by Christine Sandra Sanchez

Created on: June 03, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

My father was not your typical father. Every date that my sisters or I brought home went under the tightest scrutiny. I met Peter at a local church dance, and had second thoughts about introducing him to my so-strict parents. Why? Because Peter was a year younger than I was,  still  in high school, and I thought my parents would never approve.  I was considered the "bright" student, excelling in Math and English. I didn't act the debutante, I was more of a tomboy, but my parents tried to feminize me with ballet lessons and Girl Scouts. I got into trouble with the other neighborhood moms for beating up their sons. I wasn't afraid to get into a good mud fight, and I didn't play with dolls. I liked to read mythology and Nancy Drew mysteries. I liked to build forts, camp out, and skate. So when Peter asked me to go to the movies on Christmas eve, I wasn't really that excited about the prospect. A date was scary, and I just knew I would make a fool of myself in front of this guy.  Introducing him to my parents would be an excruciating ordeal that I was not ready for.  I could see it now...mom, 4 foot 11, would seem to be about 6 foot 8 and dad, 6 feet tall would seem like a 9 foot giant, both ready to send mind melting rays, their glowing eyes sending beams of radiation, their claws ready to clamp us by the throats.

Mom thought it was cute that a normal boy would finally ask me out, and Dad was skeptical about who was going to take out his oldest daughter. But when Peter came to the door, my father stood there surprised that a such a clean cut young man was there to pick me up, me....the tomboy. The boys in the mid 1960's were sporting long hair, love beads, and making the peace sign while calling on my sisters. I could see my father's face turn red while he tried to maintain his composure without showing them to the door with his foot squarely on the seat of their pants. So when my date appeared, dad smiled from ear to ear with delight. He wasn't worried about his daughter this time. He shook my date's hand, welcomed him into the living room, and offered him a glass of Pepsi while I was getting ready. I will never forget that day. I had picked out a beautiful white crepe dress with a crimson bow, and mom let me wear her favorite sparkly earrings. I had my hair up in a twist of curls and looked like a model. Of course, they had to bring out the camera for this special occasion, it would make family history. And history was made that day.

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