Romantic Memoirs

After two years of attending UCLA, I was delightfully surprised to walk into my Education class of 350 students and find that I was seated alphabetically next to this tall handsome young man. His dark brown hair, brown eyes, and ready smile alone were enough to make certain that I was early for each class. World War II veterans were much apart of the student body at this time, and this former Navy man seemed to be especially appealing. Conversations between us came easily, soon followed by coffee on campus after class.

Life at school in 1950 was filled with activities, parties, and dances. But, perhaps, because of the war experiences these veterans brought with them, gaining an education and the plans for the future, gave a definite note of seriousness to almost everything - even during the lighter times of our challenges for a higher education.

Perhaps we each would like to feel that a special person for us is "ordained by heaven". Chuck and I really felt this because we never ever met anywhere, except for our class, unless we specifically planned for our meeting. There was never even a passing on a walkway or a hall.

We were married in a lovely small church near campus in June of 1952. We were truly meant to meet. And, never, during the next forty-seven years did we ever, ever doubt that indeed our marriage had been "ordained in heaven".

Life together can be an ever-ending romance. It takes love, compassion, forgiveness, support, unselfishness, and all those particular attributes that make a romance forever.

I am alone now, but as I visit my husband’s grave, the romance of a beautiful love is still very much with me and especially so as I look into the faces of our five children and three grandchildren.