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Love Stories Part III

Ernest & Virginia Boller
Coral Oaks - Palm Harbor, FL

The couple met in their twenties in Miamisburg, Ohio in March 1938 at a dance. Before intermission, the circle waltz was always played. When the dance ended, Ernie and Ginny were partners. He invited her for a Coke. She said, “No, I don’t know you.” And he said, “I don’t know you either” and winked at her. That was all it took. They walked out of the dance hall towards a soda shop—the “Greeks” known as the “hot spot.”

Soon after, Ernie professed his love for Ginny. But she didn’t say she loved him because she’d only known him for a couple weeks. That was when he first called her “Daisy” as “daisies never tell.” Ernie’s nickname was not liked by Ginny’s mother, because the family had a cow named Daisy. But, Ernie’s called her “Daisy” since that day.

In July 1939, Ginny planned a vacation with friends. Wanting to impress the girls, Ernie told Ginny he would pick her up from the vacation Sunday. But Ernie thought his Chevrolet Coupe wasn’t suitable. He borrowed a 1938 Oldsmobile Convertible from a friend. This romantic gesture made its mark on Ginny, her friends and family.  Soon after, he bought the convertible because he couldn’t stand to pretend to be something he wasn’t.

The couple married June 7, 1941. After their 65th Wedding Anniversary, every 7th of each month they celebrate with a candle as an acknowledgment of their vows. They created this ritual not knowing if they’ll be together on their anniversary each June.

Ernie wrote verses from Corinthians 13:4 and 13:13 in calligraphy on Valentine’s Day 1994 that are hanging in their apartment. Ginny said these verses account for their happy 70 year marriage. Ernie is working on a special Valentine present for Daisy this year, but it’s for Daisy’s eyes only.

It is very obvious that they are still madly in love as they banter with one another, smile and laugh together!

Harold & Selma
Coral Oaks - Palm Harbor, FL

Harold & Selma have known each other since they were born. Selma’s Aunt Leah was best of friends with Harold’s mother, Mildred.  When they were young, Harold saw Selma napping in his bed and thought to himself, “This is the girl for me!”

As teenagers, whenever Harold and his friends played basketball, Selma would wear the boys’ watches so they wouldn’t break during the game. She was the boys’ sole audience member and cheerleader extraordinaire.
While in the Army as a Medic in Milne Bay, New Guinea, the couple corresponded via “V-mail,” and Selma has kept all the letters to this day, tied in a pink ribbon.

About a year into his tour of duty, Harold got “jungle rot” (skin disease) and was sent back to the states. While at “Rest Camp,” the Army gave Harold an offer he couldn’t refuse—an “all-expense paid” honeymoon. He arrived back in Brooklyn for Thanksgiving and said to Selma, “We are getting married.” She shyly replied, “Ok.”

At City Hall for the marriage license on January 28, 1945, he had to borrow $5 from Selma; he pocketed the change. (Selma said, “He still owes me plus interest.”)

After the wedding, Harold went to Camp Atterbury, Indiana to continue his military career; shortly thereafter, Selma arrived via the Pennsylvania Railroad to meet her new husband and work for the government in public relations. At the bus station, Harold didn’t recognize his bride as they passed. He thought, “Another woman trying to pick me up.” Selma had a new hair style and he didn’t recognize her until she called his name. As they walked, other passing women tried to pick him up. “But they never will get him because I never let him out of my sight!” Selma said when telling the story.

After 67 years or marriage, they both say each day is a special gift and it’s a blessing to have each other.

Grace and John 
Morningside of Paris - Paris, Tennessee

In 1941 I was a junior at Murray State University, KY, and student secretary to the men’s athletic department.  One of my duties was to write letters to prospective high school athletes urging them to come to Murray State to play football and incidentally, get an education.  We had written many letters to a John Riley Underwood, of Newman, Illinois.  He was an outstanding athlete – all state in track and football. He had been accepted by the University of Illinois, but didn’t like the large size of the university.  At the suggestion of an acquaintance, he took our letters seriously and came to Murray.

