“A perfect marriage is just two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other.”
(quote from Google)
My sisters and I received the email below from my Dad three days ago. He has always shared these special memories of his time with Mom over the years. Now that it’s been a year since she passed away, the memories hold more meaning. When I read this, I was teary-eyed, thinking how remarkable, that in my parent’s life together, love and commitment truly did last a life time. As in any relationship, there were tough times, but they worked through them. Mom was 90 when she died and though he misses her more than anything, my Dad is still going strong and driving at 93!
They were about to celebrate their 67th wedding anniversary when she passed away. Before you read my Dad’s email, I’ll share a little bit of “back story.” Dad was in the Air Force and they met on a blind date in June 1941. Then they saw each other again in October. He was planning for another leave in December 1941, but with the bombing of Pearl Harbor, all leaves were canceled. As a result, they didn’t see each other again until April 1942, when Dad proposed (you’ll read this in his email). During all this time, they corresponded through letters. In June 1942, Mom took the train and visited Dad, then in July, he went overseas for 3 years. Again, they corresponded through letter writing for the entire 3 years he was gone and Mom waited for him to come home.
They were married in February 1945, when Dad returned and they had only 10 days to plan the wedding.
“Good Morning,
I woke up this morning thinking about this day 71 years ago; I was 22 and Mom was 20. My Mother and I went downtown to Bloedel’s Jewelry store. There I picked and bought a diamond solitaire for your Mother.It was a Saturday and I was home from Selfridge Field on a three day pass. Mom was working at the bank and it was open a half a day. After buying the ring, my Mother went back home and I walked across the street to pick up Mom. We were both in good spirits (me especially) because I knew something she did not know.
We had lunch at the Empire Grill & Bar, and when Mom excused herself to go to the restroom, I placed the ring box at her setting. When she came back, and I told her that I wanted her to be my wife, she opened the box and we both cried. Mom held up her hand so that all in the grill room could see, and there was applause and more applause.When we left the Empire, we went back to Mom’s house to break the news, and the next day, Sunday, we had dinner with my Mother and Dad.So this was truly the beginning of our relationship (aside from our blind date), and even with ups and downs, we made it thru the years. and as it says on Mom’s grave marker, “Love Lives On.”
Love always, Dad”
Photo: Mom and Dad on their wedding day, February 24, 1945
“Is this so rare, a marriage forever
67 years of best friends to each other
Pour in the crystal and sip the wine
for this can only happen Once in a Lifetime“
©LScott 2013
I don’t believe that true love can be found only once,
but this is one example that love can be eternal.
I hope you enjoyed this love story. ♥
Baydreamer Writes ~ Lauren Scott, Author & Poet 