A Night Out, 14 Years Ago

I was a month and a half shy of turning 18 and had just spent the entire summer with my boyfriend of 4 months. Each day of summer had been filled with trips to the beach, soaking in the sun bronzing every inch of my body, many dates to the movies, snuggling in a hammock in his backyard, and kissing...lots of kissing! Senior year had just begun and it was my boyfriend's birthday. I did not have a job and did not want to disappoint. Therefore, it had to be fantastic!

After much thought, and budgeting with my mom, I decided to take him to the Family Fun Center. I pictured snuggling with him on the Ferris Wheel and him holding me tight as I squealed in fear with each turn of the wheel. It was going to be a night to remember.

His birthday finally arrived and I spent the entire afternoon picking out what I would wear. I decided my favorite light brown tee with cute cap sleeves would go well with my favorite CK stoned jeans. The brown shirt would flatter my blue eyes and long blonde hair. As I prepped in the bathroom, curling my hair and making every eye-lined and mascara'ed eye perfect, my stomach began to squeal with anticipation.

As the hour arrived, I grabbed the keys to my parents 1995 red Nissan Quest and drove over to his house to pick him up. After a quick knock on his door, he answered with a dashing smile and off we went to have some fun. Conversation was always easy and fulfilling. Not only was he my boyfriend, but he was someone I could connect with, talk with, and have fun with on so many different levels.

Within 15 or so short minutes, we arrived at the Family Fun Center. As I walked up to the ticket counter to pay for our rides, I noticed he became somewhat uneasy and had a slight grimace on his face. As soon as we made eye contact, the grimace went away and his smile returned. Although I am not a fan of topsy turvy rides, in fact they scare me to death, I assumed he loved them and encouraged him to take me on them all! And so he did. I tried my best to hide my fear and smile as we took each loopy turn. Never once did I suspect that he had a fear of fast, topsy turvy, rollercoaster-take-me-upside down kind of rides. He smiled and cheered through it all!

As the date ended, we hugged and kissed goodnight and he thanked me for a wonderful night. I felt pleased and giddy that the night went so well and couldn't wait to see him at church the next morning.

When I arrived at church, the next morning, I quickly glanced around to see if I could spot this boyfriend of mine. Finally, in the hall, I saw his mother. I approached her with a big smile and politely asked her where this boyfriend of mine was. She politely responded and told me that he was "home sick." In fact, she went on to tell me of his HATE for roller coaster rides and that he had been throwing up all night!!

I couldn't believe it! I was devastated, yet profoundly touched by his devotion to me and not wanting to disappoint me since I had gone to such great lengths to plan a fun night. How could I not love him even more? I knew I had found someone really special! To this day, 14 years since that night, he still continues to put me first. There is not a single day that goes by that he doesn't think of me or his families needs before his own. Our life may still be full of rollercoasters, but ones that are definitely worth taking for a ride with him.

This is for you Babe! Thank you for the last 14 years and the years to come! Happy Birthday!

All my love,

Kimberly