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.
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.
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...
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
"Yes,
I just wanted her to be happy."
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
Oh gosh... Tears! Love this!
ReplyDeleteI had tears writing it. Thanks Kasey!
DeleteSounds like your daughter has a great guy, and yes, there is something so sweet and tender about young love. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, isn't though - sigh back.
DeleteYour daughter is so lucky to have a mom that can paint her memories with words and photographs! Of course, Lindsey is going to learn what love is/takes as she follows her parents' and grandparents' wonderful words of wisdom! Thank you for sharing a mother's perspective as you watch your daughter grow in so many beautiful ways.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, such a wonderful line "paint her memories with words!" Love that and thank you!! Setting good examples is definitely what's important. Best part of being a mom, watching our kids grow into wonderful adults.
DeleteWhat a LOVELY story, thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt was a pleasure - thank you Michelle!
DeleteThat is so sweet! Love stories always fascinate me! My husband and I met on a Friday, moved in together on a Saturday. We married a year later...that was 26 years ago and he's still my best friend. On the other hand my daughter met her husband when she was in the fifth grade. They stayed together all through school and were married immediately after even though I wasn't excited about her getting married so young, but they did and they still do. Now, 7 years later they are still very much in love. Love comes in all shapes and sizes.
ReplyDeleteRena thanks for sharing this. Everyone's love story is a little different and when it's true love, it's true love...the rest will work out.
DeleteAnd that's the secret. To care about your sweetie's happiness over your own. If it goes both ways, it's golden!!!
ReplyDeleteLoved this!
You said it right, Diane! That is the secret :)
DeleteAwwwww! Love the diving story.
ReplyDeleteOh he may be a keeper!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet, heart-warming story! That really is the essence of love--simply wanting to make your beloved happy. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed this publication! It was so heart warming. Great job, Laurie!
ReplyDeleteThank you Victoria! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Delete