Now that our relationship was official, and everyone knew we were a couple, things changed for us and in a good way. We were both comfortable and aware of the feelings we had for each other and were no longer dancing around the subject. Others were accepting too and loved seeing us together as a couple. We were included in group dates with friends of ours, that were part of the Bible Study, and we really enjoyed it. I was happy to be recognized more as an adult, and my own person in some ways, than just ‘the ministers daughter’ - even though that stigma would always follow me. Everyone still called him the surfer, even though he had lost the look. It is how everyone knew him and the nickname stuck for many years to come. He took me to his new apartment so I could check it out. It was inland, south and east of where he used to live in Mission Beach. He was now in Chula Vista. Several of our Bible Study friends lived there, so it was a real community that garnered support for the way he was now living. The RV Resort was also in Chula Vista, just directly west till you hit the water. There were no beaches in Chula Vista but bays of water and marina’s and such. So he was only a quick ten minutes from where we were staying for the winter, which was great. It was also closer to his work too, so that was a bonus. I loved his apartment. It was very small but adorable and cozy, probably only 500 square feet. One bedroom, one bathroom, kitchen, dining area and a very small living room. It also had a balcony that looked out over other apartments below, being it was on the second floor. It was similar in size to his apartment on the beach. It was simple but very homey. As he showed me around the place I thoroughly checked it out. As I was looking around the bedroom I slid open the closet doors to see how much space he had for storage. When I opened them I was glancing around inside and I noticed something on the top shelf, the three roses I had given him on his baptism day, almost a year ago, laid very carefully on the shelf in his closet. They were, of course, long expired but were dried perfectly, as when I gave them to him. I was stunned to see them. I looked at him and he looked at me and he said, “I saved them” and he smiled. I was so touched by it.
We spent as much time as we could together that winter and we were as comfortable as we could be together. I was so used to being with him and having him a part of my daily life, that when it was time to go back home, after the winter was over, it was more devastating than it had ever been. Now I knew I was in love with him, and the thought of leaving him was so hard to bear. No longer would the phone conversations be enough, yet they were all that I would have. My only hope was knowing that I would be graduating in a few short months and then I would be starting my life…the one I had waited so long for. I had some figuring to do, but knew I had lots of resources in California, with all of our friends and that if I came back they would be supportive to me. I was closer to the people in California than I was back home. So I said my heartbreaking goodbyes and got on the plane back to Minnesota.
As much as I loved California, I certainly loved Minnesota too. Minnesota was my real home and had the majority of my history, my roots. When we returned, everyone was happy to see us and always wanted to know all about our time in California. I was sharing with a few of my Bible Study friends at home about my new blossoming relationship with the surfer but never gave any details. I downplayed it some, because I wasn’t ready to really talk about it. It was all so new. They had been watching the relationship develop and I think they thought it was about time. They teased me about it. They also asked me if I was going to my senior prom. I told them, no, I wasn’t interested. They told me it was once in a lifetime and couldn’t believe I wouldn’t even consider going. I told them there was no one I would feel comfortable going with. The only person I would even want to go with would be the surfer and that wasn’t about to happen. I wouldn’t even consider asking him to do something like that. In my mind, it was just a silly school dance, even though deep down I think I wondered what it would be like - just a little. But, oh well. No big deal. They said, “Well, we know your not interested but if you did go, hypothetically, what would you want to wear, what kind of dress would you buy, what color?” I thought, oh brother, they are not going to let this lie. I was a little irritated for being pressed about it, because I wasn’t going, but said, “I would wear my favorite dress - a floor length royal blue sequin gown, that my mom got me, with a sweetheart neckline. I love that dress. That’s a no brainer. But come on you guys…I’m not going!” They finally dropped it and I was glad.
