Not necessarily expected, my mother and father were excited about the news when I told them that evening. Instead of returning to my apartment after work, I decided to join Mom and Dad for sinner at home that evening. It was April, and there was just enough time to make all the arrangements if we were quick about securing the location for the wedding and reception. Mom was happy to be involved in the process and the following Monday she began making phone calls. In a stroke of luck, there had been a cancellation for that weekend at one of the most historic homes in Charleston. The Legare Waring House is where we would exchange our vows.

                There is something majestic about this place. The moss-draped oak trees are larger than life itself and provide for what seems like a covered pathway to grace leading up to the home. The home was built in the 1840s and today maintains that traditional elegance along with an uncluttered essence of beauty. It would be perfect for an occasion that is supposed to stand the test of time. The cost was something that I was not prepared for, but my father had promised that his only daughter would be given away in proper fashion. That did not necessarily mean that we were going to be frivolous with the money designated for my wedding, but he had saved for many years for such an occasion. We booked the house and we would be married near the gardens overlooking the lagoon.

                Graham and I wanted the list of attendees to feel like distinguished guests. I had only one brother and he was an only child. In that light, it became easy to keep the wedding party small. However, keeping the rest of the list small would be a challenge. We agreed on one hundred guests. After arriving at an agreeable number, we then moved on to the other essentials such as picking a cake, a first song and our wedding party number. We agreed on four. I debated for some time about whether to invite Rona. She had been a prominent figure in my life for nearly three years. We had shared some fabulous times and even some fabulous secrets. But the kiss was a sticking point. What could go wrong at the wedding if she drank too much champagne? I decided to forgo the offer to attend.

                With most of the arrangements made, it was time to pick a dress. I was also having some trouble picking a brides maid, but I knew that with a few days of solid thought, a decision could be made. As my mother and I continued to make command decisions, each one left me closer toward the goal of marrying the man of my dreams.

                Graham was a wonderful person through the whole process. He made sure that everything was perfect from my perspective. While this is an all-important day for a man as well, he understood that me as his bride was the one who demanded perfection. Everything needed to proceed without a hitch. I would call him and talk with him as decisions were made and ask for his approval. In everything, he stated that he wanted that which I desired to make this day perfect for me. Perhaps he was even too agreeable, but I loved hearing his words of agreement.

                By the end of July all the details were ironed out. I could now relax for a bit and enjoy the rest of the summer. Graham and I still had our typical date on Friday or Saturday evening, and he would come over to my new place on Sunday and watch football. If we didn’t feel like going out over the weekend, I would typically cook him dinner. We had started walking a few miles each evening and would go hiking or biking over the weekend. It seemed as if everything was falling into place. We had developed what I would call healthy routines which pleased me.

                I was anxious by the end of July to get married. August would undoubtedly seem like a long month, and there were three weeks in September also prior to the big day. On evenings after our walks, I would typically spend some time reading on the porch as the weather permitted. Even when the summer rains came, I was under a covered porch which didn’t bother me. Candlelight and a glass of wine was almost a sure bet to accompany me and my book on those evenings. I dreamed about walking through the moss-draped oak tress leading to a small crowd in chairs seeing me glow as I walked closer and closer to my suitor.

                We decided on saying the traditional vows. We talked about writing our own, but there is something about tradition with respect to this part of the ceremony which I intended to honor. My mind wandered as I thought about the speeches that would be given and the reception that would ensue. I had plenty of time to think and dream as the wedding was seven weeks away.

                In August, Graham seemed a bit more distant. He was not visiting as often and I thought that perhaps he was just swamped with work as many of his clients had filed extensions. He managed to make it less and less for our evening walk, citing excuses, and we were not spending as much time on the weekends. Initially, I chalked up the behavior to a stressful workload. By the end of August, I became concerned. Had he changed his mind? Was he getting cold feet? One evening as he was returning home from work he asked me to meet him in the parking lot of a restaurant prior to an evening client meeting. I thought nothing of it immediately, but his face said it all when I arrived and opened the door to the passenger seat. He stated rather abruptly that he was not sure he was ready for marriage. As the tears flowed down my face, and I could not even speak. I exited the car and left.

