I'm happy to present a guest author today.
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A Drama Queen in Love
A Valentine's Day
Real Love Story
By Joy DeKok
Author of Your Life A Legacy
When I became a believer at fifteen, I knew if my dream of marriage was going to come true, the guy was going to have to believe in Jesus. I wanted him to be good looking and nice to me.
There was this tall, handsome, redhead at church who seemed like an excellent candidate. I was determined he was going to notice me and it was going to take some planning. Our youth group had an ice skating party and although I didn't skate, I knew he had signed up to go, so I was there. I asked a girlfriend to take me and then later to leave me so I'd need a ride home. She was happy to help. He gave me a ride home, a very quiet ride. I wasn't sure if he was a quiet person or didn't like me. I decided to find out.
First on the agenda, wear a blue outfit to church. I knew I looked pretty good in blue. Next, every eyelash had to be in place, because my eyes were my best feature – I reapplied it at least once. (I used a straight pin to separate each lash – this was serious stuff!) Finally, I needed a moment to say just one witty thing. My opportunity came when he opened the door for me after the service. I walked by him and said, "My numbers in the book." He said, "So is mine." Drat. It worked in some movie or TV show.
At home that evening, I told my parents what I'd said. I remember raised eyebrows and shaking heads. I was certain any chance I had of being Jonathan DeKok's girlfriend were gone. I was seventeen and convinced I'd blown it. Forever. And ever.
When the phone rang the next evening, I was surprised to hear his voice. He asked if he could stop by and show me his new car. My yes was enthusiastic instead of cool, but he didn't seem to mind. I was feeling unprepared, and I asked my mom to keep him company while I got ready. When I came downstairs hoping to make a "grand entrance" I found her sitting on the arm of the chair Jon was sitting in, and a photo album with my baby pictures in it was on his lap. They were agreeing I'd been a beautiful baby.
He took me for a short drive in his 1970 Dodge Charger 500. It was metallic blue with a white Landau roof, and glass packs – you know the things that make the sound "blub, blub, blub" when a car is going slow or idling. The whole neighborhood knew when he was on his way to pick me up. That delighted me. I imagined them saying, "There goes Joy's boyfriend."
There were a few months as a couple, then a break-up, a short engagement, and finally, a New Year's Day wedding a month after my nineteenth birthday.
That was thirty-five years ago. He admits he was surprised by my dramatic line, but says he was also glad to have the invitation so clearly stated. The Dodge Charger is long gone, but he's still taking me for rides, and one of the best things: the number in the book is ours.
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