Show Some Gratitude

The other day, I was asked out on a date.

By a 16-year-old girl.

Usually, my response would be, "No."

However, this was an invitation to the "Gratitude Dinner" the Young Women from the ward were doing.  Each young woman was supposed to invite someone they were grateful for - grateful for influence, help, etc.

I will tell you that I did not cry.  As long as your definition of not crying is "barely keeping in tears with every ounce of energy down to the sub-cellular level of my being."

The truth is I was very touched.  Besides, Nicki had already been invited, so I was going to be hungry that night if I couldn't find some food somewhere.

And of course, I deserved it.  I have done so much for this young lady.  If not for me, she wouldn't be who she is today.

She would probably be even a better person, actually.  Although, I have been able to help her on strategies for enjoying Disneyland to the highest capacity.

But really, I have known her for 14 of her 16 years.  My family has been with her family through some really tough trials - as well as some really great times.

And most recently, I have been her Seminary teacher.  Every morning at 6:00.  6 AM.  In the morning.  And to think, they actually have the nerve to call it "Early-morning Seminary."

Anyway, the dinner was last night - a baked potato bar.  Oh...yes!  Bring on the melty nacho cheese and the bacon and chili.  It doesn't matter that the chili and cheese were likely left over from the ward Trunk-or-Treat a week ago.  Freezers are great just for occasions like this.  I most certainly would not have done that well had I been left to provide my own sustenance.

During the evening, each young women was to stand with their guest and explain why she invited that person.  And naturally, during that introduction, I did not cry.  I most definitely did not cry.  As long as your definition of not crying has been loosened a little from above to now be "coming within a microsecond of completely breaking down and bawling like a tiny little baby."

Thank you, Mags.