                The following day he didn’t call as he normally had sometime during the workday. I knew this was bad news. How would I tell my father? Was he absolutely decided in his position? How could I change the events of last evening and keep this train from derailing? A million questions entered my mind without answers.

                Two days later he called. I had been doing plenty of thinking on my own as I was positive I was getting married on September 24. I was not about to let the decisions of my recent past go up in smoke over a young man with cold feet. I suggested he come over to dinner that evening and we could talk.

                As we sat together over the dinner I had prepared, it was eerily quiet at first. After he had nearly finished his dinner, he began to explain his concerns. What had felt so right a few months ago now seemed to have waned into reluctance. He attempted to sound practical. Were we financially sound? Where would we live? Did I want children right away, and how would we care for them?

                I admitted that all were valid concerns and had answers for each one of them.  We were each employed in the family business. Check. While I intended to keep my apartment, I suggested that we live there until we could find a suitable home. Check. I had NO intentions of having children right away as I wanted Graham to fully inherit his father’s practice when he retired in five to seven years so that I could be a stay-at-home mother. Check. Despite my answers to these valid, yet untimely concerns, I could still smell a bit of hesitation. What else was there? I pleaded him to bring to the forefront any other issues. As I scooped out a bit of ice cream and a piece of peach pie, I awaited his answer to the final proving question. He answered in the affirmative that he was just scared. We agreed to proceed as planned. Check mate.

                Southerners are known for being rugged and tough, and in that moment, I believed I had fought one of the toughest battles in my young life. The wedding was now three weeks away. The crisp air of fall was creeping in as we had resumed our walks each evening. It felt like we had turned a corner and that all would be well. Graham’s workload was fading somewhat, and business as usual was happening at my father’s engineering firm. I began spending more time with Mom and dad on the weekends as I knew I would be seeing less of them once I officially became a “wife”.

                The next three weeks were practically a blur. It was now Friday night and we were seated at a restaurant in Charleston. Earlier in the day the women went shopping and spelunking in downtown Charleston. The guys opted to play golf. We chose McCrady’s primarily for the history and the atmosphere. This restaurant has been a staple in downtown Charleston for nearly a century. I had chosen three main courses for our guests. Lamb, Beef Ribeye and Wreckfish. We had chosen The Chef’s Table Room for our private event. Here, we would have the ultimate level of service in a private setting with dinner served and hosted by the chef himself and his staff.

                Everyone in attendance seemed to enjoy dinner. It was a small gathering consisting of my mother and father, Graham’s parents, my brother and the wedding party; which consisted of the best man, Paul, and two other roommates from Vanderbilt, and on my side was my best friend from home Tasha, and two girlfriends Susan and Mallory. Not too long into dinner, Tasha proposed a toast. She wished us well and spoke about how she believed we were a match made in heaven. As I looked at Graham, I could see him smiling and with a glimpse in his eye of love that I had not seen in the past few weeks. As I looked at mine and his parents, I could see them gleaming as well.

               

                Dinner was served in five courses and I can say with certainty that we enjoyed some of the finest food in the South. The chef had previously been awarded the James Beard Award. The wine was flowing and laughing and crying at times was common. After three hours of dining, it was time to retire to our respective quarters for the evening and prepare for the day ahead.

                The following morning, I woke early to the sound of birds singing. As I drew back the drapes from my window, the sun was already peeking over the horizon much to my surprise. It was a sign to me that we would have a beautiful day. We had stayed at the John Rutledge House. The Inn was built in 1763 by John Rutledge, one of the signers of the constitution. Today, this bed and breakfast hosts residents in the main house and also a number of carriage houses from the property. My mother and I stayed in the main house and my ladies of honor stayed in the carriage houses.

                I was the first to come down to the breakfast area that morning and made myself a cup of tea. It was not long before my mother joined me. She had decided to give me some advice that morning about what she felt was some key cornerstones of a lasting marriage. Her thoughts were simple, but resonating. Keep your God first in your life and he will guide you. Keep your husband’s stomach full with home cooking. Praise him whenever you see an opportunity to do so. Allow him to make the final decision concerning the finances and the discipline of your children. Never go to bed angry.

