How did you meet your spouse?

[bkcunningham1]

Another poster told a beautiful, funny story about how their aunt and uncle met. At the suggestion of Richie, I thought I'd start a new discussion where you can tell us about your marriage or the marriage of someone you know.

How did you meet your spouse? How long have you been married? Do you have a story about how someone you know met that you'd like to share?

My grandfather traveled on horseback for two days to catch a train that would take him to his future job as a school teacher in a rural Southwest Virginia town on the Tennessee border. The conducter forgot to stop at my grandfather's stop and he got off in a different town.

As a stranger in the town, people were curious about who he was and what he was doing in town. He told them his story about his new job and how he missed his stop. Soon, everyone was telling him about a neighboring little coal mining town that was in dire need of a school teacher. He met with the superintendent of the county's schools and signed a contract to teach in a one-room school on a mountaintop.

He boarded with a family whose oldest daughter turned out to be his future bride. I always loved that story. Please share some of your own.

[2BNTV]

Another poster told a beautiful, funny story about how their aunt and uncle met. At the suggestion of Richie, I thought I'd start a new discussion where you can tell us about your marriage or the marriage of someone you know.

How did you meet your spouse? How long have you been married? Do you have a story about how someone you know met that you'd like to share?

My grandfather traveled on horseback for two days to catch a train that would take him to his future job as a school teacher in a rural Southwest Virginia town on the Tennessee border. The conducter forgot to stop at my grandfather's stop and he got off in a different town.

As a stranger in the town, people were curious about who he was and what he was doing in town. He told them his story about his new job and how he missed his stop. Soon, everyone was telling him about a neighboring little coal mining town that was in dire need of a school teacher. He met with the superintendent of the county's schools and signed a contract to teach in a one-room school on a mountaintop.

He boarded with a family whose oldest daughter turned out to be his future bride. I always loved that story. Please share some of your own.



bkcunningham:

Thanks for starting this thread. It seems this is the thread where my story of my Aunt and Uncle should be so..........

I just found out a year ago as I asked my Uncle Joe how they had met. The man is sharp as a tack at 98 years old.

He said their was a local get together at a church and decorations were being done by my Aunt Virginia. He notice her trying to reach the ceiling by standing on a table and he offered to help as he was slightly taller.

Another day, he saw her standing on the corner with her girfriend trying to catch a trolley ride. He had one of the few cars at that time and he offered her a ride. She accepted, he asked her out and the rest is history.

The start of a great life together.

BTW - He moved to the nursing home to be with and take care of his wife. If she is there, then he wanted to be there. As he once told me, "74 years is a long tiime and I just want to do the right thing".

A great man and someone I look up to as a great role model.

[bkcunningham1]

I love that story, 2BNTV. Such a beautiful love story. I'm glad you added the nursing home part. It really defines the love, doesn't it? I had a friend whose father was 93 and put into a nursing home after an illness he couldn't recover from. Her mother had Alzheimer's and he had always tended to her. When he went into the nursing home, the family put her in too.

They didn't have a room for the two of them to sleep in together. The old couple was distraught. Especially, his wife. My friend tried everything to get them a room together to no avail. Finally, her mother settled the matter. Every morning the nursing staff found her in the twin bed curled up beside her husband. She refused to sleep in another room. They finally gave up and let her sleep with him.

[2BNTV]

I love that story, 2BNTV. Such a beautiful love story. I'm glad you added the nursing home part. It really defines the love, doesn't it? I had a friend whose father was 93 and put into a nursing home after an illness he couldn't recover from. Her mother had Alzheimer's and he had always tended to her. When he went into the nursing home, the family put her in too.

They didn't have a room for the two of them to sleep in together. The old couple was distraught. Especially, his wife. My friend tried everything to get them a room together to no avail. Finally, her mother settled the matter. Every morning the nursing staff found her in the twin bed curled up beside her husband. She refused to sleep in another room. They finally gave up and let her sleep with him.

An added thought is that when he first went into the nursing home, they weren't given the same room. He was very disappointed. Their daughter was having arrangements made to move to a much nicer veteran's nursing home that would let them have the same room. I was somewhat invovled and when it was made known they were peturbed about not being together, the nursing home broke down and gave them the same room. Transfer to the veterans home is waiting for a room to be available so they can always be together.

A funny side to this story is that he is so mobile, they were afraid he would walk out the door and not come back. He said to me, "are they crazy"? Where am I going run off to with no money and transportation".

[mikeandnancy1112]

We met in 1984 at the Brown Derby, a bar and restaurant, in Clearwater Florida. It was Love at First Sight. Two weeks later we were married, and we are still happily married.

[LELANDJANE]

Three years ago, my son and daughter-in-law were looking for a house "on the water" in Alabama. They looked at a house that wouldn't work for them but really liked the owner (who was moving to The Villages). My son said "We can't buy your house but my mom has been widowed for eight years and we really like you. If she says it's ok will you call her?" He said yes, I said yes and we were married one year later and I joined him in the villages the next week. Two years and counting!!

[RichieLion]

My story is not glamorous, but I was always a little shy around the ladies and conversation never flowed easily for me. My best friend at that time, Lenny, was a bit of a ladies man with the gift of gab, so I generally palled around with him on Friday night.