I was a Henry County, TN country girl and had never seen a football game until I went to college. 

On registration day, I asked the head football coach, “Where’s the hot shot from Illinois?” He said, “Oh he registered privately so he could get the classes he wanted.”  I said, “That’s unfair, Mr. Stewart. I’m disappointed in you!”  So I decided I would not like the player from Illinois.  Wouldn’t you know that he was assigned to the athletic office also and we saw a lot of each other?  My attitude changed and the chemistry between us soon became evident.

We were married July 15, 1942. After working for my grandfather for awhile, John had the G.I. Bill that helped him finish college, but got a knee injury that still bothers him today.  He was drafted, but volunteered for pre-officer’s training in the Marine Corps.  He was medically discharged due to the football injury. 

We then spent our lives rearing children and teaching school.  We are now both 90 years old and have been married 70 years this summer.  Our greatest legacy is our 4 daughters. Our time together has been blessed.

Frank and Ruth
The Gables at Winchester - Winchester, MA

Frank and Ruth Richards met on the first day of college in 1940. The college, Talladega College, was in Alabama. Frank spotted Ruth across the campus and introduced himself to her. They went together to the college union to buy a Snickers bar. After that, they dated through three years of college, going to dances, sorority events and movies. Then World War II intervened, so Frank left early and headed to Howard University Medical School in Washington, DC, and Ruth to Smith College for her MS. Both were busy studying and working hard, so their relationship took a hiatus.

However, there was a big college dance at Howard University for which Frank needed a date. Ruth was on a rotation in Cincinnati at that time, but she left Cincinnati to join Frank in Washington, DC. That renewed their interest in each other. Frank headed off to St. Louis for his residency at Homer Phillips University Hospital while Ruth headed back to Cincinnati. Fortunately, they found time to date, enjoying sports like golf, tennis and swimming. They married in 1948 in Trenton, NJ at the Episcopal church near Ruth’s home with a reception at her mother’s home; it was catered but guests also brought their own special recipes. They then returned to St. Louis while Frank finished his surgical residency, earning $12.50 every two weeks. Frank mentions that Ruth supported him at that time.

They had a daughter, Susan, in St. Louis and when he traveled to Germany for his military service, Ruth followed. Once there, their son, Frank Jr., was born. After two years in Germany, they returned to live in St. Louis where Frank practiced as a surgeon. They have known each other now for over 70 years and have been a couple for over 63 years.

Jim and Cathy
The Gables at Winchester - Winchester, MA

Jim and Cathy Fandel met as seniors at Cambridge Latin High School. Jim had been drafted into WWII in his senior year of high school and needed to complete a couple of courses in order to qualify for college with the GI Bill when he returned from war. Cathy was several years younger, so when they met she was a teenager finishing her senior year and he was 21. They met in the same history class.

The “older” veteran students were told not to socialize with the high school students, but Jim and Cathy enjoyed talking before class. Then Cathy’s friend encouraged her to join her on a double date with Jim. Both graduated from high school in 1946. Cathy went off to Simmons College in Boston while Jim completed his college education at St. Anselm’s in Manchester, NH. They managed to date going to the Totem Pole to dance and listen to big bands, seeing movies, visiting Winthrop Beach and Walden Pond.

They married in August 1950 at St. Peter’s Church in Cambridge. The reception was catered at the Hotel Commander in Cambridge and they honeymooned in Vermont and Quebec at Chateau Frontenac. They returned to their first home on Mission Hill in Roxbury, then moved to Somerville where their first child was born, and then to Reading where they raised their family of four. They have now been married for nearly 62 years.

Ed and Dottie
The Gables at Winchester - Winchester, MA

Ed and Dottie Tocio met when she was a senior in high school. A friend introduced her to his cousin, Mitzi, who later became her friend and invited her to meet her brother the following weekend. On their first date, Dottie was escorted by several young gentlemen, including Ed’s best friend, Joe. She didn’t know for several days who to thank for paying for her date. Dottie was attracted by his dimples and his sense of humor. That, plus the fact that Joe and Ed agreed that they didn’t want this relationship to break their friendship (they lived two doors apart in Lexington).