                All of this I had taken to heart in a few short moments. Sage advice from your mother is not something that all daughters have. I could trust in my mother as I had seen her live by those exact principles. And I wanted a home and a loving relationship that resembled that of my parents. They were successful at marriage and still very much in love.

                When Tasha, Susan and Mallory arrived, we ordered breakfast. I had my favorite, eggs benedict. We were all well rested and excited for the day. While the gifts would be received much later, the girls had gone together and presented a small token of their appreciation for being a small part of this all-important day for me. They all knew collectively that I was a fan of Coach Purses. They thought it appropriate for me to have a special handbag to carry on my honeymoon. I was thrilled at their gesture and could not keep myself for thanking them. Tasha had been a friend since grade school and Susan and Mallory were high school classmates. That morning, I had a few moments where I drifted off wondering about Rona. Had I been too hard on her and her actions last fall? As the thoughts drifted in and out of my head momentarily, I decided to let them rest and focus on the rest of my day.

                After breakfast, it was time to get dressed. The wedding was not until 3:30 PM, but I was decidedly anxious to wear my dress. First, I would need to go get my nails and hair done. We walked to a local parlor in downtown and were greeted with champagne as a starter before our primping. We giggled and told stories as the purveyors of the salon did their best to make us show-ready. Tasha, Susan and Mallory were all in serious relationships so they too shared in the excitement with their stories about the setting, plans and honeymoon spots for their upcoming nuptials. Tasha was the only one who was engaged, so she could completely understand the importance of this day for me. There is something about a wedding that makes women giddy with angst and pure astonishment.

                With my nails and hair finished, it was time for a light snack prior to donning my dress. I had chosen a Vera Wang for the occasion. It was an “A Frame” that had a gentle flow from top to bottom so as not to embellish my figure too wide. I loved the style, but intended to keep the dress from flowing outward too much. I wore ballerina slippers and the veil was just past shoulder length. It was an Ivory Strapless Beaded Silk Wedding Dress that I had purchased in New York City. My mother and I had taken a shopping trip there the month before, and despite Graham’s moment of hesitation, I was going to wear it. The bridesmaids were also accommodated with an “A Frame” Silk Dress in robin egg blue. The men would wear robin egg blue ties and Graham had not revealed the color of his.

                I had feelings of excitement and anxiousness as I dressed. It seemed like we were all scurrying around at the last minute, but really we had time on our hands to spare. I believe it was the intensity of this day that made time feel as if it was getting away from me. My mother helped with some last minute preparations and then it was down the aisle I would soon go.

                The pathway to my guests and my future husband was all that I had envisioned and more for so many years. It was storybook worthy. As I walked under the oak trees hand- in- hand with my father I could feel all eyes on me. It was truly my special day. “Canon in D” was played by some string musicians as we came toward the crowd awaiting us. As we neared those seated, we stopped for a second at the back row. My father expressed his love for me in words like I had never heard before. And thought he would be giving me away on this very day, he promised to never be far from my side.

                After a brief pause, the crowd rose to their feet and we walked slowly. As I walked past silver pales filled with water and daises, Graham was all smiles as he could now see me clearly. I must say, I was befitting to have any man I would choose in the entire world standing before me at that moment, but it was Graham I was walking toward to become a bride. We paused one final time, my father kissed me on the forehead outside of my veil and wished me the best for all the years ahead of us.

                The service was short but sweet. In about twenty minutes, we were saying our vows. It was an intense and rather calming moment. There was no stress in my voice as I said my vows; only tears. As Graham professed his, I heard a slight trembling in his voice as he was holding back tears. As we leaned in for the kiss after being pronounced man and wife, there was a thundering of clapping that was heard from behind. The bridesmaids were sobbing and the men were hugging each other. It was a joyous occasion that afternoon for all.

                After spending some time greeting all of our guests, we sat down to dinner under a tent the large courtyard. There was soft music played by a quartet of strings and everyone laughed and cried while conversing with one another. The weather was absolutely perfect; not a cloud in sight. After all plates hit the table, it was time for Tasha to make her toast. She recounted several times during middle school and high school about how awkward I had been with the boys in school. The truth was, I had not an interest in any of them. She finished with a few sentences about how my life had changed when I met Graham. While she was not at Vanderbilt like Rona had been to see the twinkle in my eye or the quickness in my step after a conversation with him, she was privy to all the details by phone. She could hear the excitement and the love from afar in my voice, and she knew it was something special.

