The Awaited.

I consider myself a reasonably social person. I love going on dates, and find them to be fun and sometimes quite interesting. However, being a new freshman here up at college, my parents and loved ones all gave me one piece of advice on something to refrain from; they had to do with two letters: R.M.. Returned Missionaries seemed like old men that I would never even encounter my freshman year. I have an older brother home from a mission, and it all aseemed strange to me: going on a date with someone his age. I knew the time would come eventually, but that time was for later. And I would be ready then. But that was to be in the future. So no need to worry about that now. Right?

            I guess I do. That moment rolled around when I received a phone call from an old man I knew from back home. An “R.M.”. What on earth could he want? I barely even know this guy! Comfortably, I answered the phone. “Hi!” I exclaimed. “How’s it goin’?”. “Hi! Emmy!”, he responded. “What are you doing this Saturday?” Umm ah oo I don’t know.. nothing involving an old man, I thought to myself. “Nothing”, I blurted out. WHY DID I SAY THAT? I just told an “R.M” that I was free on Saturday night! “Perfect!”, the manly voice sounded back. “Then it’s a date! I’ll pick you up around 7.” 7. All dates start around then. But this date was different! How did this happen? I should have listened to the warnings! I should have stayed at home until I was ready to move away. Until I was an old woman ready to engage with such a… old MAN. But… I could not. I had already agreed, and Saturday was soon approaching. The thought of suddenly getting sick began to sound strangely appealing as the days passed by.

            Eventually, Saturday rolls around. Trying not to think about what the day had in store later, I kept myself busy, trying to take my mind off of the night’s beloved date. What if he’s my eternal companion? What if he wants to get married right after the first date? Thoughts raced through my head throughout the day. Why am I thinking like this? It’s just a date Emmy… just a date. As 7pm creeps around the corner, I get ready and try to stay calm. Around 6:55, I get a phone call. The caller ID read: “scary R.M.”. Okay not really, but that is what it looked like to me. I picked up the phone, mustering up my confidence, and said, “Hello?”. “Hi”, his voice responded. “Emmy.. Umm.. You will never believe what happened… but we got in a car accident. It’s probably going to be a while.” The words sank into my head as I tried to make sense of it all. Does this mean I would not have to go on the date?! “Oh no!”, I exclaimed. “Is everyone alright?!” Then I heard laughing on the other end. “Hahaha I’m just kidding!! We’re on our way! Be there in 5.” Ah! Is this some kind of a sick joke?? I guess I wasn’t free after all. But in all honesty, his joke actually put me at ease a little; maybe he is not so scary after all. “Alright, meet you outside the Cannon Center!” Ohhh how I am such a freshman. SO embarrassing.

            So he picked me up outside the Cannon Center, and it all began! Despite the fact that I felt like a little girl still, he did not treat me like one. It actually ended up being quite fun! We ended up singing karaoke together, going to dinner, playing some fun games down at the park, all to top it off with some delicious one-of-a-kind hot chocolate that was his favorite, keeping us warm on the rather chilly evening. It was great! And so not scary. Actually one of the better dates I have been on!

            I am so glad I was able to expand my comfort zone. By going on this date, I learned that sometimes, we need to give other’s a chance. And sometimes, we need to give ourselves the chance. Just because someone is an “R.M., scary old guy”, they can actually be pretty cool. Not to mention, you could find your eternal companion. He and I are now dating and plan on getting married some time next year. Haha just kidding!!! But really, you never know. Take some chances. Thanks Dr. Broomhead!