After a couple of months dating, Joe agreed to let Ed win Dottie’s hand in marriage. Ed was working in the Navy Yard while going to school at Boston University. Dottie said they always had lots of fun: movies, concerts on Boston Harbor, golfing on the golfing range, going to baseball games, and even babysitting. Dottie and Ed married at St. Joseph’s Church in Boston just after her graduation from high school. There was no time for a party or reception because he was shipped out for military duty the next day.

Dottie still smiles when she mentions Ed’s big dimples and his sense of humor. They have been married 70 years this year and have a very supportive family, including their son, Joe.

Andrew and Mary
The Gables at Winchester - Winchester, MA

Andrew and Mary Costanza were introduced to each other by their mothers who were good friends. Their families had migrated from Italy. They met in 1941 when Andrew was a student at Northeastern University and Mary was a manager at a coat factory. Their relationship blossomed slowly over the next five years.

With the war, there was little left for roses and chocolates, but Mary does recall a lovely gift of sapphire and diamond earrings. They enjoyed being together at family gatherings and going to the movies – “nothing fancy”. They were married in October 1946 in a double wedding at St. Anthony’s Church in Revere. Mary’s younger sister by two years, Maggie, was married at the same time.

There was no hall or caterer and with the war just ending, food supplies were short, so the night before the wedding they prepared their own reception: 800 sandwiches and other refreshments. Their honeymoon was a trip to Chateau Frontenac in Quebec. They eventually settled in Arlington where they lived most of their 65 years of marriage and raised two daughters, Andrea and Rosemary.

Rick and Nancy
The Gables at Winchester - Winchester, MA

Rick and Nancy Milburn met when they were 16 and had both won the Westinghouse Science Talent Search, competing with 40 other winners. The prize was a trip to Washington, DC, to compete for top positions and to meet with President Harry Truman.

Nancy came from Watertown, NY, just over the border from Canada. Rick hailed from Newark, NJ. The 40 winners piled into five taxis (no seat belts or regulations in those days) and headed to the Capitol to meet with President Truman. Nancy sat on Rick’s lap, having just met that day. They spent a week in Washington and got to know each other well. Many of their friends and acquaintances who were also Westinghouse winners remained friends, a network of scientists who were a close-knit community.  

Nancy was planning to go to either Smith College or Cornell University, but was persuaded to look at Radcliffe in Massachusetts. Rick chose neighboring Harvard University where their relationship blossomed during many cold nights sharing the use of the telescope on Observatory Hill – there was no heat and they needed to keep warm while looking at the stars into the night.  

Rick and Nancy married in 1951 in Watertown, NY where her father was Deacon of the Presbyterian Church. Unfortunately, it was under renovation at the time and so her wedding was held in the garden across the street from her home, thanks to her membership in the local garden club. Nancy learned by telegram on her wedding day that she had won a National Institutes of Health fellowship at Harvard and had to immediately return the next day, so their honeymoon in Rockport, MA was delayed until the next year. They settled in Cambridge where they raised their family - two daughters. Both became professors at Tufts University, Nancy in biology and Rick in physics. They have been married 60 years.

Lester and Geraldine
The Forum at Park Lane - Dallas, TX

Lester said that he “found his rib” when he met Geraldine on April 1945. She was only 15 years old and unable to date until she turned 16 years old in June. That did not stop Lester. With her father’s permission, Lester was able to take Geraldine along with friends to various community events. It was not long until he sought her father’s permission for Geraldine’s hand in marriage. Her father agreed she could marry, but under one condition: she had to wait until she turns 17 years old. Lester took his time to court her in the “old fashion” way. He showered her with gifts of love, candy, flowers and love letters. They finally wed on November 17th, 1946.

Having just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, they were asked “What are the secrets to a successful marriage? They replied, “We always did things together, and no matter what, we can always find something to discuss with one another.”