                After Tasha, Paul had a few words of his own and a few funny stories to share about Graham. He, too, had seen a change in his best friend. Despite his cold feet near the end – which was not shared- Paul knew that Graham had made an excellent choice in a wife. As dinner ensued, Graham and I didn’t say much to each other as I believe we were both a little stunned at the overall emotional toll of the day. Not in a negative way, but decidedly positive. We were each happy to have some finality to the event and were encouraged by the commencement of our relationship as husband and wife.

                After we cut the cake, hand-in-hand, it was off for a few pictures before our first dance and the rest of the reception. But first, I had to clean off my face as Graham was ornery in the moment of feeding me my first bite. I just knew the pictures would be marvelous. We decided to have some taken earlier and just a few after the cutting of the cake. The photographer was further responsible for obtaining some tasteful snapshots at my request for nearly everyone in attendance. I wanted everyone there to remember and feel as if they were in some small way apart of this monumental day.

                Graham was always fond of the song “Lady in Red”; in fact, it was his favorite of all time. And while I thought there were better songs for our first dance, I agreed to allow him to have this played for our dance. Afterward, I danced with my father. He couldn’t have been more proper and more proud of me on this day. I was taking a new leap of faith and growing up “way too fast” as he stated. However, he was calm and approving. It would have been easy for some fathers to advise with a heavier hand. He could have brought up the fact that I had left college. My father is not this way. He loved me unconditionally, and that was what I was looking for in Graham. I wanted to find real love that would stand the test of time.

                It did not seem long after the dancing began that we were saying our goodbyes. We had a plane to catch to a destination that I was unaware of. I had put Graham in charge of picking a place for the honeymoon. I wanted to be surprised. I only stated that I wanted to be in the sun and be able to wear a bathing suit at some point. The rest of the details were for him to address. Our convertible was tastefully decorated; however, there was no question that we had just been married. A few minutes’ drive to Charleston International Airport led me to believe that we had needed the passport that I had packed. We were in fact embarking on an international trip, which was the first clue that Graham gave me.

                It was a long wait after check-in until we were called to board the plane. He covered my ears during the announcement as I was not yet supposed to know our destination. Walking down the long corridor to our flight, I began to wonder where we might be landing early in the morning. As the stewardess prepared to give her obligatory speech, I listened intently. We were going to Aruba. Upon hearing this, I screamed with excitement and punched him square in the bicep. It was a loving gesture, as to say that he had knocked the ball out of the park and hit a home run with his part of the planning. In the morning, I would be in the sun.

               

               

                It was still very early in the morning before the sun had come up when we landed. I had managed to catch a few winks on the plane, never remaining in a deep sleep. While I was excited and wanted to stay up during the flight, I was at the same time tired from the long day associated with becoming a bride. The plane had landed with a forceful thud about the time I was waking up from a small nap. I immediately opened my eyes wide and prepared to embark on our ten day honeymoon. As we picked up our luggage from baggage claim, I was thinking about the rest of the events from the night before. I had hoped that our guests enjoyed themselves. I wondered who the last to leave from the reception was, and how the pictures would turn out. One thing was for sure; my father had spared no expense.

                After a short and wild cab ride, we arrived at the Tamarijn, Aruba. The sun was beginning to peek over the horizon and I could feel a slight breeze at my back. We flopped the suitcases on the bed and I encouraged Graham to put on his bathing suit. That was the first thing I grabbed from the suitcase as well and ran into the bathroom to put it on. I had purchased a new black strapless bikini for the occasion. As I opened the door to our patio, I rushed toward the ocean as if I had just learned to run for the first time. Within a minute or two, I was standing at the ocean allowing the crest of the waves to caress my toes gently. Graham was not far behind and as he ran toward me he swept me off my feet and carried me a few paces into the ocean and dunked us both in the water. As we emerged from the ocean, he had an ornery look about him. He smiled and we knew in just that moment as we gazed in each other’s eyes that we had done it. We were married. We were husband and wife.

