A Crazy Thing Called Love!

My daughter just turned 21 and besides legally being able to belly up to the bar for a daiquiri, a cold beer, Jell-O shot or a snort of whiskey, I've noticed that she's turning into quite a mature and independent adult. 

Contrary to the negative press about millennials, she and her high school sweetheart seem to be responsible with living independently from one another, taking their college studies seriously and recently survived a month long winter break backpacking, camping and cliff jumping their way through New Zealand and Australia together. 

Image Credit: Pixabay.com - bngdesigns

However, from the story told, at nearly the end of their trip, it’s surprising that one of them didn't end up crimping the air hose of the other while scuba diving. 

I jest...but after a chuck-full of glorious time together day in and day out, cuddling like koala bears in a tiny tent, holding hands while gazing at stars and sharing a can of beans over a campfire, somebody or something had to snap. 

Image Credit: https://www.facebook.com/LindsayOienCreations/?fref=ts

Near the end of all their thrilling excursions, my daughter was having troubles with her first scuba dive and treading near a meltdown when she brazenly told her boyfriend aka scuba partner "just go dive to the bottom of the ocean without me!"  Guess what? He DID!

No worries, their love is still intact and they both made it through the trip like they were an old married couple complete with years of kissy face and snarling teeth know-how to tell the story with a smile. By the way, she eventually did meet him at the bottom of the ocean!

Image Credit: https://www.facebook.com/LindsayOienCreations/?fref=ts

Oh young love is special, isn't it? I'm picking on my daughter because...well, I've talked about Mister O plenty and thought I'd give him a break on this one and move on to fresh young unbridled love. 

Even at age 21 they're already getting comfortable with each other like an old t-shirt or a stinky pair of worn sneakers. Their young love is sweet, but the reality is they have a long way to go before they get to 21 years together where it no longer bothers them to grab skid-marked underwear out of the hamper or hold ones hair back while they puke!  I don't know maybe this has already happened to them. Goodness I hope not...what will they have to look forward to?

How about after 50 plus years of being cheek to cheek and hip to hip that it takes a whole day to realize you've got each-others false teeth in. Oh help me Jesus...I hope that isn't a thing! 

Image Credit: Pixabay.com - BookBabe

The point is, as much as we think the world of our daughter's sweetie, I hope that they move with caution and ease. They have so many more adventures ahead of them whether it is together or apart. It's clear they're best friends, but they shouldn't race to the finish line too quickly where they're wondering whose teeth are whose!

My parents were married at an innocent age of 20 and they're still together after 54 years. Those love stories are rare and I'm very proud of them. Not to mention, I'm pretty certain they’re not swapping out false teeth at this point.

Whether you’re backpacking and star gazing through New Zealand or holding your puking sweetheart's hair back, love is a crazy thing and sometimes confusing as hell. 

As we gathered and listened to all the wonderful fun they had on their trip and, yes, the tiny meltdown too, there was one striking thing that my daughter's boyfriend said that made me take notice and warmed my heart. 

My daughter desperately wanted to see the fireworks on New Year’s Eve over the Sidney, Australia Opera House...and who wouldn't?!?! But, they discovered to get there, they would have to separate from their group, take a bus, a ferry and walk a few miles to get to their destination. Let's just say, she was determined to do this and wanted to experience this once in a lifetime moment and wasn't about to do it alone. So, she convinced her beloved boyfriend to make the long trek to see these amazing fireworks…Love, Australian Style!

I paused her story for a moment and wanted to know how the beloved boyfriend felt about that. I looked over his way and asked, “is this something you were determined to do too? Was this a moment you wanted to behold?”

This is the answer that warmed my heart...

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"Yes, I just wanted her to be happy."

Image Credit: https://www.facebook.com/LindsayOienCreations/?fref=ts

BOOM goes the Fireworks!! That's a crazy thing called LOVE!

And, a GREAT answer too!

Wishing you much happiness, love, and fireworks this Valentine's Day!

Put your smile on and unwrap

   A Square of Chocolate,

Laurie O

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