In 65 years of marriage, they have never had an argument. Lester’s face lights up each time his “baby” walks into the room. When asked what it felt like to have the most beautiful bride in Texas, he quickly answers, “She looks that good just waking up! It’s wonderful!” They share the love of two sons and five granddaughters. True soul mates.

Ruth and Don
Howell Care Center - Howell, MI

Our Love Story involves a couple that has been happily married for 50 years. Ruth and Don first met when they were actively involved in the Calvary Baptist Church in Holland.  They knew little of each other. It wasn’t until their cruise set sail as part of a church event that Ruth and Don finally met and their love flourished. 

When Ruth and Don took their vows it really was for better or for worse and in sickness and in health; Don spent a good portion of their married life caring for Ruth and now the tables have turned.  At the present time Don and Ruth reside at Howell Care Center and Ruth spends much of her time taking care of Don.  Despite the challenges of living in a nursing facility, Ruth and Don have adapted to being deaf in a hearing world.  They remain positive and bring much joy to residents and staff alike in the facility.  They receive many visits from active members in the deaf community and have even inspired a sign language class for staff taught by a volunteer in the sign language program at a local college. 

We were fortunate to share in the celebration of their love for each other when last May they celebrated their 50 years together.  A party was held in their honor and they were congratulated one by one by both residents and staff.  Although Ruth and Don never had any children of their own they have seemed to take on a nurturing role for many of us staff members.  They never miss a chance to see how we are doing or give us a hug. Ruth and Don lean on us for support when either one are ill.   We would like to nominate Ruth and Don for displaying 50 years of true love.

Ella and John
Meadowood Retirement Community - Bloomington, IL

Ella and John Fox met while serving their country overseas. Ella served with the American Red Cross in India from 1944 until 1946, helping run the on-base clubs for the enlisted men. She worked in Calcutta, Karachi, Ranikhet (in the Himalayas) and at Ondal, the last big service base for planes flying “the Hump.” The “Red Cross Girls” planned dances, picnics and baseball games, taught card games, and operated canteens.

John served in the Army Air Corps from 1941 to 1946. He was a group supply officer for the 1st Air Commando Group in the Chinese, Burmese and Indian Theatres from 1943 to 1946. The mission was to airlift a multi-national infantry force 200 miles behind the Japanese lines in central Burma and to resupply troops, evacuate wounded, and shoot the enemy. Lieutenant Colonel Fox earned the Bronze Star for meritorious service.

Even though they grew up only 50 miles apart, John found Ella in India. When John “cut in” on Ella at a dance, they learned they were both from Indiana and had mutual friends. They saw each other occasionally in Calcutta, and then continued dating when they returned home.

The Foxes married in 1946 and have enjoyed 66 happy years together. The secrets to their success as a couple include having similar interests in reading, liking the same activities, and agreeing on politics! They have three children and John’s career took them to San Francisco, New York, Washington, D.C. and Chicago. Avid sailors, they chose Beaufort, SC, for retirement and lived there 25 years. They came to Meadowood Retirement Community in Bloomington for their “2nd retirement” in 2006. At 92 and 96 years of age, the Foxes still attend dinner outings for Independent Residents and a variety of day trips, as well as athletic and performing arts events on the IU campus. As Ella said, “We didn’t come here to wait to die, we came to have fun.” And that they do!

Tom and Doris
Morningside Assisted Living - Raleigh, NC

Tom Lynch, a very sharp dressed man went to pick a lovely woman named Doris for a blind date in the early 1940s.  They went on a circle line cruise around Manhattan.  The two had an instant connection and began to date.  Tom was called to the service in WWII and was stationed in the Pacific for three years.  While away he could only communicate with Doris by letter.  Tom decided to write her parents and ask for her hand in marriage.  They replied with a yes and shortly after, Tom mailed Doris her ring from the Pacific. 