We were in a club in Hasbrouck Heights NJ, and Lenny and I scouted around and nobody got his interest and we were just on our way out the door for greener pastures, when Lenny called me back in because he saw someone he knew. I followed him and the girl he wanted to say hello to was with the cutest little blonde I ever saw. She was all of 19 yrs. old and talking to her just seemed easy and natural, and I wasn't nervous around her. She had a way about her that made me feel fine, and she hasn't been out of my sight since.

P.S.: I also related this story to my two wonderful children to show them how fate had a hand in bringing them into this world. If Lenny hadn't spotted his friend, they wouldn't be here today.

[bkcunningham1]

mikeandnancy1112, two weeks later!? That is love at first sight. That was, what, 27 years ago! I believe!


LELANDJANE, that is fate in my book. Just like mikeandnancy and 2BNTV's Aunt Virginia and Uncle Joe. It is just meant to be sometimes. Thanks for the smiles.

[bkcunningham1]

Aww, Richie. I hope your sweet little blonde gets to see what you wrote. That is really sweet.

[rubicon]

On the very first day of my freshman year in high school I saw the this beautiful girl walking down the hallway. to this day, I can tell you down to her shoes what she was wearing. I aks my friend to tell me her name. I told my friend that that was the girl I was going to marry. Shortly after chasing after her, she caught me. I left school early and entered the Navy. We were married when I had two year left to serve. We have been together for 55 years and married 49. She is the only woman I ever loved.

[tainsley]

Met my husband back in the seventies at PNSY. Didn't like him at first simply because he yelled down the hallway at work "HEY GIRL!". I kept walking. Two days later there was a salami and cheese with mustard on a poppyseed keiser roll from The Blindman's sandwich shop on my desk. I was interested! Our first date was at Longwood Gardens in PA a few weeks later and I knew that day he was the one! Salami sandwiches, flowers...what more could a GIRL want! We have been a couple for 36 years...married 31!

[bkcunningham1]

On the very first day of my freshman year in high school I saw the this beautiful girl walking down the hallway. to this day, I can tell you down to her shoes what she was wearing. I aks my friend to tell me her name. I told my friend that that was the girl I was going to marry. Shortly after chasing after her, she caught me. I left school early and entered the Navy. We were married when I had two year left to serve. We have been together for 55 years and married 49. She is the only woman I ever loved.


That is beautiful rubicon. I could really feel your love. Beautiful.

[bkcunningham1]

Met my husband back in the seventies at PNSY. Didn't like him at first simply because he yelled down the hallway at work "HEY GIRL!". I kept walking. Two days later there was a salami and cheese with mustard on a poppyseed keiser roll from The Blindman's sandwich shop on my desk. I was interested! Our first date was at Longwood Gardens in PA a few weeks later and I knew that day he was the one! Salami sandwiches, flowers...what more could a GIRL want! We have been a couple for 36 years...married 31!

And they say the way to a "man's" heart is through his stomach. I say it works for us girls too! Really good story tainsley. 31 years. OMGoodness. That is really great.

[teachnmo]

My husband and I met through a on-line dating service. My name was teachnmo and I taught special education. We agreed to meet at a public place. He thought he was meeting his ex-wife. LOL We got married after three years and have been married for 8 1/2 years. Now loving being in Florida's The Villages!

[Avista]

1st Grade!

[Shimpy]

I went to a weekly singles dance that I wasn't going to go to, but at last moment went. My wife to be wasn't going to go because she couldn't get any of her friends to go, but at the last moment decieded to go alone which she never did before. I saw her when she was on the way in and locked my radar on her. We ended up dancing all evening and she asked me to walk her to her car. We married about a year later.

[captg]

:DI met my wife on a blind date. I was home for a short stay after returning from overseas while serving in the Marines. I took her to the movies with my buddy and her girlfriend. I was headed to the beach in Delaware the next day to my grandparents cottage and invited her to come with me. My great mother was their along with aunts, my grand mother and my mother. My great grand mother told the group after meeting her that I would be marrying this girl. We couldnot disappoint her so we corresponded, dated and got married. That was 51 years ago this past April. Love at first sight on my part.

[mac9]

Went to the hospital to visit a friend. Mr. MAC9 was her nurse. Went to a film with him the next night. Saw him every day for the next 3 months. We decided then to get married and we've been together ever since. It will be 40 years in November and every day still feels fresh and new.

[KathieI]

Three years ago, my son and daughter-in-law were looking for a house "on the water" in Alabama. They looked at a house that wouldn't work for them but really liked the owner (who was moving to The Villages). My son said "We can't buy your house but my mom has been widowed for eight years and we really like you. If she says it's ok will you call her?" He said yes, I said yes and we were married one year later and I joined him in the villages the next week. Two years and counting!!

And we are ALL better off for this encounter.... How could he not fall in love with you, Jane. You're such a sweetie. So glad things are going well, I miss seeing you. Take care.

[bkcunningham1]

2BNTV, you started this wonderful thread with your story and it grew thanks to a suggestion from Richie. You should be very proud. I love reading all the stories. It really lightens my heart to hear so many stories of love. Thank you all!

[KathieI]

2BNTV, you started this wonderful thread with your story and it grew thanks to a suggestion from Richie. You should be very proud. I love reading all the stories. It really lightens my heart to hear so many stories of love. Thank you all!

I agree... this is a wonderful thread. The way TOTV should be. Lots of great stories and so much fun to read.

