First Impressions
The summer of 1967 was a romantic one indeed for me. Dick and I were just starting to "go together". I wasn't even 16 yet, so I wasn't allowed to actually go out on dates, but we found activities here and there that we were allowed to do. I was starting to get over my Ugly Duckling mentality and as a result was beginning to feel much more confident, even witty at times. Even my crooked eye tooth did not bother me anymore as I found ways to look more attractive.
One event at which Dick and I were allowed to be together was a youth picnic in his neighborhood. A softball game followed the picnic. Now what was a non-athletic girl like me to do? I was Dick's new girlfriend and I certainly wasn't going to embarrass him by sitting out. Everyone else was participating. His younger brothers were there, all four of them. This was my debut! Feeling very confident and cute, I decided to go for it, and act like I was good at it. When it was my turn at bat I breathed a prayer that I could at least hit it and not strike out. Amazingly I hit it!! AND I made it safely to first base!! Dick's younger brother Jim (age 11) was the first baseman, and as I madly dashed toward the base I was imagining how he must be so impressed with my great athletic skill. As I stood next to him catching my breath, he looked at me and said matter-of-factly, "Did you know that your one tooth sticks out?" DID I KNOW???? I didn't even know how to respond! No "wow, you can really run," or "good hit," or any of the nice things I imagined he was thinking! I suppose I gracefully told him that I DID know that my one tooth was crooked, and was soon off to second base.
That unrefined little boy has been my brother-in-law for almost 36 years now, and he's a fine man with lots of wisdom. He doesn't remember that first impression of me, so he has to take my word for it, but we have laughed over that incident many, many times over the years!
One event at which Dick and I were allowed to be together was a youth picnic in his neighborhood. A softball game followed the picnic. Now what was a non-athletic girl like me to do? I was Dick's new girlfriend and I certainly wasn't going to embarrass him by sitting out. Everyone else was participating. His younger brothers were there, all four of them. This was my debut! Feeling very confident and cute, I decided to go for it, and act like I was good at it. When it was my turn at bat I breathed a prayer that I could at least hit it and not strike out. Amazingly I hit it!! AND I made it safely to first base!! Dick's younger brother Jim (age 11) was the first baseman, and as I madly dashed toward the base I was imagining how he must be so impressed with my great athletic skill. As I stood next to him catching my breath, he looked at me and said matter-of-factly, "Did you know that your one tooth sticks out?" DID I KNOW???? I didn't even know how to respond! No "wow, you can really run," or "good hit," or any of the nice things I imagined he was thinking! I suppose I gracefully told him that I DID know that my one tooth was crooked, and was soon off to second base.
That unrefined little boy has been my brother-in-law for almost 36 years now, and he's a fine man with lots of wisdom. He doesn't remember that first impression of me, so he has to take my word for it, but we have laughed over that incident many, many times over the years!
4 comments:
That is absolutely hilarious! The things that come out of kids mouths just crack me up...I love this post!
I never ever noticed your tooth. Don't ever get braces or do anything about it. You look beautiful just the way you are!
What a memory! LOL
Hugs!
Kat
Just like a brother! Alex and Ian tease with Suzanne (Adam's wife) just like she has always been their sister. Bless her heart...she takes it...and dishes it right back out to them! I love it!
Great story!
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