He returned home in November of 1945 and they were married on December 8th 1945.  Tom and Doris have been married for 66 years and they reside at Morningside Assisted Living in Raleigh, NC. 

They are both a part of our Bridge to Rediscovery Program.  Tom is very attentive to Doris and her needs.  He makes sure that she is taken care of.  When therapy or nursing staff take her to do rehab or care, they tell Tom that they will bring her back.  His response is always the same: “You better!”  Tom and Doris have seen a lot in their 66 years including 4 children, 7 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.  Their love has truly stood the test of time. They share a room, they share their good and bad days, and they share some great memories of their love.  They look to the future for many more years together. They are a joy to have at Morningside and we all take pointers from them on how to have a happy and healthy marriage.

Raymond and Ilse
Shipley Manor - Wilmington, DE

1945 Meesbach, Germany. A young handsome Sergeant Major of the 61st Field Artillery Brigade met his first true love at an enlisted men’s club.  Ilse, a beautiful young German woman and war widow with a child, was there as an invited guest.  The two connected and courted for a year before it was time for Raymond to return to the states.  Raymond knew Ilse was who he wanted to share his life with.  He asked her to return to the states with him…she said no.

“Go home and if you really want me in a year, send for me.” Raymond returned home and started work for a manufacturing company, always keeping Ilse close to his heart.  They corresponded frequently. In a year they both applied to immigration and naturalization for Ilse to come to the US.  They were denied because Raymond didn’t make enough money to support a family. He assumed he would never see Ilse again.

They went their separate ways finding new loves: he with Helen Jefferson and Ilse with Wilhelm Schwering.  They both had wonderful long marriages.  Upon Wilhelm’s passing, Ilse told her children she would never marry again.  Raymond’s wife was stricken with MS and when she knew she would not have long to live she told Raymond to remarry after a year, and for him to marry his first true love Ilse.

Raymond wrote a letter to Ilse about their history and his feelings. In 1997 he flew to Germany to present the letter to her.  Ilse was in a state of shock as she was not expecting a marriage proposal.  She first said no…then maybe…then yes.  It was something he had prayed for. On November 29th, 1997 Raymond married his first true love.

Stewart and Helen
Northlake Gardens - Tucker, GA

While working as a secretary at Chevrolet in Detroit, a coworker suggested I take a vacation to Higgins Lake. She saw the stress I was under while caring for my ill mother and my young daughter from my difficult previous marriage. I was told to visit Dr.Graves there, whose lake house was near the one I had rented for the vacation. When we got there, my daughter Cathy quickly made friends with Dr. Graves’ young granddaughters. They invited us to a birthday party at their home, where the granddaughters introduced me to their Uncle Stewart.

Stewart and I talked for awhile and he asked if I wanted to see the house he was building next door.  Cathy and the girls saw us leaving the party and followed us. We ran inside the dark partially built house and hid while we watched the girls running around outside searching for us. We had a good laugh.

My lovely vacation was coming to an end and I had made a great friendship with the Graves family. Stewart wanted us to continue seeing each other but I didn’t want a young, single, smart and handsome man involved with me since I was previously married and had a child. But I agreed to continue our friendship. He would drive from Flint, Michigan to Detroit -- about 66 miles -- to see me. Stewart proposed on my birthday, but I refused because he could have any girl in the world and I had baggage. When I refused the proposal he cried and then I realized that he really loved me. I didn’t agree to marry him that instant so he proposed several times and on the 12th proposal I knew it was finally the time to get married. We had a small reception, but being married to Stewart was all I wanted.  I was in love with a man who loved me and my family unconditionally.

Angie & Her Dad
The Villa at Riverwood - Florissant, MO

Angie Royal was widowed a few months ago.  She speaks of Anderson Royal with great affection and misses him dearly.

But if you ask her about the true love of her life,  “That would be Daddy, my stepfather.”  She is speaking of Jackson Burns, the man her mother married when Angie was two, and who adopted Angie as his own. “Daddy was my hero,” Angie smiles. He had served in the Navy and he worked hard at two jobs to take care of us. Jackson would work for the Texas Pacific Railroad during the day, leave there to attend Angie’s school performances, and then go to work at night as a cook.