Don't ask how I met my hubs,,,,:22yikes: picked him up in a bar at LAX in 1977, married 11 months later. It was a nice 30 years, sometimes sorry it ended, but we are still good friends. :thumbup:

[nitakk]

Ladies, how many times have we heard "you're never going to meet anybody nice in a bar"? Well, I did and we've been married 16 years now. He says I picked him up - there he was minding his own business, sipping on a beer - blah, blah, blah! The truth is, he asked me to dance and we've been together ever since. We even got married at a cheesy Vegas chapel and the whole wedding party rode the roller coaster at Circus Circus right after the ceremony. Maybe not the most romantic story on this thread, but I wouldn't change a thing!

[bkcunningham1]

Ladies, how many times have we heard "you're never going to meet anybody nice in a bar"? Well, I did and we've been married 16 years now. He says I picked him up - there he was minding his own business, sipping on a beer - blah, blah, blah! The truth is, he asked me to dance and we've been together ever since. We even got married at a cheesy Vegas chapel and the whole wedding party rode the roller coaster at Circus Circus right after the ceremony. Maybe not the most romantic story on this thread, but I wouldn't change a thing!

Not romantic?! I love it!

I'm glad you are still friends with your former husband Kathie! Everything happens for a reason.

[KathieI]

Went to the hospital to visit a friend. Mr. MAC9 was her nurse. Went to a film with him the next night. Saw him every day for the next 3 months. We decided then to get married and we've been together ever since. It will be 40 years in November and every day still feels fresh and new.

Mr & Mrs. Mac9 are a wonderful couple. I can see why every day is new to them. Totally compatible and lots of fun. Good Luck to you guys, I love ya....

[Barefoot]

On the very first day of my freshman year in high school I saw the this beautiful girl walking down the hallway. to this day, I can tell you down to her shoes what she was wearing. I aks my friend to tell me her name. I told my friend that that was the girl I was going to marry. Shortly after chasing after her, she caught me. I left school early and entered the Navy. We were married when I had two year left to serve. We have been together for 55 years and married 49. She is the only woman I ever loved.

That is a beautiful and romantic story. I love it that you remember what she was wearing the day that you met. :cry:

[jebartle]

37 years ago, I peeeked thru the peeeeep-hole and said, Hmmm!...think I will let this one in, and he never left!...I've never laughed or loved anyone more than the "ole boy".....No. 1 requirement to be married to me, you have to have a sense of humor!....It's a GREAT life!

[ceejay]

Lovely stories everyone! Please keep going, I could read them all night :read:

[RichieLion]

I have a big smile on my face from reading all these stories. There's not one that's not precious in it's own way. Thanks BK for taking the idea and running with it. It's good to smile.

[2BNTV]

2BNTV, you started this wonderful thread with your story and it grew thanks to a suggestion from Richie. You should be very proud. I love reading all the stories. It really lightens my heart to hear so many stories of love. Thank you all!

Thank you BK for your kind words and Richie for the suggestion. :mademyday:

Its always easy to be in love with lovable people. :)

Keep the stories coming.

[The Great Fumar]

Ladies, how many times have we heard "you're never going to meet anybody nice in a bar"? Well, I did and we've been married 16 years now. He says I picked him up - there he was minding his own business, sipping on a beer - blah, blah, blah! The truth is, he asked me to dance and we've been together ever since. We even got married at a cheesy Vegas chapel and the whole wedding party rode the roller coaster at Circus Circus right after the ceremony. Maybe not the most romantic story on this thread, but I wouldn't change a thing!

Great story , loved it but I'll have to admit that I was more impressed with the fact that you rode that roller coaster in a white dress..........

stainless fumar.,..........chilout

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Sandy and I met in the workplace - I got a summer job during college at a store where she worked full-time. I thought she was VERY pretty though extremely quiet and shy. But I rolled the dice and asked her out on a date. She accepted, though she told me she was already seeing someone else. "What the heck?", I thought. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

So we went to see a movie. At some point during the evening, she called me 'Bob'......the "other guy's" name. "Nice. This is heading downhill fast." And that it was: As we were pulling into the parking lot of her apartment building at the end of the evening, she pointed and screamed at a car that was leaving - "THERE GOES BOB!!" She hopped out of my car right then and there and was gone. And "there goes Sandy.......", I thought.

Details get fuzzy for me after that evening. But suffice it to say, Bob went by the wayside (and no, there weren't any warrants issued for my arrest!! :) ) and Sandy and I continued to date each other the rest of that summer. I left town for my last year of school in the fall and we continued to see each other. But....(and you've GOT to know this is coming)....some of our conversations, directed by her, of course, started focusing on getting married. :22yikes: As my graduation time got closer, the pressure started mounting - the screws were getting turned. (Incidentally, just for the record, Sandy will NOT deny that!) So I whipped out my 'ace in the hole' - I bought some time: I wanted to get through school, get a job teaching, do that for a year to make sure everything was working out well, and THEN we could talk more about getting married.

June 28th of the following year - almost a year to the day after my graduation - was our wedding day. :) She won. I had no choice - it was either get married then or she was moving on. And she will not deny that, either! :D Big blow-out gala wedding event: $50 for the church, $50 for the minister, immediate family only (14 people in attendance), wedding photography compliments of her mom's Polaroid (yes, I am being serious), a do-it-yourself reception at her parents afterwards.......then Sandy and I went water skiing with my sister and her fiance (his parent's boat) later that day!! No honeymoon - we couldn't afford one. It was back to work on Monday. Wedding rings? Sandy wore her mother's original wedding ring. We couldn't afford to have her ring and mine paid off by the wedding date - they were still in layaway. Seriously. But we were happy.....well, she was REALLY happy. I was still getting used to the concept (I'd told my mother years earlier that I was never going to get married).

