The year was 1986. The place was the Glenpool Community Center. And the reason I was there was for our Eighth Grade Graduation Party. I had had mixed feelings about the party. On the one hand, all my friends would be there (plus there was the free food). But on the other hand, there would be dancing. In my opinion, someone who had the coordination of a pregnant yak (and having had since the 6th grade size 12 feet) really had no business dancing. And being a very shy boy, I had no intention of asking any of the girls to dance, so problem solved, right?
Well, no. Problem was, my good friend Brandon Potter had approached me about a week or two before our Graduation and informed me that I would dance with Cara Crosby at our Party. I can't remember what my response was, probably "Huh?" or "What?", although I could've just not said anything and just stood there and looked stupid, as that was also a popular choice of mine in those situations. "I've already set it up", Brandon spoke again, "You're dancing with Cara." So, there I was at the Party, dancing with Cara. Didn't say a word to her while we danced, I was too busy concentrating and saying in my head over and over "Please God, don't let me step on her toes or feet." The song ended, which signaled that the dance was over. Cara was able to leave the dance floor under her own power and with all toes intact. Burden lifted.
Or so I thought. I don't remember how long it was after my dance with Cara. All I remember was a song started playing and I heard a voice say to me "Would you like to dance, Ben?" It was Rhonda Johnson. Asking me to dance. Not at the prompting of a friend of mine, but of her own free will. In my mind I said to her, "Please, God no, let's not tempt fate a second time, I'd like you to leave tonight with all your toes." My mouth, however, said "Sure." We danced. I didn't say a word to her while we danced, I was too busy concentrating and saying in my head over and over "Please God, don't let me step on her toes or feet." The song ended, which signaled that the dance was over. Rhonda said "Thank you for dancing with me." I don't remember if I told her thank you as well, I was just so relieved that I didn't step on her toes and cripple her.
I moved to Glenpool during 2nd grade, in January 1980. I was terrified of entering a new school and being the "new kid". Rhonda was the first friend I made in Glenpool. We played hopscotch on the playground, then learned we lived right behind each other.
I've got many fond memories of that special girl and will treasure them always.
Benjamin Dunn
The year was 1986. The place was the Glenpool Community Center. And the reason I was there was for our Eighth Grade Graduation Party. I had had mixed feelings about the party. On the one hand, all my friends would be there (plus there was the free food). But on the other hand, there would be dancing. In my opinion, someone who had the coordination of a pregnant yak (and having had since the 6th grade size 12 feet) really had no business dancing. And being a very shy boy, I had no intention of asking any of the girls to dance, so problem solved, right?Well, no. Problem was, my good friend Brandon Potter had approached me about a week or two before our Graduation and informed me that I would dance with Cara Crosby at our Party. I can't remember what my response was, probably "Huh?" or "What?", although I could've just not said anything and just stood there and looked stupid, as that was also a popular choice of mine in those situations. "I've already set it up", Brandon spoke again, "You're dancing with Cara." So, there I was at the Party, dancing with Cara. Didn't say a word to her while we danced, I was too busy concentrating and saying in my head over and over "Please God, don't let me step on her toes or feet." The song ended, which signaled that the dance was over. Cara was able to leave the dance floor under her own power and with all toes intact. Burden lifted.
Or so I thought. I don't remember how long it was after my dance with Cara. All I remember was a song started playing and I heard a voice say to me "Would you like to dance, Ben?" It was Rhonda Johnson. Asking me to dance. Not at the prompting of a friend of mine, but of her own free will. In my mind I said to her, "Please, God no, let's not tempt fate a second time, I'd like you to leave tonight with all your toes." My mouth, however, said "Sure." We danced. I didn't say a word to her while we danced, I was too busy concentrating and saying in my head over and over "Please God, don't let me step on her toes or feet." The song ended, which signaled that the dance was over. Rhonda said "Thank you for dancing with me." I don't remember if I told her thank you as well, I was just so relieved that I didn't step on her toes and cripple her.
Thank you for dancing with me, Rhonda.
Dawn Lawrence (Hunter)
I moved to Glenpool during 2nd grade, in January 1980. I was terrified of entering a new school and being the "new kid". Rhonda was the first friend I made in Glenpool. We played hopscotch on the playground, then learned we lived right behind each other.I've got many fond memories of that special girl and will treasure them always.