“He taught me a lot about earning money, “said Angie. “When he learned of a job, he would say ‘my daughter can do that’ and put me to work.”  He used to recite this little rhyme to her:

If a task is ever begun,
never leave ‘til it is done.
Great or big, little or small,
do it well or not at all!

She once told her daddy, “okay, I won’t do it at all!” but learned quickly that wasn’t a wise thing to say. Jackson was very loving towards his daughter, but he was also a strong disciplinarian. Especially when it came to boyfriends.

He kept on Angie to always do the right thing, and encouraged her to study and advance herself in life rather than jump into marriage. When young suitors came around, they were told they would only be welcome on a Sunday when Jackson was at home.  Angie was blessed with her father’s presence throughout her childhood. He died when she was an adult.  “I still miss Daddy,” she says. “He was an excellent man, very active in church. Everyone knew Brother Burns.” 

Gloria and Bill
The Forum at Memorial Woods - Houston, TX 

As kids, we all grow up imagining that one day we will marry the love of our life.  Once in a while we run into that great love that lasts beyond life.  Gloria and Bill White found just that love.  For Gloria, it was love at first sight but for Bill it took just a gentle nudge to open his eyes.  Both having a strong faith and a love for dance, they soon realized that not only do opposites attract, they compliment each other.  They were introduced by her Sunday school teacher and his mother who just happened to live on Gloria’s street.  Bill made a striking impression in his Army uniform and when Gloria discovered his love of dance, she was hooked.

On a bus ride to Gloria’s high school reunion, Bill quietly gave Gloria his high school ring.  Once at the reunion, they danced up a storm and never looked at anyone else.  They became engaged in 1946 while attending Trinity University.  Three years later they married.  Five years later they were able to take their long awaited honeymoon in Las Vegas.  Nine months later their first son was born and 15 months after than Gloria gave birth to their second son.

Bill and Gloria’s sons both achieved greatness, one as Mayor of Houston and the other as a prominent musician and composer.  All through their marriage Bill put Gloria first reading to her and reciting poetry every day.  His passing in December has left a hole in Gloria’s heart but she still reads the poem he recited every day.

 I loved you then
 I love you now
 I love you still
 I always will
 God willing, I will love you best
 After death.

And every time she reads this, her love is reignited and lives on.

Rose and Frank
Mt. Arlington Senior Living - Mt. Arlington, NJ

Our amazing love story is the inspiring tale of Rose and Frank Amaruso. The Amaruso’s have been happily married for 65 prosperous years. The two were neighbors for ten years before World War II began. They would have been together for an additional three years if not for the war, yet even such a terrible event could not deter such strong love. After the war had ended, Frank was playing the saxophone in his yard one sunny day, when Rose decided to make light conversation, not knowing at the time how important this meeting would be.

The two of them became fast friends and shortly after began dating. In 1943 Frank proposed to Rose, and on December 1st, 1945, Frank and Rose became happily wed. The loving couple went to Florida for their honeymoon where the two had spent the days visiting stores and walking the sandy beaches, always in a loving embrace.  The couple bought a house in Garfield NJ where they raised a wonderful family. The Amaruso’s brought their first child, a baby boy, into the world in 1952 and their second, a baby girl, in 1956. They fondly remember their son, Dennis with an inherited ability of playing the saxophone beautifully, performing with bands such as Clarence Clemens, and Bruce Springsteen. Their daughter, Janice is a valued member for records in the police department. Currently their son has given them a grandson; their daughter has given them two granddaughters, and a great granddaughter.

Once their children became adults, the two of them bought an RV, and began extensively traveling. Since the day the two of them have entered wedlock, they have not spent a single day apart from one another. The inspiring couple still happily lives together at Mt. Arlington Senior Living.

