I Insist!

Man alive, I am having a hard time getting to my computer to write! Every day I think of things I want to share, but before I know it, the day is gone, and I haven't recorded a thing. I've decided Blogger needs to invent a way to simply talk into a little handheld speaker and the words magically appear on your blog. Wouldn't it be great if you simply tapped on a picture from your phone and said, "Insert here, please"? Okay, okay, I am way off topic here. Anyway, so much has been happening. Life moves at lightning speed--it's really no wonder I cannot get it all recorded. Here is a little blurb about how persistence can really pay off.

Regyn came up to me a couple of weeks ago and told me we were going on a date. On Saturday. To Subway. She didn't ask. She demanded. Then she told me Dad was coming along, too--no ands, ifs, or buts about it. I did a quick overview of our week in my head and told her it was impossible that day, as we had a ton of other obligations. Frustrated, but not one to give up easily, she chose a few more dates, until we finally landed on one we thought would work. Saturday, January 5th at 5:30 p.m.

I dismissed the whole interaction, grateful to have appeased her intensity in that moment, but little did I know, this girl was very serious about this date. The next day I saw a note on the whiteboard on the fridge that read, "Date with Regyn to Subway, Saturday at 5:30." A couple of days later, a note was on my bed with the same reminder.

As Saturday approached, and the day was looking to be fuller and fuller, I mentioned that maybe only one of us could take her on this little date. Well, she would have none of that. Dan and I were both going, no matter what. I finally realized this girl was serious and stopped trying to get one of us out of the obligation. We were both going. Period.

Saturday came and was a blur of activity, beginning early in the morning. We drove to Provo for a baptism, rushed back to Ogden for Nate's basketball game, then on to Costco, finally arriving home at 4:45 p.m. I must admit, I was pretty tired by this time. I hadn't been feeling super well and thought I had given the day a pretty good effort, but I was ready to call it good and get my jammies on and relax. I seriously considered telling this sweet seven-year-old that I just couldn't make it on the date, but then I looked into those hopeful blue eyes and knew I couldn't let her down. She had insisted on this date, and  I needed to make the sacrifice to be there.

So, at 5:30 p.m., the three of us hopped in the car and drove to Subway. On the way there, I asked Regyn what she would like to talk about. It was an interesting conversation, I tell you, but one that made me smile clear to my toes as it continued. It started with, "What is your favorite color?"

I tried not to roll my eyes. I mean, is that the best she could come up with? She has her parents alone  and can talk about anything she wants, and she asks us some trivial question? But, I took a breath and went with it. "Black," I answered. That's when Dan said, "Black isn't even a color." We argued playfully back and forth for a minute before Regyn moved onto her next question. "What is your favorite food?" Then, "What is your favorite holiday?" I told her my favorite holiday was Christmas and then looked to Dan for his answer. "My favorite holiday is . . . Martin Luther King, Jr. Day." I couldn't help it--I laughed right out loud! Not that it isn't an important holiday, but it's nobody's favorite, especially Dan's since he doesn't even get off work that day! His quick wit and humor were cracking me up as he answered each question. We were not even to Subway and were already having a great time.

More questions followed, like "Where is your favorite place to eat?" and "What is your favorite dessert?" We ordered our food and sat down together. Regyn felt especially privileged because we had a coupon that allowed her to get pop to drink--something we just never do. I don't remember the rest of our conversation that night, but I remember distinctly thinking I was sure glad I didn't miss this date. For that hour we were together, I was happier than I'd been in days. It was wonderful being with this child one-on-one and just listening and laughing together. She told me over and over that night, "Mom, I love you." I told her I loved her, too, and I meant it.

Dan still had his church clothes on from the baptism that morning. See that smile on Regyn's face? It just never left.

We tried to take a self-portrait, but apparently, none of us knew exactly where to look. 

She is still smiling--I love it!

When I did finally make it to bed Saturday night, I realized that the highlight of my day was our date, without a doubt, and I was so thankful Regyn had insisted on it happening and insisted that both Dan and I go. I truly think it's the little moments of happiness in our lives that make it meaningful. That's why I want to take note of each one and appreciate it for what it is. Sometimes it's a funny comment from one of my kids; sometimes it's a look from my husband; sometimes it's a hug or a love note; Saturday night it was a date to Subway. These are the moments I am thankful for my life and for each individual child I call mine.

And I've decided the next time one of my children insists on a date, I will not try to back out!