Before I start writing, I must introduce you to three important characters in my life.
Josh: I met Josh the day before classes started freshmen year of college. He is the guy who MUST know everyone. Honestly, getting to know him has been quite the fun ride. I do consider Josh a really good friend. His letters are ÁΣΦ.
Vinny: I met Vinny through the Greek system. I love his presence at functions and he is such the sweetheart. His sister was a note taker in one of my classes and he truly understood the situation after watching me in class. His letters are ÁΣΦ.
Jeremy: I met Jeremy because he was one of my orientation student leaders which seems like forever ago! Then I come to find out he is also a member of our wonderful Greek community! His letters are also ÁΣΦ.
These three guys are pretty much the best of friends. They were meant to be fraternity brothers! And they all happen to be close friends to me. This is where our story begins.
Phi Mu's formal was coming up. Initially, I was planning on going solo like usual but then I was advised by my therapist to ask somebody. Her attitude was "life is short". And I think to myself, I have three close guy friends who I know would say yes-not many girls have that. I'm blessed. I had put effort and time in my friendships with Josh and Vinny so I thought, why not Jeremy? I could show him how grateful I am to have him in my life and I knew he was going to be a really fun date. Too quickly, I realized that our paths didn't cross nearly enough for me to ask him to formal. I decided to use Facebook. I sent him a Facebook message just casually asking him to go. Well, he said yes! We were both so excited. I had my dress because I was going with or without a date! It's the twenty first century, ladies! Anyway, I was really excited. But I had an important question.
I do not like drinking...at all. It's not my disability so much as to pouring something down your throat to get stupid just seems well, stupid. I know what you're probably thinking, boy, her 21st birthday party is going to be so much fun. And you're right; I don't plan on the traditional 21st birthday party. Anyway, I ask him if he drinks to keep it to a minimum. In his reply back, he says, I don't have to drink that night because I'll be having fun with you. Awww! I loved it!
It is the Saturday of the dance. I have an entourage coming over. Two assistants coming as friends, Megan and Abby, Annie who was taking me ,and Brittany, a friend who I have written several times about in previous posts. Megan, one of my friends who is also my assistant does my hair just like Belle from Beauty and the Beast. I have my gold dress on and I am so ready! 6:20 comes and he is at my door in a suit and tie. We greeted each other and then Jeremy politely put up with pre formal pictures.
When we got to the bus, he waited patiently for the lift to take me up then got to the back of the bus as quickly as he could. He put up with the ignorant bus drivers who treated me like a baby and happened to be obnoxious as people could be.
We get there and the place is GORGEOUS! We sit down for dinner and our conversation goes outside of our lives at Elmhurst. I opened up about how I was ignored by my peers in high school. He thought that was impossible and I had to tell him it was true. I told him about camp and Katherine. He opened up about his life back home too. He also told me that when he told Josh and Vinny, they were a little jealous wondering why I had not asked them. Then, he said Josh, Vinny and I love you so much, we would do anything for you. My heart melted at that moment. He continued, "we see you as a sister". It was something I will never forget. It made me realize that I was just as special to them as they were to me.
Jeremy was warned by many that I would dance the entire night and we did! He really got used to my ways to the point that Annie did not do much at all. It was a great night that ended with a slow dance. I was shy to ask at first but after I asked him to slow dance, his response was "as long as you don't touch my butt". I had to laugh. We did figure out how to slow dance.
How to Slow Dance With a Woman in a Wheelchair:
1. Remove all obstacles such as DynaVoxes.
2. He puts his hand around your back
3. With your two free hands, you hold hands.
I include this in the post because a lot of readers have disabilities or know someone with a disability. That is one way to slow dance with your sister, niece, cousin, daughter (although, my dad always gets me up while slow dancing), or anyone else who you may want to share a slow dance with.
Before the night ended, Jeremy impressed me again. It was pouring down rain and I wasn't too thrilled about driving in the rain. Without knowing this, Jeremy runs two blocks to get his umbrella for me. So, before I know it, Jeremy is waiting with the umbrella, already wet, at the side of the lift. It was so sweet. We hugged good night. Needless to say, I had an amazing night.
I adore these three young men as they are. I love how they respect me, my beliefs and let me be myself around them. Vinny and Josh, I promise to invite you guys to the next two Phi Mu functions. You have big shoes to fill though! Can't wait!
I really wanted April's post to be lighthearted and fun. I hope you enjoyed this story. I had a blast writing it! I'll be in your inbox next month to wrap up the school year.
Yours Truly,
Hannah!
