On January 17th 1981, forty years ago. This girl had herself a date with this guy that a friend from work hooked her up with. She was excited but leery since she had only seen him in person one time, but had talked to him on the phone several weeks before being brave enough to say yes to his request for a date.
She already had her outfit picked out of jeans and a new pink sweater she had just gotten for Christmas a few weeks earlier. She was finally past the nervous "first date" stage and looking forward to the evening with excitement. Her best friend Becky had agreed to come and babysit the twins so she could go on a date.
She woke up to about 7 or 8 inches of snow and was just sure her young man would cancel. When he called her later to confirm the time, she asked about the snow. He said "I have been asking you out for three weeks and you finally said yes. I'm not going to let a little snow stop me from picking you up.
So he did. And they went to see Urban Cowboy at the Keith Albee theater in downtown Huntington. Afterwards, they went to the In Between to grab a meal and have a drink. She had a coke because she had never drank alcohol. After a nice meal, they went back to his place to watch TV and he taught her how to play backgammon. She one the first two games,which he later admitted to letting her win. When she won the second game he leaned across the board and gave her a kiss. Her heart melted at that moment and she knew "He's the one."
She came home from the date and told her friend Becky that she was in love and she was going to marry him. He must have felt the same way because they talked everyday despite working different shifts. They saw each other every weekend. And on Valentine's day just a few weeks later, he proposed.She said yes. Two months later they got married.
Forty years ago they never realized how happy they were going to be. He truly was her soul mate and understood her like nobody else ever could and stood by her side through all the trials of life and marriage. He supported her decisions of anything she wanted to do. He cooked for her, helped her keep the house clean and even ran her a bubble bath and brought her a snack and a Pepsi so she could relax and read in the tub while he worked in the kitchen.
They had there whole life ahead of them. But nothing prepared them for the fact that 34 years later she would lose him at 63 years old. But those 34 years were happy times with lots of memories. Raising the twins, watching them get married and leave home. Missing them but enjoying the empty nest days. The thrill of getting the call that said "You are going get a grandbaby" FIVE TIMES. Watching those grandbabies grow and and laughing at their antics and feeling the love they gave back to their mamaw and papaw.
It was a wild ride, Allen, and I miss you every day of my life. But on this day 40 years ago, you started me out on a road to love and happiness and I have never regretted a minute of it. I wish I could have you back, but at least I have the memories of all the years we had together.
I will love you always.