                Neither of us had brought a towel and the cool air of the morning caused us to shiver just a bit. I ran back into the room and found a towel for us to wrap up in. As we laid there on the beach, we talked a little, but mostly just stared in each other’s eyes…kissing each other from time to time. After a half hour or so lying on the beach using a towel as a blanket, we decided to go back to the room and order room service. By now, you can surmise that I had tea and eggs benedict, my favorite. Graham had waffles and eggs and we opted for them to have some island fruit sent along as well.

                After breakfast we showered to remove the sand from our slightly chilled bodies. We showered together that morning and I loved the touch of Graham’s hands running through my hair as he washed it gently. After our shower we laid into bed and we made love for the first time. Graham had graciously honored my request that we wait until we were married to enjoy the feeling of our union; that it would be wholesome and pure.

                After another shower, we decided to spend the entire day at the beach. I was going to take in as much sun as possible and attempt to wear each bathing suit that I had purchased. I had only bought eleven for the trip. That afternoon he had booked beach side massages. As we lay next to one another on tables, I only open my eyes occasionally to look at him. I can tell that he has been watching me the whole time during his massage. A few more hours in the sun and it would be time for dinner.

                We had purchased a package that allowed for us to have a discount at participating restaurants on the island. An all-inclusive package included dining at nine different restaurants, seven lounges, non-motorized water sports options, nightly entertainment and much more. I could not have been more thrilled with his choice. The fact that he had picked a spot in the Caribbean with luxury accommodations and plenty more to explore left me with a satisfied palate. The first evening, I had wanted something fresh from the ocean for dinner. The Palms Grill offered oceanfront dining and would allow me the option of having local seafood. I chose the Palm Salad which offered garden greens with hearts of palm, pine nuts, mandarin orange, chicken and croutons, sprinkled with a peanut-ginger dressing. I then followed this with Swordfish and Beef which was accompanied with a fresh vegetable medley for stir-frying and French fries. In a way, I had both island and American cuisines. Graham had Beef and Shrimp and opted for the same salad and sides.

                At the end of dinner, we remained at our table for quite some time sipping at our glasses of red wine. He had chosen a Merlot, perhaps my favorite; and we were now working on a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, a close second. I have since then believed and have carried it with me that a glass of wine is quite unlike any other drink in the world. It has life. From the minute the vines were planted to the end result in the glass, there is something supernatural about the process and product. Wine evolves.

                The following morning, I woke early as usual and Graham was still in a stupor of alcohol and dreams. Letting him sleep, I decided to go to breakfast alone. Raul graciously brought my Bloody Mary with a smile and asked me if I was enjoying Aruba. I recanted the events of my first day on the island and followed that rendition up with the events that I had planned for the rest of the week. I would see Raul each morning for the rest of my time in Aruba…alone. Graham was obviously taking advantage of the ability to sleep in. I, on the other hand, was not about to waste a waking moment in a place such as this.

               

Morning seems to come too quickly. I load my laundry into the car, kiss Mom and Dad goodbye and begin my journey back to school. I arrive in the early afternoon and tidy up a bit prior to Rona’s arrival. After all, she has a longer drive from Savannah and will probably have just enough time to put away her clothes and crawl into bed. She arrives in the early evening and we exchange stories about our family traditions and our shopping excursions.

                The rest of the fall semester seemed to fly by. With only a few exams and then finals to take, I buckled down and really placed a focus on finishing strong. With Rona’s help, I was able to make “B’s” in Biology and Chemistry and was able to earn “A’s” in English and Math. We decided to return to our own homes for Christmas break and vowed to plan a trip for spring break together.

                Mom and Dad were pleased with the idea of a family portrait and my brother absolutely loved his watch. I decided to send Rona’s gift in the mail so she would have a package to open. She called the following day to say how excited she was to get back to practicing yoga in her new attire. I agreed to go with her to a few classes upon our return to Vanderbilt in January.

                With the Christmas holiday being quite longer, there was more time to spend in reflection for choosing a major. It was suggested that we choose a direction for our studies at the beginning of our sophomore year. I decided to declare early in the spring semester and would choose accounting. Dad was thrilled and offered to help me gain some experience by doing the books for the family business during my summer breaks. The decision seemed to help me gain a concrete vision for my time spent in college. Since that decision was made, I was able to enjoy my Christmas break with less stress.

