Memories

While packing for our recent move we came across two binders from our engaged retreat weekend. Having gone on a few retreats in college and high school we were anticipating something more rigorous than the "Encounter", a weekend low on theology and spirituality but saturated with fascinating conversations involving lift kits for monster trucks and what it's like to date your step-brother.

Many of the retreat exercises involved writing letters to your spouse-to-be. I came across a letter Jeremy wrote me that seemed a bit foreboding and demonstrated clearly how serious we were about the weekend's purpose:

"Erin, frankly I'm not sure that we will be able to overcome our difference in preferred brand of cigarettes. I mean, I've always been a Marlboro man and always will be. I know that you prefer the Newports, but I just can't handle them. After all, if you're going to have a smoke, make it worth the effort of lighting up."

Whew, harsh words. It's a good thing we've both switched from smoking to chewing tobacco.

The following excerpt from another of Jeremy's entries sums up our highly effective non-verbal communication plan:

"I think we should use more non-verbal communication. Like the middle finger... or the ear lobe... or maybe just punching. Next time you're really mad at me just sock me in the stomach. Once I get my wind back, I'll be happy to discuss with you how I can be more life-giving. Or we could do more of this fun journaling- that's non-verbal."

On the one hand you should read these entries and be horrified that such juvenile people were allowed to marry. On the other hand, you could be happy we found each other. :)