I was 12 when I met my husband at a Youth Group Easter Party. He had just turned 18 and was about to graduate. He was a member of the church in the past but had since moved, all before I began attending. This explains why I took no notice of him as he coyly followed me around the arcade that night. I just thought he liked my mad skilz at Lady Bug and Spy Hunter. Later we all met back up at the church for fun & games. Lo and behold, there he was again. He had been encouraged by his parents to attend the Easter party in order to keep in touch with old friends. I was actually grounded but allowed to go because it was a CHURCH party.
It wasn't long before I realized this tall older boy had taken a serious interest in me. My best friend noticed too. And that's when she filled me in on his crime. She swore she'd never talk to me if I talked to him at all. She recalled how, many years back at Church Camp, he had kissed a certain particular someone whom no other guy would have wanted to go near, let alone kiss. She never forgave him this error in judgment and had since always considered him 'weird'. But lucky for him I had no such prejudices... and she got over it. (*Before you think him a pervert for being 18 chasing a 12 yr old, I should tell you that I easily passed for 18; with no make up, soaked to the bone at the community pool.)
He offered to give me a ride home, and we both took a risk by assuring the pastor it was ok because we knew each other and I was on his way. But aside from that 'camp kissing incident' he was a smart kid whom every one liked and trusted, so it was allowed. As he dropped me off (3 houses down, of course) he asked me what school I went to. I told him the first name of our local high school...which just happened to share the same first name with our local Jr. high school- the one I actually attended. Thinking I was older (and allowed) he gave me a kiss goodnight and sent me safely to my front door. Thus began, and still goes on, a 23 yr. long relationship.
(May visions of the pink Energizer bunny entertain you until next time.)
2 comments:
What a great story! It's funny though, the two best friends I have in the world are people I was in a Church Youth Group with over 20 years ago. I haven't seen either of them in years yet we talk on the phone almost weekly. What is it with Youth Groups? :)
It's definitely a tight knit bunch in most youth groups. I can only attribute this to the fact that so many of us were brought there by friends who were brought there by their friends and so on and so on. As opposed to a bunch of random people being thrown together in a class room or something... I dunno -shrug & smile- :-)
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