                My father always felt that it was important to reward your employees. Between Christmas and New Year’s, he scheduled a gathering each year for the company’s employees and their families. A nice dinner was served followed by company bonuses, a small gift for each household for the children, and a gift card to eat at a local restaurant was given to each employee. Being a small business owner, my father chose a different small restaurant each year for the gift cards. I always enjoyed this gathering as you get to know the people and their families. They are not just employees, but the people around my father in the trenches each day who make him successful. To them he is eternally grateful.

                The New Year’s holiday came quickly and I decided to spend it with some friends from high school. This year, we went to the top of Mill Mountain where the Roanoke star is located. It stands nearly one hundred feet tall and is illuminated in red, white and blue. Roanoke has been appropriately named the “Star City of the South.” It was a cold January eve, but we decided nonetheless to brave the weather until midnight. I thought to myself many times about how I could be at home, sipping on hot chocolate next to Mom as we watched the ball drop in New York City. As a young college student, you tend to do many things that perhaps you would rather have opted out of looking back.

                With only twelve days left on my Christmas break, I made sure to spend plenty of time with my parents. Certainly they missed me too while I was away in Nashville. While subtle, I could see a change happening in me as I braved the new world of independence. Enjoying home cooked food was at the top of my list for the remainder of my time at home. Mom and I spent what seemed to be an exorbitant amount of time in the kitchen. I have always enjoyed cooking and learned it well from my mother. She always placed a high importance on feeding my father and keeping him healthy. It was never uncommon to have a few courses served at dinner and occasionally dessert. I believe wholeheartedly that cooking with fresh ingredients and cooking for yourself will increase the likelihood of longevity. Fruits, vegetables and fresh ingredients; preferably from a local grocer.

                Returning to Vanderbilt after a relaxing Christmas break seemed hard. I had spent many nights sitting in the living room by the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate, something I would surely miss, now being confined again to a small dormitory room. My classes were much the same. Rona was happy to be taking Biology and Chemistry as these would be the hallmark of her classes going forward. I was less enthused. I did feel at peace with my decision to major in accounting as this took some of the guesswork out of my coursework going forward.

                It was not long before spring break came. Rona and I had planned a trip along with two upperclassmen to go to Aspen, Colorado, to ski. While I am not a fan of the cold, I do enjoy the outdoors and agreed to go, knowing I could bundle up and hopefully enjoy the slopes. In March, the average snowfall is Aspen is roughly thirty inches, give or take. The months preceding are what usually make for a nice base of snow for the slopes. I am not much of a skier, but I agreed to get out on the slopes for one or two days during the seven day vacation. Ideally, I will spend more of my time pampering myself in the spas, hot tubs and our cozy hotel room.

                We stayed at Hotel Jerome. The hotel provides the exact amount of amenities I am looking for, a stylish restaurant, and upscale bar and the spa. I felt a bit jet-lagged from the flight so I decided to sleep in the first morning. Rona was eager to hit the slopes and was out the door by 7:30 A.M. I stayed in bed until 9:00 A.M. and bundled up for a morning walk down Main Street. It was not long before I found myself sipping on a latte in the Main Street Bakery & Café.  After finishing my latte, I order a regular coffee and eggs benedict. I am surprised by the café’s ability to make such a delicate breakfast item extraordinary. I surmise that it is a tourist town such as Aspen that warrants a proper chef even in a small café.

                I roam the streets for a while and find myself in Harmony Scott Jewelry Design shop. I am dazzled by the handmade and exquisite jewelry on display. While I love diamonds, I have always been a fan of watches, necklaces and bracelets as well. I spend what seems like hours looking around and decide it is time for lunch. I returned to the dining hall in Hotel Jerome. The Open Faced Spicy Tuna “Melt” seems appealing, so I order and wait impatiently for its arrival. Twenty-four dollars seems a bit pricey for an afternoon lunch, but it pales in comparison to what I am about to spend at the spa. A full body treatment runs three hundred dollars, but I’m worth it!

