My Wife (Chapter 7: Grape Wishes)

I really wanted to get home by midnight that night. Since it was New Years Eve, I thought it would be awesome to spend it hanging out with Keila. I called my sister and told her I was on my way, and I wanted to confirm where Keila was. I would hate to make it home and find out they were at some party somewhere.

The trip took a little longer than I had anticipated, and after dropping Jon off after midnight, I headed straight for my parents. Of course I was disappointed that I missed midnight, I had several reassurances from my sister that their New Years Celebration was going to wait for me.

Walking in the house that night, I felt like I was walking into a dream. Everything seemed right. I'll never forget walking around the corner and seeing Keila standing there smiling. Her beauty lit up the room that night, and my heart was beating like crazy.

"Sorry I'm late." was the only thing that could come out of my mouth. It was about 12:30 am.

Keila spoke up, "That's okay. It isn't midnight in Guatemala for another 30 minutes, so we can celebrate on Guatemala time. How was your trip?"

I can't tell you how that question cut to my heart. It sounds so silly now, but her words "how was your trip?" meant so much to me at that moment. I felt an overwhelming sense of genuine care from her. She wouldn't take her attention off of me. It seemed as everything she did was aimed to bless me.

Near 1 am (midnight Guatemala time) we were getting ready to bring in 2003. Keila shared with us a Guatemalan tradition done with grapes. She handed everyone 12 grapes, and then told us we needed to make a wish for each month of the next year. Then we were supposed to try and put all the grapes in our mouth and eat them, thus fulfilling all your wishes.

I looked at each grape and made my wishes. I can't remember each and every wish, but I can say that they all had to do with getting to know Keila better. I proudly made my wishes and stuffed all the grapes in my mouth. As I choked on the grape skins lodged in the back of my throat, I gazed around the room. My mom and sister were trying to stuff the grapes in their mouth. Keila had already removed a few grapes that didn't fit, and I thought to myself, I wonder if she wished for me?

"Happy New Year!"

It was 2003. It was going to be a great year. It was already better than 2002 and it was only 2 minutes old.

My mom shortly after went to bed. I was amped up. I knew I couldn't sleep. Andrea and Keila sat on the couch, and I sat across the room on a recliner. Andrea accompanied us as Keila and I delved into conversation. We talked about who we were. We talked about the calling of God. We talked about dreams. We talked about family. We talked about church. Our hearts were being knit, and it seemed as if we were both along for the ride. It was incredible.

I needed to go home at some point, and early that morning I said a polite goodnight both to Keila and Andrea and headed for my apartment. As I drove the mile home I thought to myself, "Wow, those grapes really do work!"