Griffin Family

unknown date I first met mom and dad in June of 1987.  I was 18 at the time and fresh out of high school.  I graduated on Friday and on Saturday was on a plane to Utah to attend BYU.  I didn’t know anyone west of Ohio and Andy was kind enough to pick me up at the airport and take me to BYU.       That same day I was invited to attend a family picnic with all the Griffin’s aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents etc.  I was taken in immediately by the whole family.       Mom and Dad always treated me special and kind.       As Andy and I were dating Mom took me under her wing and treated me like she was my mom.  She was so supportive of our getting married.  She even went so far as to take care of my wedding dress, flowers and food for our reception out here.  I never heard her complain about the added expense and bother.  My parents weren’t supportive and it really helped to h...

6/29/1987 So many things have happened in the past 10 days it is unbelievable.  At the airport I walked a little ways and then saw Andy.  He gave me a big hug and took my bags.  We got the rest of my bags and then went to his home. I felt a little awkward at first meeting his family but after dinner I felt comfortable.  He drove me to Provo in between and I dropped all my things off.  I left the room a mess and left a note apologizing to Jonna. We had a picnic dinner at Copperton Park with the family.  By the end of the night we were holding hands and he kissed me goodnight. Saturday there was workshops.  They went really well.  I talked to my faculty advisor. Andy and I have gone out so much.  We went to Lagoon on Thursday night.  We had loads of fun and got to talk about so much stuff.  He brought me flowers two times already. We went back to his house and rode the motorcycle to dinner.  Then we rode around and vi...

6/19/1987 I did it!  I graduated.  All these months I've been waiting and out of nowhere it is here!  I don't even know where to begin.  i probably don't even remember it all! Saturday Joel, Andrea, Brian and I went down to the beach.  It was cloudy and a little chilly but we had great fun anyway.  We went to Joel's beach house and ate lunch and then played volleyball on the beach, went in the water, took an ultra long walk, played games, let a toilet flush for half hour and then ate out. It was the last time I got to see Andrea.  She went to Girl's State and won't be back.  It was really special.  I never realized how much people cared until recently. Tuesday I had my last back appointment so Monday and Tuesday I did a swim workout. I called Andy and talked to him for a few minutes one night.  I've gotten to see Karen loads this week which was great. I went to wiffle ball at church on Tuesday and played my final YM/YW game! ...

Tonya Loreman 226 7th Street Marietta OH 45750 Friend from AFS W.E. 'Mar' McCachern PO BOX 490 Gainesville FL 32602 Met on airplane ride home Kevin Stevens 6148 North Moody Chicago IL 60646 Orientation AFS friend Samantha Lenox 8986 Blue Jacket Apt 1408 Overland Park KS 66214 Orientation AFS friend Stephanie Ray 1420 Bridge St Ashtabula OH 44004 Nukhet Tuncel 18 Wildwood Drive Lynnfield MA 01940

I saw everybody at church. It feels good to be back. I am still suffering jet lag.  Slept for 3 hours after church. I rearranged my room and went out with Rob and 8 other people to a movie.  It reminded me of bad experiences in France.  I hated it . It was Born American. This will be my last entry in the this book.  Right now I am happy to be back and inside I have bad feelings about France. Good night.