I fell hard!

A lady in my office noticed family pictures on my desk yesterday. "Wow! You really have a good looking husband, Lisa!" I beamed and said, "Yeah, I do!"

After she left the memories poured. They took me back to January 28, 1979...

My best friend was Lesa Bagwell. She was the youngest of four children. Her parents were much older than mine, and she could get away with anything. She asked me to spend a Sunday night with her. A school night. I just knew Momma would say, "No." To my surprise, she said, "Okay." I pushed a little more sure I would hear a negative response but asked if I could ride home from school with Lesa's friend, a student from the high school. When she told me could, I jumped up and down clapping.

I met Lesa on the car riders' side of the school. A white, 4-door 1967 Chevrolet Biscayne was waiting for us. A blue-eyed, tanned, blond was standing beside with his hands in his pockets. I was one nervous 14 year old.

The car was stuffed!  This was a time when seat belts weren't mandatory. In the six passenger car, I think there may have been eight or nine of us. I was sitting next to the most handsome driver EVER! I couldn't talk. Could not look up to show the route to my house. He was taking me home first so Momma would not worry. Finally, we arrived at my house. My friends piled next to me climbed out for me to leave. What did I do? Exited, crossed in front of the and fell. Yep. Right there in front of that pretty fella. Smack down on the concrete. I got up and walked the opposite way of my house. I just knew they were all laughing though I didn't hear them. I later learned my friends urged him to let me alone as I would only be more embarrassed.

I heard the car drive away. I turned to see the rear of the cool Chevy going up the hill from our house. Relieved, I walked back to our house feeling I'd never again see that handsome guy.

We married in December 1982. I fell hard January 29, 1979 but it wasn't on the road. My heart fell for that young man who didn't laugh but wanted to help me.