Lotus and Ryan
Morningside Assisted Living - Sumter, South Carolina

My mother, Lotus Holladay Chandler, has been a resident at Morningside Assisted Living in Sumter, South Carolina, for about four years.  At 94, she is a favorite among the staff for her sense of humor and positive, cheerful outlook. 

In the fall of 1943, she was twenty-four, teaching and boarding in the small town of Greelyville, South Carolina, in Williamsburg County.  One weekend, she and a friend and fellow teacher, Lillian, drove over to Kingstree, a slightly larger town, to shop.  Silverman’s, a local department store, had posted pictures of area servicemen in its windows to support the war effort.  The two young women stopped to look at the pictures, and my mother spotted a handsome young army captain. Turning to Lillian, she said, “I’m going to marry him.”  Lillian looked more closely at the picture and name listed below it, James Ryan Chandler, and was surprised to see that it was someone she had known her entire life. “His mother is a big church worker, and his father hates Roosevelt, “she informed my mother (whose father was a lifelong Democrat) and offered to introduce them.

My father, who was known as Ryan, had been injured overseas and was then stationed in Baltimore, Maryland. The next time he came home for leave, Lillian did indeed introduce him to my mother.  After five dates spread over about seven months, they were married on June 10, 1944 in Baltimore with three relatives and a church full of servicemen in attendance.  Their marriage lasted for forty-nine years and eight months, until my father’s death on February 5, 1994.

Lucille and Victor
Forest Creek Commons Senior Living - Indianapolis, IN

Once upon a time, Lucille met Victor or did Victor meet Lucille?  After Lucille’s husband passed and Victor divorced, they were both lonely, so they decided to take up traveling.  They joined a travel group and one day found themselves standing in line next to each other ready to board a plane to Hawaii.

Now, how did they end up in line beside each other?  Their last names were the same – Peterson.  They struck up a conversation immediately.  Not only were their last names the same, they even had children with the same first name.  They each had a Sue Peterson and a John Peterson. 

As they got more acquainted and began dating, they discovered they wanted to travel.  To travel together, they decided they needed to get married.  In 1969 they tied the knot and began to see the world – many times over.  Lucille is 97 and Victor is 94.  They’ve been married 43 years.  They moved to Forest Creek Commons in the fall of 2010 and love being here. 

They are the cutest couple and both are very hard of hearing.  As they were leaving my office I heard Victor say to Lucille, who was a few steps ahead on her walker, “what, you want me to chase you” and she replied “why that’s how you got me in the first place”!

Bob and Anna
Forest Creek Commons Senior Living - Indianapolis, IN

November 1949, I attended a dance at the YMCA of Indianapolis. During intermission, I saw this beautiful girl standing in the middle of the dance floor talking to another girl. I followed her to her table and ask for the next dance. She told me the next dance was spoken for. Well, I didn’t wait, and I cut in on the next dance.  We exchanged small talk; like where we worked, etc. Later, I asked to take her home. She declined my offer, but I got her phone number.

After that, I called her every evening for two weeks. I got a date with her to the movies.  After showing up in my new 1959 Chevrolet, my dates with Anna increased to two times a week but never on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Friday was roller skating night, and she found out I couldn’t stand up on skates.  Saturday night she returned to the YWCA; you didn’t take dates there. And on Sunday Anna went to the dance at YWCA.

We talked on the telephone on our jobs at lunch time. She found out I was dating some other girl on the weekends and said she didn’t want to share me with this other girl.  So we started going steady. Anna met my foster parents (Aunt and Uncle), and I asked her to marry me. We married September 1952 and raised four boys. We were married fifty-seven years.

Dorothy and Gordon
Overland Park Place - Overland, KS

When you ask our resident, Dorothy Shirek, “How long did you know your husband before you married him,” her response is, “48 hours….but the reason we had to wait so long to get married was because the state we were married in demanded blood tests and we had to wait for the results!” 

