We were working at Camp Living Waters and the 4th of July fell on our night off. A bunch of staff were making plans to drive into the "big" (read with sarcasm) city of Luther to see the fireworks display.
Derek asked me to ride with him and "saved" the spot on the center consol of his jeep so I could sit next to him.
Once we arrived at the little park, we sat next to each other and watched the fireworks in between sneaking glances at each other.
I don't think the fireworks were very memorable, an average display from a tiny little town. But I will never forget how overwhelmed my heart was feeling and the still small whispering voice in my soul that said "This is the one I have chosen for you."
A week later Derek asked me out again for our day off. This time we walked along Lake Michigan on our own and shared our dreams and named our future children. When we got back someone asked us if it was our first date and we both said "no." Our first date was in a crowd, watching fireworks, not quite fully realizing how fitting they were.
Less than 6 months later, the little park was snow covered when we pulled into the parking lot and Derek pulled an engagement ring out of the glove box.
It's been 20 years since our first fireworks together, and we still take every opportunity we can to see fireworks, but none of them quite measure up to the fireworks in Luther, Michigan on July 4, 1991.
2 comments:
Precious. What a delightful, perfect memory.
Nice memories, Kelli.
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