of naive comments and questions. ;)

• Holding hands for the first time, a week after we started dating. Feeling nervous and giddy. Being so grateful for having a supportive and understanding boyfriend who wasn’t in a rush.

• A walk later that fall on a Sabbath afternoon. While walking down 12th Ave. and just before turning onto Bade, hearing the question, “What would you say if I told you I loved you.” Being speechless for a few seconds, almost scared, before replying, “I’d tell you that I love you too.” Realizing that I meant it with all my heart.

• Every day following, falling more in more in love with my new best friend. Wondering what the future held.

• Later that same day acting like kids iceskating with friends at the Chalet. Later that evening talking about deep issues, becoming even closer. A comment about marriage in the future, an agreement in response. Perhaps summer after next? *blush*

• Splitting time for the Christmas holiday between our families. Meeting his parents. And brothers. Feeling at home right away, feeling like I was family. Realizing that I felt as though I belonged.

• Going to WWC’s Valentine’s Banquet at the Whitman. Going for coffee afterwards, but finding that the shop was already closed. Sitting in the car listening to Selah’s “Bless the Broken Road” CD together instead.

• Moving out of the dorm the following March on my 19th birthday into Grandma's home. After all, I didn’t need to worry about LLU’s requirements. EWU’s prereqs for the OT program were fulfilled. And I felt a certain pull towards that area. ;)

• Saying good-bye after camp meeting when he had to leave for camp. Realizing that it felt like my heart was ripped in two.

• Spending time with my family at my grandparents’ place in MT. Wondering at my parent’s sudden questions about his long-term plans and goals in life.

• Being dropped off at camp, followed by a drive-by cake drop-off at the Olive Garden with camp’s bus. ;)

• Getting the surprise of my life when, after returning to camp, he pop’s the question after helping me get settled at our friend’s house. OUR FIRST KISS!!

• The next morning when he picked me up for breakfast. Feeling conspicuous with a beautiful ring on my finger. Joyfully sharing the news with anyone who would listen. Desperately trying to find enough cell service to call family and friends to share the good news.

• Watching the fireworks that night over Lake CDA . Feeling like all of America was celebrating with us.

• Returning to Grandma's and continuing to count down the days until you would be back from camp. Splurging on wedding magazines and beginning to plan our wedding.

• Surprise visits when he was able to get away from camp. Celebrating his birthday together.

• The day he got home from camp. Getting to see him every day. Now counting down the days until we would be married.

• Waking up at 4:30 a.m. to go to work. While in the shower, smelling savory scents wafting from the kitchen under the bathroom door and hearing the muted clanging of pots and pans. Coming out and finding that my fiancé had made a full breakfast for me.

• Walking out to the car from Grandma's at 5:30 to drive to work and jumping out of my skin because yet again he's yet again gotten up hours before he's needed to so he can surprise me and spend some time with me as he drives me to work.

• Trying on wedding dresses at different locations with family and friends. Finding the perfect one.

• Planning the wedding together, finalizing the program. Having our engagement pictures taken by Bill. Making the invitations with Grandma Lenz, dropping them off at Bridal Veil.

• Our rehearsal and dinner. Realizing it was my last day a single lady. A midnight run to Walmart with my sister to get contact lens solution. Having the hardest time going to sleep.

• Waking up way early. Getting ready for the big event. Arriving at the garden and making the final preparations. Hanging out with my mom, bridesmaids and flower girls, waiting for it to be time.

• Walking down the aisle with my Daddy and looking up to see my handsome groom waiting for me. Being surrounded by family and friends.

• Realizing it, only when he introduced us as “Mr. and Mrs. __________”, that it was REAL and we were finally married!

• Driving off in my uncle’s antique car through the streets of the small college town, beginning the next chapter of our life’s story.