One night, about 18 years ago, my BBF, Trish tells me that I have to meet her father.  I was a bit taken aback because it wasn't said in a funny, you gotta meet this guy kindda way.  She was serious and not very happy.  I asked her what's up and she said that her father was concerned about her going out and who she was hanging around with.  Mind you, Trish was a mother over the age of 21.  So, it was sorta odd but I happily went with the flow.  But she wasn't kidding - she took me to her house and called her father to come out and meet me.  I was waiting for the part when she would say it was a joke but that didn't come.  What did come was Mr. Smith ready to evaluate the situation LOL!!  He was a kind gentleman who didn't say too much but he was taking every bit of the situation in.  I guess he decided that I was okay and the two of us were bid a fond farewell.  From that first meeting on, I was IN!  We talked about California and I always told Trish to tell him to come one out and he was always polite enough to say, "that would be great! I'm sorry he never did get the chance to come out, but I'm glad I got the chance to know him and really know him through all the stories Trish shares.