So here we are today..........37 years later! Happy as two peas in a pod.....myself included! :) I knew all along I'd never be able to find a better person and a better wife. I was just being stubborn...and frankly, very scared...way back when. What a big mistake I'd have made if I'd passed up the chance to be married to her.

And guess what? Sandy not nearly as quiet and shy as she used to be!! :pepper2:

That's our story.....thanks for reading it (if you made it this far)! :mornincoffee:

Bill :)

[bkcunningham1]

Sandy and I met in the workplace - I got a summer job during college at a store where she worked full-time. I thought she was VERY pretty though extremely quiet and shy. But I rolled the dice and asked her out on a date. She accepted, though she told me she was already seeing someone else. "What the heck?", I thought. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

So we went to see a movie. At some point during the evening, she called me 'Bob'......the "other guy's" name. "Nice. This is heading downhill fast." And that it was: As we were pulling into the parking lot of her apartment building at the end of the evening, she pointed and screamed at a car that was leaving - "THERE GOES BOB!!" She hopped out of my car right then and there and was gone. And "there goes Sandy.......", I thought.

Details get fuzzy for me after that evening. But suffice it to say, Bob went by the wayside (and no, there weren't any warrants issued for my arrest!! :) ) and Sandy and I continued to date each other the rest of that summer. I left town for my last year of school in the fall and we continued to see each other. But....(and you've GOT to know this is coming)....some of our conversations, directed by her, of course, started focusing on getting married. :22yikes: As my graduation time got closer, the pressure started mounting - the screws were getting turned. (Incidentally, just for the record, Sandy will NOT deny that!) So I whipped out my 'ace in the hole' - I bought some time: I wanted to get through school, get a job teaching, do that for a year to make sure everything was working out well, and THEN we could talk more about getting married.

June 28th of the following year - almost a year to the day after my graduation - was our wedding day. :) She won. I had no choice - it was either get married then or she was moving on. And she will not deny that, either! :D Big blow-out gala wedding event: $50 for the church, $50 for the minister, immediate family only (14 people in attendance), wedding photography compliments of her mom's Polaroid (yes, I am being serious), a do-it-yourself reception at her parents afterwards.......then Sandy and I went water skiing with my sister and her fiance (his parent's boat) later that day!! No honeymoon - we couldn't afford one. It was back to work on Monday. Wedding rings? Sandy wore her mother's original wedding ring. We couldn't afford to have her ring and mine paid off by the wedding date - they were still in layaway. Seriously. But we were happy.....well, she was REALLY happy. I was still getting used to the concept (I'd told my mother years earlier that I was never going to get married).

So here we are today..........37 years later! Happy as two peas in a pod.....myself included! :) I knew all along I'd never be able to find a better person and a better wife. I was just being stubborn...and frankly, very scared...way back when. What a big mistake I'd have made if I'd passed up the chance to be married to her.

And guess what? Sandy not nearly as quiet and shy as she used to be!! :pepper2:

That's our story.....thanks for reading it (if you made it this far)! :mornincoffee:

Bill :)

Are you kidding? Make it this far? I'm laughing and wanting more. That is a good story and good writing Bill.

[skyguy79]

Sandy and I met in the workplace - I got a summer job during college at a store where she worked full-time. I thought she was VERY pretty though extremely quiet and shy. But I rolled the dice and asked her out on a date. She accepted, though she told me she was already seeing someone else. "What the heck?", I thought. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

So we went to see a movie. At some point during the evening, she called me 'Bob'......the "other guy's" name. "Nice. This is heading downhill fast." And that it was: As we were pulling into the parking lot of her apartment building at the end of the evening, she pointed and screamed at a car that was leaving - "THERE GOES BOB!!" She hopped out of my car right then and there and was gone. And "there goes Sandy.......", I thought.

Details get fuzzy for me after that evening. But suffice it to say, Bob went by the wayside (and no, there weren't any warrants issued for my arrest!! :) ) and Sandy and I continued to date each other the rest of that summer. I left town for my last year of school in the fall and we continued to see each other. But....(and you've GOT to know this is coming)....some of our conversations, directed by her, of course, started focusing on getting married. :22yikes: As my graduation time got closer, the pressure started mounting - the screws were getting turned. (Incidentally, just for the record, Sandy will NOT deny that!) So I whipped out my 'ace in the hole' - I bought some time: I wanted to get through school, get a job teaching, do that for a year to make sure everything was working out well, and THEN we could talk more about getting married.

June 28th of the following year - almost a year to the day after my graduation - was our wedding day. :) She won. I had no choice - it was either get married then or she was moving on. And she will not deny that, either! :D Big blow-out gala wedding event: $50 for the church, $50 for the minister, immediate family only (14 people in attendance), wedding photography compliments of her mom's Polaroid (yes, I am being serious), a do-it-yourself reception at her parents afterwards.......then Sandy and I went water skiing with my sister and her fiance (his parent's boat) later that day!! No honeymoon - we couldn't afford one. It was back to work on Monday. Wedding rings? Sandy wore her mother's original wedding ring. We couldn't afford to have her ring and mine paid off by the wedding date - they were still in layaway. Seriously. But we were happy.....well, she was REALLY happy. I was still getting used to the concept (I'd told my mother years earlier that I was never going to get married).

