ACT TWO - Scene 5

Mama PC

SO...

John had his guard up against any kind of romantic relationship with me. Then he relaxed in God's peace that encouraged him to just be friends.

So, after that first real phone conversation (on May 26, 1980) each time we saw one another, after church, he'd stop on the way out the door and say "we really need to get together some time"...and we'd shake hands for a very long time, grinning widely at one another. That was it. He NEVER would ask me out or call or anything. Now, I'm was an inpatient type of girl...and these days and weeks were just too long for me! But, trying to be proper, I refused to make any more calls to him. And of course, I couldn't ask him out!

Several weeks later, he found out that I would be leaving for a week to be a kids' camp counselor. He sneakily found out the address of the camp and on my 3rd day there, I received a letter! All it said was that he "knew it would be fun to get a letter at camp"... and at that time, I rejoiced in knowing that at least he was thinking of me. Deep inside I knew that I loved this man called John Jacob Crouse. I was floating on clouds.

The next week, my sister and brother-in-law (old boyfriend) must've figured out that we were affected by one another, and they invited us both over after church for a meal. John came to me and offered me a ride "since we're both going to the same place". So, that was June of 1980. We began seeing one another almost every night for the next few months, walking in front of my home in the cool night breezes or going to Denny's for iced tea, cottage cheese and fruit.

One night, (can't remember when), I reached up and kissed him straight on the mouth. He was a bit shocked and reserved, not wanting to take advantage of a younger girl, especially a girl he wasn't sure he wanted to commit to. You know his parents did not approve of me. He was 28 and I was 21. He believed strongly that you should never tell another that you loved them until you were sure you were ready to propose, and definitely not kiss until marriage. Well, I snuck a few kisses in there and he never lingered... I was always a bit miffed that he wouldn't kiss me...but, because I had been around enough to see the guys that would be too demonstrative, his reticence to start any type of physical relationship PROVED to me that he loved me and wanted what was best for me. Because he loved me, he held back. That meant a lot to my inner self. His self-control ministered to my heart. And it made me all the more in love with him.

Late Summer of '80, he still made no mention of love or marriage...and I was ready for a commitment. But, I couldn't tell him that. You know, the propriety thing. That fall, he came in to my house, guitar case in hand, and a BRIGHT green sweater on and he had me learn the back-up parts of a song he had just written. After I learned the back-up vocal parts, he began the song....

Strum strum strum strum....

"Hey, Pam I think I'm in love with you.... (my part -ooh ooh)
No one else could affect me so... oh oh
But I'll have to leave it in the Master's hand ..ann ann
....la la la....... His perfect plan"

(we both have forgotten all the words now, but I tell you when I started singing the back-up parts and hearing him say he thought he loved me in a song nearly knocked me off of my feet! what a surprise!!!!)

*****Now, if you're reading this, let me know if you're listening and enjoying this tale of love... I'm expecting a post before I write any more!***

btw, i still have that bright green sweater of his...