                Rona returned about 5:00 P.M. after a long day on the slopes. The four of us went to dinner at Finbarr’s Irish Pub.  I had heard from a local that the salmon was the item to order, so I was easily persuaded. Rona seemed more interested in the Guinness on tap. She was sore and I was feeling more like a rejuvenated jellyfish. We elected to sit at a table for dinner and then attempt to make our way to the bar for the remainder of the evening.  The décor is what I would call “rustic-chic”. There are chandeliers for lighting, brick and wood on the exterior walls, but the bar area seems more modern with teardrop lighting illuminating the green apple colored chairs. Chatting with the locals until 11:00 P.M., we decide to get into bed before turning into midnight snowflakes.

I decided to write a short postcard before bed.

Mom,

Our first day in Aspen has been a glorious one. Surrounded by the snow-capped mountains, one seems small in comparison. There must be something to the Rocky Mountains, as I am enthralled by the beauty of this place. In April they have a Food & Wine festival which I have vowed to return for someday, perhaps with someone special. As usual, I am missing home as the fireplace in the hotel lobby where I can sip on a hot chocolate in the evening is not near the same as being at home.

Stephanie

                The rest of the week was as relaxing as the first day. I managed to leave Aspen with not too many bumps and bruises. The slopes were plush and not as easy to conquer as one might imagine. I did manage to traverse the elementary offerings without much trouble. Our flight was scheduled to leave on Saturday afternoon, giving us ample time to rest on Sunday.

                Classes resumed on Monday and it seemed hard to focus for the rest of the spring semester. Thoughts of Aspen and the mountains seemed to invite their way into my subconscious during my studies. I finished the year with a 3.5 GPA; well above what even I believed was possible. I thanked Rona time and time again for her help in Biology and Chemistry. As we said our goodbyes, we promised each other that we would get together over the summer. We also were excited at the fact that we would be roommates again in the fall as we had developed a strong bond.

                That summer I began working for my father doing the books for his engineering firm. It was hard at first, but I began after about a month to see where things fell into place. It gave me a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence to know that I would have a basic understating of my classes in the fall. My core classes in the fall would include Accounting I, so I was determined to be fully prepared. My father allowed me to ease into the work and gave me what seemed to be tougher assignments each week. By mid-summer, I was doing account receivables, accounts payable and payroll. It gave me a sense of pride to see each of the employees putting in long hours and having the ability to sign their paychecks. Handing them each a paycheck on Friday afternoon became my favorite part of the job. The only paycheck that I didn’t see and sign was my father’s. Not that he was secretive and intended to hide information. On the contrary, he just felt that I needed to know that we as a family were always provided for…the amount was indifferent.

                Working regular bankers’ hours, I had time to enjoy my summer as well. I was home in time to help Mom in the kitchen prior to Dad’s arrival at 6:00 P.M. He was always the first in the office and the last to leave. He would not allow a single employee to work past 5:00 P.M., as he believed that they should have time in the evening to spend with their families.  On Wednesdays they were allowed to leave at 4:30 P.M., in order to have time to make it to church, and my father rarely allowed any of his staff to work on Saturdays.

                I was given a week off along with the rest of the employees around and encompassing Independence Day. I had persuaded Mom and Dad to allow me to visit Rona in Savannah. The drive to Georgia was arduous, but as I was greeted outside of Rona’s Savannah home it felt like a sort of homecoming. I was welcomed with open arms. That evening was much like our first evening at college. We stayed up nearly all night swapping stories about our summer to date. Rona was volunteering at a local family practice office. She loved sitting in with the physician and her patients and knew she has chosen the correct path for her studies at Vanderbilt. I too felt like I was doing work that would make me happy upon graduation.

                On Saturday morning, we packed up the car and along with her parents and traveled to nearby Tybee Island where their beach home was situated. It was much like an “A-Frame” with three levels. From my room I could walk out onto a covered balcony with a sitting area and a ceiling fan to provide a cool breeze in the evening if the weather was less than desirable. I am someone who likes to be comfortable…not too hot, not too cold. There was a pier going out into the ocean and a lighthouse nearby. In the morning, it was easy to see clear water for what seemed like an eternity. The sea gulls were plentiful, but not harassing. I awoke each morning at 5:30 A.M. so I could see the dolphins swimming. I walked the pier each night and would look up to the lighthouse and wander if anyone was standing atop overlooking the ocean.