So here we are today..........37 years later! Happy as two peas in a pod.....myself included! :) I knew all along I'd never be able to find a better person and a better wife. I was just being stubborn...and frankly, very scared...way back when. What a big mistake I'd have made if I'd passed up the chance to be married to her.

And guess what? Sandy not nearly as quiet and shy as she used to be!! :pepper2:

That's our story.....thanks for reading it (if you made it this far)! :mornincoffee:

Bill :)Nice story Bob! :throwtomatoes:

[Schaumburger]

We met in 1984 at the Brown Derby, a bar and restaurant, in Clearwater Florida. It was Love at First Sight. Two weeks later we were married, and we are still happily married.

Mikeand Nancy1112 -- Love your story. It was meant to be!

[Schaumburger]

Three years ago, my son and daughter-in-law were looking for a house "on the water" in Alabama. They looked at a house that wouldn't work for them but really liked the owner (who was moving to The Villages). My son said "We can't buy your house but my mom has been widowed for eight years and we really like you. If she says it's ok will you call her?" He said yes, I said yes and we were married one year later and I joined him in the villages the next week. Two years and counting!!

LelandJane -- What a nice story.

[Schaumburger]

My story is not glamorous, but I was always a little shy around the ladies and conversation never flowed easily for me. My best friend at that time, Lenny, was a bit of a ladies man with the gift of gab, so I generally palled around with him on Friday night.

We were in a club in Hasbrouck Heights NJ, and Lenny and I scouted around and nobody got his interest and we were just on our way out the door for greener pastures, when Lenny called me back in because he saw someone he knew. I followed him and the girl he wanted to say hello to was with the cutest little blonde I ever saw. She was all of 19 yrs. old and talking to her just seemed easy and natural, and I wasn't nervous around her. She had a way about her that made me feel fine, and she hasn't been out of my sight since.

P.S.: I also related this story to my two wonderful children to show them how fate had a hand in bringing them into this world. If Lenny hadn't spotted his friend, they wouldn't be here today.

RichieLion -- It was destiny that brought you and your wife together!

[Schaumburger]

On the very first day of my freshman year in high school I saw the this beautiful girl walking down the hallway. to this day, I can tell you down to her shoes what she was wearing. I aks my friend to tell me her name. I told my friend that that was the girl I was going to marry. Shortly after chasing after her, she caught me. I left school early and entered the Navy. We were married when I had two year left to serve. We have been together for 55 years and married 49. She is the only woman I ever loved.

Wonderful -- hey next year is your big 50th anniversary -- like I need to remnd you -- do something special with your lady!

[Schaumburger]

Met my husband back in the seventies at PNSY. Didn't like him at first simply because he yelled down the hallway at work "HEY GIRL!". I kept walking. Two days later there was a salami and cheese with mustard on a poppyseed keiser roll from The Blindman's sandwich shop on my desk. I was interested! Our first date was at Longwood Gardens in PA a few weeks later and I knew that day he was the one! Salami sandwiches, flowers...what more could a GIRL want! We have been a couple for 36 years...married 31!

Food...the true way to a girl's heart. Who needs bling?

[Schaumburger]

My husband and I met through a on-line dating service. My name was teachnmo and I taught special education. We agreed to meet at a public place. He thought he was meeting his ex-wife. LOL We got married after three years and have been married for 8 1/2 years. Now loving being in Florida's The Villages!

Connie, Way to go for your and your husband...

[Schaumburger]

:DI met my wife on a blind date. I was home for a short stay after returning from overseas while serving in the Marines. I took her to the movies with my buddy and her girlfriend. I was headed to the beach in Delaware the next day to my grandparents cottage and invited her to come with me. My great mother was their along with aunts, my grand mother and my mother. My great grand mother told the group after meeting her that I would be marrying this girl. We couldnot disappoint her so we corresponded, dated and got married. That was 51 years ago this past April. Love at first sight on my part.

Whoo Hoo 51 years -- great!!

[Schaumburger]

Went to the hospital to visit a friend. Mr. MAC9 was her nurse. Went to a film with him the next night. Saw him every day for the next 3 months. We decided then to get married and we've been together ever since. It will be 40 years in November and every day still feels fresh and new.

Congratulations on your upcoming 40th anniversary. Are you planning something special to celebrate?

[Schaumburger]

2BNTV, you started this wonderful thread with your story and it grew thanks to a suggestion from Richie. You should be very proud. I love reading all the stories. It really lightens my heart to hear so many stories of love. Thank you all!

I agree. When you hear so many stories about people breaking up and a divorce rate of 50%, these stories are very encouraging!

[Schaumburger]

37 years ago, I peeeked thru the peeeeep-hole and said, Hmmm!...think I will let this one in, and he never left!...I've never laughed or loved anyone more than the "ole boy".....No. 1 requirement to be married to me, you have to have a sense of humor!....It's a GREAT life!

Chuckling at this...love it. Good for you!

[Larry Wilson]

This is a feel good thread.
I was a basketball player and she was the cutest head cheerleader. Problem was she was dating another basketball player. I just moved in and told her how much I loved her..... It worked. Happily married since 1973.

