The Several Fails in the Tales of Lucy Gale pt. 1

(This was actually the first blog I wrote, but I didn't post it at the time for a myriad of reasons. Strangely enough, if I just posted it, it would appear as the first post of my site...I do not approve, because I want people to be able to read it or at least see that something is different. Anyway, I decided I will start writing about her, because I want to)

A Chance to Sail
Senior Prom! She had been told it was the second biggest night in a girl's life, only to be bested by her marriage night. She had been worried that no one wanted to go with her. Maybe she would be one of those gals who just goes because she didn't have anyone to go with, but all her friends wanted to go. She'd take pictures. Tell them she had a great time. Laugh and giggle. Make sure they were all happy. But she had a date. He was nice, very cute, intelligent, talented, and seemed like he might actually like her. She was so excited. Not so much for Prom, but because of having a date with this wonderful guy.

The day came and they went on their date. It was with a group of friends, mostly her friends, at a nearby lake. A couple of the guys in the group owned some canoes and ocean kayaks, so they were able to go out and paddle around the lake. It was a blast. Just rowing and talking. No worries or hassles, just some quiet time to burn at a lake. It was peaceful. They told jokes and laughed. A wonderful day to spend with a wonderful guy.

They got home, changed, went to dinner, and then went to Prom. It was loud. And there was bad music. She got one slow dance with him the whole night. It wasn't that he didn't ask her, there was only a couple slow songs at all. She wanted a chance to impress him. A chance to be close to him. Not some silly party with football players stripping down throughout the night. A disappointing dance with a wonderful guy.

It came time to say goodbye. Now she had kissed a few people before, but she wasn't sure what experience he had had, but she really did want to kiss him. Just a kiss. It was Prom after all. She knew what other kids would be doing. She also knew that he might not want a kiss. She was okay with that. She had a great time and enjoyed his company immensely. She didn't need a kiss to make the day any better, but that didn't mean she didn't want it. The final moment on the doorstep came, she knew she needed to make her move now if it was going to happen. She froze. She thought, "we're friends. I don't want to trade that for a kiss that might offend him...c'est la vie." And they parted. She still wishes she'd have taken that kiss from some guy.

Parents

My father just sent me an e-mail. He does not do this very often, so when he does I usually enjoy whatever he has to say. My parents' anniversary is Groundhog's Day, so they were married today, 29 years ago. They chose the day because it helps them remember what day it is, because it is a holiday, but not a very important one, so it will never be overlooked by other holidays. Also, it shortly precedes Valentine's Day, meaning they can save money by doing something special two weeks early. The e-mail simply talked about the week of their marriage. My dad drove from Provo, Utah, where he was attending school, to Boise, Idaho so they could be married in the Boise, Idaho temple. Well, his little car did not have an accurate speedometer. He had planned on getting to the temple early and being able to walk around with his bride. When he thought he was going 60 mph, he was actually going 45...but he made it to the temple on time (kinda) and walked in about 5 minutes early, but he didn't have his temple clothes on. Anyway, they got married.

This was a story I had never heard before. He told others in the e-mail, but I thought this was the most entertaining. Especially because my father has an obsession with starting on time and showing up early.

I love my parents. They have had a very colorful relationship over the years, but everything turned out in the end, every time. They almost divorced when I was about 8 years old, but a miracle happened and it kept them together long enough for my dad to change. His personality did not change, but he changed why he did what he did and he changed what he did. He loved her, but she never could notice. So now, when he wants to say "I love you," he vacuums or does the dishes. He was angry for years, because of his past, his father, and it was a release, but he changed over the years to accept what life gave him, to not sweat the small stuff, and stop being angry for the sake of anger. He is not the man my mother married, but he is the man she wanted to. She was always the gal of his dreams and still is. They have not had the happiest marriage, but they have had one of the best and involved and healthiest relationships I know of, because they support each other and do things together still (hikes and choir) and still love each other. Physical romance is less often, but lust and communication and love still abound between them. They still have dreams together and I think that's the best thing a couple can do.