It was a Friday after school on the May long weekend, 1973. My girlfriend had invited me to come camping with her church youth group. The bare essentials were packed - a sleeping bag, jeans, frayed cut-offs, t-shirts, flip flops - and my dad dropped me off at the church. He hung around a bit, to see which youths would be driving and who was in charge. I sensed his care about things I had no idea about as a fifteen-year-old. Today I wish I had a photo, but I'm thankful for images that become part of us in one way or another.
Little did I know the direction my life would take because of this weekend. Leaders packed tents, plastic tarps and the food while we were organized into vehicles and headed out to Hicks Lake. I'm not sure when it began to rain, but it had a big part in how the weekend played itself out. We set up tents and the guys actually dug trenches around them to keep the water from coming inside. A makeshift outhouse was built, because there were no facilities. In the center of the grouping of tents, a fire was kept alive to cook and keep us warm; but I remember it being so cool in the tent that I got a big cramp in my leg and there was nothing I could do as I did not want to wake the other girls packed around me like sardines. If anyone wanted to wash their hair, the lake was the best option. It's not the kind of camping I've ever fallen for again.
However, inconveniences became minor issues when I began to notice that someone was paying special attention to me. Sitting around the camp fire, he made sure I got the fluffiest, perfectly toasted, marshmallows anyone had ever made. When the rains died down and we all went for a hike or a game of kick the can, I'd find orange peels stuck in my back pockets. He even offered to take my wind breaker,when I took it off, and tied it around his waist. I may have looked innocent, but I knew this was more than just making the new girl feel welcome. A flame was sparked.
I don't know how, but on Monday, when it was time to pack up and head home, some shifting of car passengers, landed me right beside the driver who I've now been driving with for forty years! Yes, I can drive myself, but the ride is still always more fun together.
It was a rainy weekend in May that convinced him to convince me in whatever way and time it took.
A blend of spoiling, silliness and looking out for each other worked then and still does.
17 comments:
I love hearing "how it all began stories" You and Herb make such a perfect pair but I know it was not just the perfect pairing that made your marriage a success -there is also hard work and commitment through good times and bad that complete the story. You two have set a good example to your friends and family.
Sweet memories of how it all started! Love it!
What fun to look back at how it all began! Reminiscing reignites some of the old sparks, doesn't it?
OH ...I like this story. I see the truth in your words and your relationship still looks much the same. It makes me smile to envision your memories.
What a sweet story! Thank you for sharing it with us.
Loved hearing your story....and what a story it has been!
You must have been a really good sport about all the camping inconveniences that first weekend! That bodes well for marriage, too, doesn't it? So this is an anniversary month for you, at least in finding each other. Congratulations!
Awwww - what a sweet love story!!! I love how your dad cared for you - that brought a tear as I remembered my own thoughtful father too! 1973 was a fabulous year.
Such a neat story! I am with you though about not falling for the "roughing it" camping...not for me either! What an adorable picture of you two!
Sweet story...cute picture! Love your guy's long hair!! Our 40th is in June...how about that!
Such a sweet love story!
1973 was, indeed, a very good year! I enjoyed reading your story, and knowing, from your blog, that the love story goes on and on.
This is so sweet. What a great story to tell of "how it all began."
I so enjoy these stories of young love....that is now still going strong. Cute photo!
That is so cute Anneliese...I love these kind of stories, because it's a reminder of me watching someone making peanut butter sandwiches for his sweetheart...and packing oranges and carrying skis....
These are the best romances.
And it's funny how your heart races all over again as you reflect on these moments.
Awwe...I love your story of 'how it all began'. Ours isn't all that different...a youth group outing to Greenpoint (on Harrison Lake) where I landed up sitting next to the driver...was how it began for us.
Great photo of the two of you!
Beautiful & inspiring post, Mom! Thank you so much for your example of love to each other, Dad & Mom!
And I love the line that you wrote: "I'm thankful for images that become part of us in one way or another." How many images have I not captured on film that have made me who I am? You wrote this so lovely.
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