[Schaumburger]

Sandy and I met in the workplace - I got a summer job during college at a store where she worked full-time. I thought she was VERY pretty though extremely quiet and shy. But I rolled the dice and asked her out on a date. She accepted, though she told me she was already seeing someone else. "What the heck?", I thought. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

So we went to see a movie. At some point during the evening, she called me 'Bob'......the "other guy's" name. "Nice. This is heading downhill fast." And that it was: As we were pulling into the parking lot of her apartment building at the end of the evening, she pointed and screamed at a car that was leaving - "THERE GOES BOB!!" She hopped out of my car right then and there and was gone. And "there goes Sandy.......", I thought.

Details get fuzzy for me after that evening. But suffice it to say, Bob went by the wayside (and no, there weren't any warrants issued for my arrest!! :) ) and Sandy and I continued to date each other the rest of that summer. I left town for my last year of school in the fall and we continued to see each other. But....(and you've GOT to know this is coming)....some of our conversations, directed by her, of course, started focusing on getting married. :22yikes: As my graduation time got closer, the pressure started mounting - the screws were getting turned. (Incidentally, just for the record, Sandy will NOT deny that!) So I whipped out my 'ace in the hole' - I bought some time: I wanted to get through school, get a job teaching, do that for a year to make sure everything was working out well, and THEN we could talk more about getting married.

June 28th of the following year - almost a year to the day after my graduation - was our wedding day. :) She won. I had no choice - it was either get married then or she was moving on. And she will not deny that, either! :D Big blow-out gala wedding event: $50 for the church, $50 for the minister, immediate family only (14 people in attendance), wedding photography compliments of her mom's Polaroid (yes, I am being serious), a do-it-yourself reception at her parents afterwards.......then Sandy and I went water skiing with my sister and her fiance (his parent's boat) later that day!! No honeymoon - we couldn't afford one. It was back to work on Monday. Wedding rings? Sandy wore her mother's original wedding ring. We couldn't afford to have her ring and mine paid off by the wedding date - they were still in layaway. Seriously. But we were happy.....well, she was REALLY happy. I was still getting used to the concept (I'd told my mother years earlier that I was never going to get married).

So here we are today..........37 years later! Happy as two peas in a pod.....myself included! :) I knew all along I'd never be able to find a better person and a better wife. I was just being stubborn...and frankly, very scared...way back when. What a big mistake I'd have made if I'd passed up the chance to be married to her.

And guess what? Sandy not nearly as quiet and shy as she used to be!! :pepper2:

That's our story.....thanks for reading it (if you made it this far)! :mornincoffee:

Bill :)

Bill, What a nice story -- 37 years -- congratulatons. For all the people who spend tens of thousands of dollars on a wedding and reception -- remember the wedding and reception last probably 7 or 8 hours. It's the marriage ups and downs you have to survive together as a couple -- maybe one or both of you get laid off from your jobs, in-law issues, sick kids, car breaks down, roof needs to be replaced, etc, etc.

[Schaumburger]

This is a feel good thread.
I was a basketball player and she was the cutest head cheerleader. Problem was she was dating another basketball player. I just moved in and told her how much I loved her..... It worked. Happily married since 1973.

38 years --- way to go Larry and Mrs. Larry!!!

[Trish Crocker]

Steve and I met online in January of 2004,...we talked for 2 weeks then met at Bahama Breeze for a drink...the next week we went out to see a movie ("Something's Got to Give" with Diane Keaton), we've been together ever since. We got married in December of 2007, our wedding was beautiful..between Christmas and New Year with about 50 of our friends and family, it seemed almost magical. My daughters stood up for me, my sons gave me away, and his son was his best man. Ever since then, we spend our lives trying to make each other happy and it's working!

[Schaumburger]

Steve and I met online in January of 2004,...we talked for 2 weeks then met at Bahama Breeze for a drink...the next week we went out to see a movie ("Something's Got to Give" with Diane Keaton), we've been together ever since. We got married in December of 2007, our wedding was beautiful..between Christmas and New Year with about 50 of our friends and family, it seemed almost magical. My daughters stood up for me, my sons gave me away, and his son was his best man. Ever since then, we spend our lives trying to make each other happy and it's working!

Trish -- Nice!! That's how it should be.

[kb8tpw]

This must go down as the best TOTV thread ever... Some are sweet stories, some are cute, but all are "our generation" with a few from previous generations.

Mine is simple but probably pretty typical, it all started on March 15, 1958, yep I remember the precise date. My good friend David, his girl friend Jackie, invited Barbara and myself to take a afternoon ride to the Dairy Queen. We started dating, I left for the AF a couple years later, and two years later we were married and she joined me in NC. Our first was born in Tampa, our second was born in Alaska, and for the next 49 years, seven months and 23 days the AF and Barbara were my life. We returned to Indiana last month, had a Dilly Bar at the same Dairy Queen to commemorate where it all began and in February will celebrate our 50th year together. The Villages is a great "icing on the cake" to it all. We do have our favorite exit on I-75 (Exit 2 in Ga) to stop on trips north to get a Dilly Bar - now sugar free of course..

[tainsley]

Thanks BK...what a great thread! :thumbup: Keep the stories coming! I can't wait to log on to TOTV for new posts! My heart is smiling! :smiley: May we all live happily ever after in our castles at The Villages!

