FOR: kind geeks who happen to be Aggies

On this day, I am grateful for the kind and nerdy people that I meet, most especially this man in my class. His name is Chris.

Chris and his wife, Heather, are both aggies, though she is the quiet golden-child of the Ag department. I only met her because I was talking to my friend Joanna and so was Heather. Joanna, bless her spotless soul, has a hard time loving herself ( I think she gives too much love to everyone else, so her love-o-meter runs low by the time she turns inward) and said something that was a bit self-depreciating. Heather said, “Joanna,” in such a way that I realized that she heard those things often, and encouraged and bolstered Joanna quickly so those ugly-vomit-thoughts wouldn’t have the gumption to stick. I learned this girl’s name, found out she was Chris’ wife, and was instantly in more admiration of him for marrying such a girl, and instantly fond of her, for marrying such a man.

Chris reminds me sometimes of Brandon, my big teddy bear a capella singing machine golf brother. We have to take a school van out to class, because class is fifteen minutes away at the livestock center. The first few days, I was really worried because the van pick-up spot was so far away. I begged them not to leave me, but none of the students really knew me, so what claim did I have on their emotions? Chris, though, became my champion. One day, I got to the van early, and sat in the back. All of us piled in as we arrived, and Christ came later than usual. Ty, the driver was about to pull away as Chris straightened with a jerk and yelled, “WAIT! Is Tori here?” AHHHHH!!!! I praised and sing-songed my gratitude and love for my newfound champion: Chris.

Now Chris always says, “Tori is here: we can go.” What the happiest and sweetest consideration he gives me. I love him too much to be jealous of him or his wife: I bet they’re just the kindest and the quickest at growing in this life. He is my hero, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

The watchfulness doesn’t stop there. He notices when I get frustrated in class. He says, “It’s ok, Tori. You’re brilliant. You’ll get it.” I cannot write the sincerity that he has in all of his language. Today, I was moving seats, with three books in my one hand, and a backpack in the other. “Dear, let me help you with that.” He took the bag from my hand, and practically sat me down, like he would a little old lady.

Maybe the reason I have associations with such people is because I need to gain faith in men again. I know there are amazing men out there: I’m related to many of them. I do forget that there are many, many, incredible men in this world. I think Chris gives me hope that you can be a loving friend without strings or intentions. I think Chris is a symbol of real masculinity: pure, loving language; service; heroism; nerdyness; diligence; contentedness; and joy.