Dating

A few weeks ago, Connor came to us and asked how we would feel about him dating. The initial reaction was feeling old. Where has all the time gone? How can Connor be sixteen? And dating...

But we put on a calm face and said that, given the right girl, we thought it would be okay.

Dad was quick to point out that dating is a big responsibility, especially since Connor is the oldest of our kids. Dad explained that lauren and Emilia would be watching everything he did and said. That how Connor treats a girlfriend will influence how his little sisters will expect to be treated one day when they are in a dating relationship.

And then we quizzed Connor as to who it was that he was interested in dating. Much to our delight Connor was interested in a girl we have known for more than ten years. Rachel is a lovely girl from our church who we know, and know her family. If my boy was going to have feelings for someone, Rachel is exactly the kind of girl I would have hoped for.

After about a week, Connor finally got up the nerve to ask the girl to a movie... and she said yes! Since both kids have grown up in the church, and both have families who are quite involved at church, it didn't take long before everyone knew. Both were radiant and bubbly and nervous and excited. 

Before the date, Connor was being advised by a multitude of people. Parents, friends and even little sisters. Connor came home from school one day and Emilia walked right up to him and said

"Chocolate"

"You want a piece of chocolate" Connor asked her?

"No." Emilia replied. "Girls like chocolate. You should get Rachel chocolate."

"What kind of chocolate" Connor inquired?

"Girls like all chocolate" Emilia explained.

And so, for their first date, Connor brought chocolate (Emilia helped him pick it out). He also brought a rose (he was informed by friends that yellow roses are Rachel's favorite). The yellow flowers weren't looking too good, so he settled on a pink one. And there was also a stuffed "Chewie" (Connor and Rachel had done a drama sketch at church a year ago about dating and Chewbacca had a role in that "date").

Since neither of the two can drive yet, I had the pleasure of providing car service. It was so sweet to see the two of them so nervous and giggly. They were both talking about a comment by a mutual friend at church. Apparently this friend mentioned that "you know everyone will be watching the two of you as an example of what dating should look like?"  Nothing like a little positive peer pressure!

As the car door closed and the two walked towards the mall, I rolled down my window and called their names. They turned and saw me with my camera. I smiled and said "Dad told me to get a picture."

They obviously weren't too upset because they let me snap one more picture before I pulled away. Connor's used to me taking pictures all the time. I guess Rachel better get used to it now too!  

Comments

[Cristina Camacho]

awww, how cute :)