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Nice story Bob! :throwtomatoes:

Now THAT.................was funny!!! :1rotfl:

Bill :)

[ajdeck]

Another poster told a beautiful, funny story about how their aunt and uncle met. At the suggestion of Richie, I thought I'd start a new discussion where you can tell us about your marriage or the marriage of someone you know.

How did you meet your spouse? How long have you been married? Do you have a story about how someone you know met that you'd like to share?

My grandfather traveled on horseback for two days to catch a train that would take him to his future job as a school teacher in a rural Southwest Virginia town on the Tennessee border. The conducter forgot to stop at my grandfather's stop and he got off in a different town.

As a stranger in the town, people were curious about who he was and what he was doing in town. He told them his story about his new job and how he missed his stop. Soon, everyone was telling him about a neighboring little coal mining town that was in dire need of a school teacher. He met with the superintendent of the county's schools and signed a contract to teach in a one-room school on a mountaintop.

He boarded with a family whose oldest daughter turned out to be his future bride. I always loved that story. Please share some of your own.



Me - had a bad day which ended up by meeting a great gal.

aj

[another Linda]

My husband and I met in a psychiatric hospital. Hm-m-m. Actually, I was there on a rotation as a student nurse and he was there as an extern in medical school. We were both getting coffee before a staff meeting when they brought in a patient who was the guy I was currently dating! I was so shocked and upset that I spilled scalding hot coffee down the front of this nice extern. Not only did he forgive me for that, but he even asked me out. The big complication was that I was in the Army. Long story short, we got married and he joined the army too (I keep telling him he would have gotten drafted anyway.) 44 years, 4 kids, 3 grand kids later we're having a wonderful life despite the ups and downs.

[RichieLion]

My husband and I met in a psychiatric hospital. Hm-m-m. Actually, I was there on a rotation as a student nurse and he was there as an extern in medical school. We were both getting coffee before a staff meeting when they brought in a patient who was the guy I was currently dating! I was so shocked and upset that I spilled scalding hot coffee down the front of this nice extern. Not only did he forgive me for that, but he even asked me out. The big complication was that I was in the Army. Long story short, we got married and he joined the army too (I keep telling him he would have gotten drafted anyway.) 44 years, 4 kids, 3 grand kids later we're having a wonderful life despite the ups and downs.

Now that's a great story; OMG!! Fate is a wicked prankster sometimes. Turn around, bang, splash, and there he is. Thanks for the laugh and the smiles.

[jackz]

As a recently discharged Veteran and a newly minted Honolulu Cop, I was struggling to make rent payments living in Waikiki in a shared 3 bedroom apartment with roommates. Another Cop and I decided to share a condo so my vacancy was advertised in the local newspaper. Long Story short, Dianne showed up as the applicant to take my place in the apartment, we met, she moved in , I moved out. We started dating and eventually married and had two sons.

The honeymoon was the best part as we were living payday to payday so we rented a house on the beach in Kailua and held our reception at the house and honeymooned in it for a week. Guests to the wedding were advised to bring swimming attire and after leaving the church went to the rental house changed and swam, played beach volleyball and ate a buffet that Dianne's father and I had cooked all night prior to the Wedding Day.

Married 32 years, so we must have done something right.

[2BNTV]

That's our story.....thanks for reading it (if you made it this far)! :mornincoffee:

Bill :)[/QUOTE]

Bill:

Do I get brownie points if I read this several times? :)

As usual, your are a funny dude, Bill errr Bob errr Bill. :1rotfl:

Great story and very well written. Loved it.

[texasfal]

My sister set me up on a blind date to meet my hubby at an office x-mas party. Hubby was her boss. I came at 8pm, he showed up at 11:30, drunk with 6 other drunk guys. He ignored me. I told him to dance with me or talk with me or I was leaving. He danced with me one time and then went to hang with his homies. I left and he caught me in the parking lot and said my sister said he had to take my number. I said tough ca-ca but eventually he got it. He called me the next week and we've been together ever since. I found out 3 months later that he didn't even know I was going to be at the party. My sister lied to get me to come. We've been together 31 years now. Guess some little white lies can be good.

[dancerbill]

How I Met Violet

The first time I saw Violet was when I judged her in a dance contest at the Gold Coast Hotel in Las Vegas.

The dance contest was run in heats of 3-5 couples dancing on the floor at the same time. Violet was competing with her dance partner, and I could not take my eyes off her. She was the most beautiful and enchanting person I'd ever seen! At the end of each heat, I was required to submit score cards to the contest coordinator containing the scores that I had assigned each couple in the heat. Each time, I had to frantically assign scores to the other couples that I had not really judged because I watched only Violet and her partner. Luckily, there were other judges to restore some semblance of fairness.

I was married at the time -- happily, I thought -- and went home after the contest, although troubled and confused. There was someone new in my heart. Several years went by, I continued to see Violet at dance contests around the Southwest, until I started producing dance events in Las Vegas in 1994. I needed 100 volunteers to help run the festivals, and she volunteered each year, and I enjoyed being around her during the three days of each festival.

In 1998, my wife (and dance partner) was injured in an accident and, after recovery, decided that she wanted to retire from dance, and seemed to want to retire from me. I needed a new partner to help with classes and to compete in dance events. I called Violet and asked if she would like to help me. She agreed, and things went well as dance partners until, one evening, I asked her to dance with one of the students whose partner was absent that evening. I was observing the class, and realized for the first time that I was deeply in love with her and had been for several years. That night I kissed her after class for the first time.