The months clicked by and summer was approaching. I would be graduating in a few short weeks. I was thinking about my future. The more I thought about it, the more I had a very strong sense that I should be in California. It was a knowing that was deep within me and unlike anything I had ever felt in my life before. It was like I knew it before I knew it. It was a certainty that came with complete uncertainty, but that didn’t matter to me. I didn’t know why, or how, or what for - but I knew - without a shadow of a doubt. I trusted in God to show me the way. I trusted I would not feel this way, if it was not His plan for me. I knew he would take care of me. Most everyone, that I told, immediately thought it was solely because of my surfer, and as much as I loved him I felt there was even more of a purpose for me to be there, than just him. He and I continued to talk daily and he told me how much he missed me and he couldn’t wait to see me again, when I got back to California. It wouldn’t be long now, God willing.
One weekend my mom said she was having a little party at the house with all my sisters. She'd made things fancy, at the house, and had everything for the party that day. She said to make sure I looked nice. I was like, “Mom, why wouldn’t I look nice? Don’t I always?” She said, “Yes, of course but I just want to make sure you look nice today for your sisters and grams.” I thought, man, she’s being so weird. It’s just a family gathering with the girls, why does she care? I brushed it off. When I was getting ready my girlfriend from next door and my younger sister came in my bedroom. They were very aloof and said, “How’s it going?” I was like, “Fine, why do you ask?” They said, “No reason, just curious. You gonna do your hair today?” I was like, “Of course. What do you mean? I always do my hair.” They said, “You should wear it half up - that looks so pretty.” I was so confused. What is up with everyone today? Then when it was time for the party to begin and everyone was to arrive I was called upstairs. My mom said, “Your sisters will be here any minute.” I walked to the bathroom upstairs to check my hair (everyone was making me so self-conscious). As I walked by the front door on my way to the bathroom I glanced over for a second, and in the reflection of the glass door that was open I saw a man with dark hair. I thought who is that? I kept walking into the bathroom to check my hair and it hit me….OH MY GOSH…it’s the surfer! I was in denial and shock. No…that couldn’t have been him. I must be dreaming. Why would he be here? I really think I saw him though! Seconds later I heard my mom say, “Answer the door!” I couldn’t do it. I yelled back, “I’m in the bathroom!” Again, I heard “Answer the door” yelled from the kitchen. I walked towards the front door, completely beside myself, and sure enough…it was him…he was standing there…at my door! So many thoughts were racing through my head. What is he doing here? How did he get here? I answered the door and was nervously laughing and so was he. I said, “What are you doing here?” He handed me a red silk rose with a gold and black ribbon tied to it. I recognized it from somewhere and I thought, “Why is he giving me a silk rose?” Then I realized what it was…..it was the rose I had seen at high-school - the one my girlfriends got when they were invited to prom! Oh my gosh. I said, “You’re taking me to the prom? You’re kidding me!” My girlfriends had flown him in as a surprise and made all the arrangements. I had absolutely no clue. I couldn’t believe everyone kept this secret from me. I couldn’t believe I was completely clueless. I couldn’t believe he was HERE! They had rented him a tux, to match my favorite dress I had told them about, and ordered a corsage and bjutineer that matched as well. I was simply speechless. We had a great time at the prom and everyone made such a big deal of it. It was kind of embarrassing but I was so touched. It made me feel special and loved by my family and friends. The kindness of everyone really warmed my heart. I still couldn’t believe the surfer agreed to fly here and take me to the prom. He was older than me and I thought it would be embarrassing for him. He was a great sport. I can’t tell you one thing about that night because we were in our own world. It was just him and I - dancing the night away - literally. It went by in a blur, as he was only there for the weekend - a mere 48 hours - but a whirlwind I will always remember, it really was once in a lifetime. I am forever grateful to my friends and family for pulling off this wonderful surprise, and grateful to God for inspiring them to do something that would be so meaningful and provide me with a lifelong memory that I would cherish. It was a blessing beyond my wildest dreams.
Weeks later, I put on my cap and gown and graduated with my high-school class. I was so thrilled. My mother threw me a wonderful graduation party in Minnesota and everyone knew I would be leaving for California soon, so it was also a goodbye party of sorts as well. I was more than ready to begin my life in California. It seemed like I had been waiting forever for this moment. I had a such a strong sense that God wanted me there and I trusted in Him with my whole heart. I was ready to spread my wings and fly west.
♥️LGOF