You Just Never Know

I opened my email this morning and found a friend request message from Facebook. Low and behold, this friend was a guy I went to the prom with when I was a freshman*. (I know; there is a story there, particularly in light of my calling to the Young Women's program where we try to teach the girls not to date until they are 16. I am the "what not to do" example in this case.)

John had just graduated and was assistant coaching the boys soccer team. I was the stats girl for the team and we doubled with John's sister Michelle and her boyfriend, one of the soccer players, Scott. You with me?

We were all good friends and had a great time. We ended up back at John & Michelle's family home that night to watch a movie, but instead we all fell asleep. John finally got me home, and it was like 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning. Ooops.

He was the kindest person, ever. Very polite, good to his parents and sister. Always had something nice to say. And didn't make it weird even after unfortunate prom.

Of course, I confirmed the friend request. I was delighted to think he had looked me up, after all these years.

I popped over to his facebook page and left a message that I was glad to hear from him and how was his family, etc. It made me smile. Then I found the bigger surprise.

John has joined the church! Our church. There are pictures of him and his family (he has seven kids) in front of the Nauvoo temple and another set from a road trip to Palmyra and Kirtland. How cow! Who'd have thought?

The world is a small place. And the influence of the Gospel can have a powerful effect in your life when you are ready for it. I just know John is still as nice a guy as he was 20+ years ago when we went out that once. And I hope the Gospel has only enhanced his happiness. Not matter what, I am smiling all day today just thinking about him.

*EDIT--A former HS classmate commented that I was actually a Sophomore when I attended the Prom with John in 1985. Apparently it was too much math for me to figure that correctly. That would have made me a freshman the year he was a senior, but still not old enough to date. Just wanted to set that straight with you.