i love keith

It all started with Becca.

And a surprise birthday party.

I was helping a friend's parents plan a surprise party for their daughter and I was in the process of inviting our mutual friends. I was trying to get in touch with my friend Becca, but had two numbers in my phone. One was under the name "Becca" and one under "Becca Spear." Thinking I had pretty good odds at guessing which number was really hers, I took my chances.

It started off as nothing more than a casual, "hey, are you going to be able to make it to the party tomorrow?"

the response: whos dis?

Almost certain that I couldn't have made a mistake, I innocently asked, "Isn't this Becca?"

the answer: No

With that, I left it alone, thinking it was just a friendly accident. I deleted the number as a way to protect myself from any future phone mishaps, never thinking that I would hear from this person ever again. Minutes later, I had a new text.

It was a message from the wonderful stranger formerly known as Becca. The message was simple: "this is Keith."

Attached was this lovely picture:


My first thought? "Gosh I wish I wasn't in class right now, because I really want to laugh."

And my second thought? I couldn't help but wonder if this was just some practical joke. I thought for sure that this phone belonged to someone just hoping for a good laugh, sending prank texts to anyone whose number they didn't recognize.

Not wanting to get in over my head, or make a complete fool of myself, I ignored the texts, hoping the prankster would let me live a few moments longer without adding to the overwhelming amounts of awkward moments that define my life.

My wish was not granted.

He continued: How old r u?

I continued to ignore the texts, silently masking a laugh every time.

Another text: I'm 11.

And with that, I couldn't help myself. I responded. "Sorry buddy but I think I'm a little too old for you."

His reply: I aint askin u out.

Thanks goodness, I thought! I didn't respond, and as the day continued, I couldn't keep the smile off my face. I willingly retold the story over and over to anyone who would listen, sure that I had heard from Keith for the last time. A few hours later, after I had long forgotten about my dear, soul-mate, Keith, he sent me another text:

The threat: anwser me!! (spelled just like that, by the way).

As I looked back on that experience for the rest of the day, I couldn't help but think that Heavenly Father really does look out for us. How does Keith prove that God loves me, you ask? Well, Keith came to me at the perfect time: Things weren't really working out for me and I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get through the day. I knew that what I was going through was all part of the plan, and I knew these experiences were only going to make me stronger, continue molding me into the girl that Heavenly Father needed me to be. I put all my trust in God but things were still hard. I couldn't find very many reasons to smile. Then, all because of Becca and a birthday party, I couldn't stop laughing for days - literally. Heavenly Father was kind and loving enough to send me Keith that day. And that's just one of the many reasons why I know God loves me.

Thank you, Keith.