Actually, she met her husband “to be” on a train while she was traveling to marry another man!  To say it was love at first sight would have been an under-statement – but it was!  “I knew from the moment I spoke with him that he was the one I was supposed to marry – and I was right.  He was a wonderful husband and father and although my family was at first furious with me for jilting the other guy, they learned to love Gordon as much as I did” said Dorothy.  The marriage lasted 61 years until he sadly passed away in 2006.

Marion and Bob
River Hills West - Pewaukee, Wisconsin

My husband and I became residents of River Hills West about 6-1/2 years ago. My husband passed away after a short time of being at River Hills West. You can only imagine how it was the saddest day of my life. Then one day out of the blue, an aid came into my room saying that a resident by the name of Bob had fallen, and could I come. My first response was, well I can't pick him up. But I went to where he had fallen, and to my surprise…. I also had fallen but, IN LOVE with Bob. Love at first sight that day.

Bob and I became roommates shortly thereafter. One of the best things Bob has done for me is buy me a fish tank for our room. We now enjoy watching our new family of fish for endless hours on end. We have been together for 5 1/2 years now. 24 Seven.

 

Jack and Lenore
Lexington Manor - Port Charlotte, Florida

Jack and Lenore Power first met in the summer of 1942 on the beach in Massachusetts and married in 1944 in Chicago.  Jack had known Leigh’s brother already and thought he had a “pretty sister.”  Leigh on the other hand just thought of Jack as a “nice guy in spite of it all.” 

They were attracted by the same things such as music and signing.  Leigh has a wonder voice that captured Jack’s heart with her mellow tones and sultry eyes.  Their first date (pictured on the left side) was at a yacht club dinner dance.

Jack was the aggressor in the pursuit of Leigh as there were many other men in the “competition” for her heart.  The Powers’ were blessed with nine children and seventeen grandchildren.  Lexington Manor is proud to share the wonderful lives of our residents who enrich our lives every day. 

 

 

Evelyn and Herman
Brandon Woods - Lawrence, KS

It all started out on what's called a blind date,
But it's more than that; I call it "fate."
I think we agree it wasn't love at first sight,
But whatever it was really felt right.

We met at her sorority in the basement rec room,
I fumbled my name, probably sealing my doom.
She was really a beauty, black long hair ... Ah! What a smile,
I quickly sketched her mentally - put her on file.

Most of this short evening turned out to be talk,
Remember the old saying, "you must creep before you walk."
I'd like to know her, oh, so much better,
Speak up! Ask her, she'll disappear if you let her.

The lodge on Saturday is sponsoring a dance, right?
If she only says "yes," I could hold her so tight.
Wait! There's a problem, my dancing's so bad,
Two left feet and the right one is dragging, so sad.

I could take some lessons -- in six days? You fool!
You must admit you'll just have to try playing it cool.
I ask her anyway and "a-ha' she said yes,
Should I tell her now or wait to confess?

Yes, the dance went nicely, she's such a fine girl,
We did lots of watching while others did whirl.
Needless to say things have worked out for us,
It's been over 67 years, don't bother to fuss.

It's our beautiful story, we both fully agree,
There's more in the future with Evelyn and me.

Sebastian and Emma
Savannah Square - Savannah, GA

Sebastian met Emma at his brother’s grocery store on the corner of 49th and Waters Avenue. When his brother introduced him to Emma and they shook hands, Sebastian didn’t want to let it go. It was love at first sight. Said Sebastian, “God placed her in my custody because I didn’t have the sense to pick a fine lady like Emma.”

They courted about 6 months and then got married in Macon, Georgia, on February 12, 1937. He was 20 and she was 18. Then they returned to Savannah to live.  Sebastian taught school and coached for 15 years. He worked at DuPont Nuclear Division and retired at 29 years and 10 months. He has been retired from DuPont for 34 years. 

They have 5 children, 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and one great, great-grandchild. This year, they will be celebrating 75 years of marriage and will be the oldest married couple of their church in Georgia.  The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist will have a reception for them this month.

Sebastian stated he never went to any shows without his wife. If the place was not good enough to take his wife he would not go. “I still love my wife and we are still holding hands today.”

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