Letterman's Picnic 1974

33 years and counting, high school sweethearts, what could be better than getting to share your life and family with a man who makes you laugh and love more each day?

Ron and I met in English class in 11th grade. He was cute and had a nice butt. In class, he made me laugh and always had a way of getting out of class. So for almost a year, everytime I went anywhere I told my mom if Ron Barber calls tell him I will be back at 11. Ok, so my mom thought I was crazy cuz this mystery guy that she had never met, never called.  Until that glorious day right before the end of the year when he called! I was at an end of the year school dance and he called. Honestly, I think my mom was convinced that I had just made up a name to annoy her. She said she almost dropped the phone when he said who he was.

The Letterman's picnic was the next day and he found me at the dance to invite me. This was confusing because lettermen had to turn in if they were going by Wednesday and here it was Friday night. Well, he informed me that he had already let the sponsors know that we were going to the picnic. Presumtuous? Yes, but what did it matter, Ron was asking me out on a 1st date! My friends and I quickly left the dance to strategize just what I would wear on this date.

The picnic was down in Oak Creek, we swam, ate, laid in the sun. Ron kept letting  me rub sand on his back. When we got out of the water and he was cold, he would ask me to get the sand that was out in the sun on the top. When we had been out in the heat for awhile, he wanted me to dig down to the cool, moist sand to rub on his back. Of course, at 17, I loved every minute of spoiling this guy I had dreamed about for a whole school year.  Women's Lib aside, I must admit I still love spoiling this man who continues to let me rub his back all these years later. Of course, as in any relationship, what you give you get in return. Ron spoils me rotten with his love, support, and an occasional back rub.

Another funny thing about this particular picnic, is the fact that a few of Ron's friends invited me to the picnic earlier in the week. I was holding out in case Ron asked me but I didn't want to tell them no and run the risk of Ron hearing about it and assuming I was a snob or something. Complicated!
I have a picture my mom took of us on that 1st date. Oh if we had known then the amazing life journey we were starting on that Saturday in May 1974. Thank God Ron asked me and thank God I waited patiently until he did.

In Him,
Joyful
8-7-2010