                Rona and I practiced yoga on the beach each morning before breakfast and she would typically join me each evening for a walk along the pier. I was neither as well equipped nor adept as Rona at yoga, but I made a valiant effort. Instead in the early evening, I found myself running along the beach for some extra exercise; something I do much better. As we would walk along the pier each evening, Rona and I would discuss how we felt life would be like after college. How long would it be until we got married? Would we have a house full of children, boys or girls? What would our husbands do for a living? The questions seemed endless without any concrete answers, but we pondered away.

                On July 4th we traveled back into Savannah for the evening for the fireworks display. Savannah in the evening is beautiful as itself, and the fireworks display only added a layer of sophistication to this monumental day. Many times I have wondered how our country has come so far and at the same time drifted so far away from the values laid out by our Founding Fathers. Nonetheless, the fireworks were abundant and furious above River Street down by the waterfront. Patriotic music was played in sequence with the display and the streets were alive with vendors, regional artisans and live entertainment.

                A few more days were spent at the beach and then it was time to return to Roanoke. I would have only nine weeks left to work with my father before returning to Vanderbilt. As always, I made the most of my time at home. I could have spent more time with friends, perhaps; but it was the time spent with my mother and father in the evening that I cherished most. When my brother was not 10,000 feet above sea level, we made time for hiking or biking. He too, is someone I hold close to my heart. There is something unique about an older brother. A comforter, a protector, a friend.

                When I returned to college, I knew I would be in for three years of hard work. I had learned a lot from working alongside my father in his business. Accounting I was a challenge, but I had laid a good foundation for myself at home during the summer. Rona too was headlong into the major classes for her Pre-Med studies. That semester, we would not see much of each other besides the occasional dinner in the dining hall. Her classes were mostly in the science building and mine in the building for the College of Business.

                One evening as I exited my classroom after a long day there was a gentleman whom I had being seeing regularly throughout the halls. He had caught my eye on many occasions and it seemed that on this evening we would have the opportunity to chat. I was waiting behind him at the vending machine as a Hershey bar had become a regular snack for me in the evenings. He introduced himself by saying that he had also noticed me throughout the day. His name was Graham. He was a senior and would soon be entering the workforce as he would graduate this semester. We exchanged a few words and I soon found out that he too lived in Roanoke. His family lived in southwest Roanoke on Richelieu Drive, a street I was familiar with. We had attended different schools as I grew up in Fincastle, just outside of Roanoke even though I call Roanoke home. It is easier for people to recognize. His father was a public accountant in town and he had hoped to enter the family business upon graduation. After a few minutes, I returned along with my evening snack to my dormitory room.

                I couldn’t wait to tell Rona about Graham. He had an average build with light blue eyes, dark jet black hair and a million dollar smile. He carried himself with confidence, spoke well and dressed well. One could immediately tell that he came from an affluent family. While premature, that night Rona and I talked about the possibility of dating him. It was ironic but would be convenient. I would have someone to spend time with during the summer months. That night, I dreamed what life might be like married to an accountant. Someone with stability was something that I longed for in a family of my own.

                As the months passed, we talked more each day. We were no longer just passing each other in the hallway. I learned that he was a Virginia Tech football fan which is something we both had in common. My father received his engineering degree from Virginia Tech and had held season tickets for years.  Near the end of the semester, we had agreed that we would get together over the summer break and possibly an invite might be extended to a football game in the fall.

                It was nice at this point in my life to have a certain naivety with respect to relationships. While I had dated in high school, I never allowed myself – and my father hadn’t either – to get serious with a male companion. My father believed that dating in college was certainly soon enough. I found myself thinking of Graham on the drive from Nashville to Roanoke for summer break. I had made a 4.0 GPA that first semester of my sophomore year and was pleased to be able to share with my family that small success. As I returned home and settled in I wondered how long it would be before he would call. Would he call? And if so, how soon? I decided not to have any expectation about the issue, as it would only cause grief if the call never came.