In Memory

Shirley Carol Frye



 
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03/07/09 05:45 PM #1    

Douglas Worthington

It is funny how memories come back to us in unusual ways. Shirley was my first real date. I was 14 years old. I had been to parties with girls, played "spin the bottleā€ and kissed Helen B. Pam W. and Dabney M (I take literary privilege here with the word kiss), danced with girls at Teen Square but never actually taken a girl out with just me.

I took Shirley to a movie. I don't remember the movie at all but I sure do recall my anxiety and the apprehensions during the date. In particular, I recall the contortions I went through just to get my arm around her shoulders. Once there, I thought I would stop breathing. (All you guys remember that feeling and I can only hope you girls have experienced it.)

I could not believe that I was out with a girl; going solo and without lessons or a safety net. Since then I have never undertaken such a momentous activity without better training, education, experience, practice and preparation. We all passed through this stage of development at different rates but with the same feelings.

Shirley was the perfect lady and I was the clumsy hormone driven lad. I have forever had a warm feeling for Shirley for not turning me down when I called her and crushing what little confidence I had. The whole concept scared me to death but she made me feel comfortable and at ease.

It is a shame that that tender hearted and kind person did not live a longer life.

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