Several years ago in my senior year of high school I got acquainted with a young man who went to another school. I met him at the job I had at W. T. Grant & Company. He worked in the stocking area, I was a clerk. I wasn't allowed to date, but we saw each other each time I worked. My mother always took my paycheck, and what I was allowed to keep, I spent on my youngest brother, Buddy. I look with fondness upon pictures of outfits I bought for him. One was a green beret outfit... I wonder where that photo is now.
Anyway, the guy's name was Wayne and we saw each other at work whenever we could. Then, at a church youth party on January 5, 1967 at a youth leader's house, I met my children's father. Wayne didn't go to church with me so he didn't attend any youth events. I only got to attend a very few; depended on my stepfathers's mood if I could go or not. But this one was special. I don't remember the game we were playing, but in the game I was the 'Queen'. It was at this moment I met 'him'. All I remember of that night was this new good looking young man coming up to me as I sat on the throne chair, taking my hand, and bowing low, kissed my hand. Silly remembrance, you think? I remember nothing else of that night.
I don't remember us ever seeing each other at church, but on May 7th, this new good-looking guy came and sat with me at church that Sunday evening. And, for the first time, Wayne came to church on Sunday night. He must have known about Ralph... I don't remember details... I was so naive I probably told him... But I remember Wayne came in, and he sat down on the other side of me. So I had this new good looking guy on one side, Wayne on the other, and all eyes of the church were on me. I never listened so intently to a message before!
After church it was awkward, and we walked outside to the back of the church. Wayne asked to talk to this new guy and the two of them walked off together. Everyone who was watching all this happen were whispering "are they going to fight"? and I had no idea of what was going to happen. Wayne and 'my new guy' walked off together and talked. Then they both walked back to me. Wayne gave me a kiss on the cheek and looked at 'my new guy' and said, "Please take good care of her" and he walked away, leaving me with 'my new guy'. I never knew what was said in their conversation. That's how gentlemen settled disagreements in my day. They talked it out. My new guy had a future planned; Wayne did not. My new guy was out of high school and into a Technical College. Wayne was still in high school. That is the only thing I can think of that Wayne would walk away. He didn't think he could take care of me. I have often wondered what happened to him. I hope he is happy. I think one time (many years ago) I checked around about him and found he was living in the same area he grew up in, was happily married, and had three children.
Sometimes memories are what we are to learn from. But sometimes memories are things that come to warm the heart. This is one of those.
I wish I was not so naive about life - then and now. In a brief conversation with my new doctor the other day, answering some of his questions, he made the comment "you have always had a controlling man in your life." And that is true. I was kept sequestered as I was growing up, not allowed to date. Even getting to go to a church youth party was a rare event. My mother should have told me some things about life, but did not. So much I wasn't aware of growing up, not being allowed to go to school functions or activities, no dances, no shows, no dating. I did get to go to one football game my freshman year of high school, but that was the only game I attended. I don't know why I was allowed to - nor why I was never allowed to again. And I did get to go to my senior prom, with my 'new beau' escorting me. I had to be home at midnight. After high school when I was 'allowed' to date some (always had to get my stepfather's permission), I had to be home at 10:30PM. And I did go one time with a school mate .... perhaps that story another time, although I think I have shared it years ago.
I feel like I'm in memory lane right now and don't really want to break away, but I hear hubby taking Sheeba out and I need to go set up the computer for Jentezen Franklin's service at 8AM. We didn't go to church last night. Had a very nice visit from my middle child for a couple hours in the afternoon, and we decided to watch that service online today too. We'll go back physically next week. We were relaxed and didn't want to clean up. We probably should have gone in person anyway. Our loss of fellowship with other believers. The advantages and disadvantages of services online.
Have a blessed day- today is Sunday - give to God what is His, and the world what belongs to the world. Today is the Lord's day. Rest in it, be thankful for all He has done for you. Be grateful. Be loving. Be kind. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Let go of grudges. Forgive. Love. Let live.
Be blessed.
