Asking the Parents
at Phams' 25th Wedding Anniversary
August 19, 2000        Irvine, California
This past August, Johannes and I went down to Southern California to my home to celebrate my parents' Silver Wedding Anniversary. The celebration was wonderful - the evening was filled with meaning, love, and the warmth of family. As my parents came back into the house after saying goodbye to the last of the guests, Johannes asked if he could speak with them. The three went into a room upstairs and closed the door. My 13-

Above: Johannes, Patrick, Annie, me, Lena (my mother), CP (my father).
year old brother, Patrick, and I were not far behind and situated ourselves for maximal eavesdropping at the door.

[NOTE: it is easier to listen through the crack at the bottom of the door than to listen by putting your ear up against the door, as you so frequently see in the movies.]

Johannes handled himself beautifully as he asked my parents for my hand in marriage. It was actually kind of strange to hear him say those words. My parents were very happy, of course, but my father still had to give Johannes a good grilling (as is the duty of all loving fathers who have daughters). After listening for a while, Patrick turned to me and swore that he would never get married! Everything turned out well, though, and all walked out of the room with hugs and smiles. (I barely made it out of the hallway in time!)

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The Setup