Things became complicated for a time. My wife and I worked out a mutual agreement that it was time for us to part. I convinced Violet that I loved her and waited to see if she could learn to love me (she did), and we let time pass to ensure that our feelings for each other were true.

Three years later, Violet and I married in 2002 on the beach at sunset at Waikaloa, Hawaii, and have been together ever since. My greatest events in life were marrying her, moving to the Villages, and finding my little dog, Mimi. My greatest regret is that I did not meet and marry her 30 years earlier. She is the best thing that ever happened to me and being in my life proves every day that God loves me. Only He could have sent someone so wonderful to someone like me.

[ladydoc]

I was sitting at my brand new Mac computer waiting for some friends to pick me up to go to a movie. I had never been in a chat room, so I looked for one that seemed safe enough...an over 50 one. I was 48 at the time, but what the heck, seemed close enough. I just listened for awhile and then someone posted something with an avatar of the cutest little boy I had ever seen. I asked him if that was his grandson, and he said no, it was him. We talked for awhile and I left to go with my friends. That was August 15th, 1997. We talked a lot more both online and on the phone. I wanted to wait until Thanksgiving to meet. He would have no part of that. He came out to California from Texas on September 17th and we were married on November 2nd, 1997. I had always said I did not ever want to get married..I had a great career, a nice house, lots of friends,etc. But when I met the hubs, I knew this was the one and we have never looked back!

[sandybill2]

I was new to the Big City (Richmond, Va)--almost 18--fresh out of High School (small coal mining town in KY) and started working part-time in a grocery store while attending Business College. These two brothers came in to shop--came through my line--I had to subtotal their groceries almost after each item to make sure they had enough money to pay.) Both drove convertibles and were roommates in an apartment. I was in awe!!!! (even with their obvious lack of funds) To make a long story short---I had my first date with my husband (the older of the brothers and just out of the Army) around July 12, 1965--we were married October 8, 1965--just seemed "right"--guess we both knew it from the start. One wonderful son and one beautiful granddaughter and almost 46 years later we are still together--best friends-- still in love and living the Village Life. (His brother's spin on "our story" is that it was a three bedroom apartment and the third roommate was drafted and they needed a third person in apt--they flipped the coin and Billy lost!---I did move into the apartment until the lease was up so there might be some truth to the story--although Billy obviously won in acquiring me as his one and only.)

[skyguy79]

I met my wife Eileen at a Halloween dance at her high school in Troy NY. She was dressed as a Scottish Lass (and she's Irish no less) and I used an old set of Marine Corps scrubbs that belonged to my namesake who was KIA in Iowa Jima about two or three months before the end of WWII. I don't know why I did it, but I went as a Zombe. I figured she must be attracted to zombes as we had our first kiss right after leaving the dance that evening!
http://irgs.ir/forum/images/smilies/dandy.gif
That was 46 years ago and next Friday we will be celebrating our 44th wedding anniversary... and she's still asking me to remove my mask!
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/MySpotToo/Hug3.gif

[tainsley]

I met my wife Eileen at a Halloween dance at her high school in Troy NY. She was dressed as a Scottish Lass (and she's Irish no less) and I used an old set of Marine Corps scrubbs that belonged to my namesake who was KIA in Iowa Jima about two or three months before the end of WWII. I don't know why I did it, but I went as a Zombe. I figured she must be attracted to zombes as we had our first kiss right after leaving the dance that evening!
http://irgs.ir/forum/images/smilies/dandy.gif
That was 46 years ago and next Friday we will be celebrating our 44th wedding anniversary... and she's still asking me to remove my mask!
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/MySpotToo/Hug3.gif

I am sure Eileen saw through that mask many years ago! Happy Anniversary skyguy and Eileen!

[RichieLion]

I met my wife Eileen at a Halloween dance at her high school in Troy NY. She was dressed as a Scottish Lass (and she's Irish no less) and I used an old set of Marine Corps scrubbs that belonged to my namesake who was KIA in Iowa Jima about two or three months before the end of WWII. I don't know why I did it, but I went as a Zombe. I figured she must be attracted to zombes as we had our first kiss right after leaving the dance that evening!
http://irgs.ir/forum/images/smilies/dandy.gif
That was 46 years ago and next Friday we will be celebrating our 44th wedding anniversary... and she's still asking me to remove my mask!
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e303/MySpotToo/Hug3.gif

Funny story Skyguy. The little lady must love to laugh. Happy Anniversary!!

[RichieLion]

How I Met Violet

The first time I saw Violet was when I judged her in a dance contest at the Gold Coast Hotel in Las Vegas.

The dance contest was run in heats of 3-5 couples dancing on the floor at the same time. Violet was competing with her dance partner, and I could not take my eyes off her. She was the most beautiful and enchanting person I'd ever seen! At the end of each heat, I was required to submit score cards to the contest coordinator containing the scores that I had assigned each couple in the heat. Each time, I had to frantically assign scores to the other couples that I had not really judged because I watched only Violet and her partner. Luckily, there were other judges to restore some semblance of fairness.

I was married at the time -- happily, I thought -- and went home after the contest, although troubled and confused. There was someone new in my heart. Several years went by, I continued to see Violet at dance contests around the Southwest, until I started producing dance events in Las Vegas in 1994. I needed 100 volunteers to help run the festivals, and she volunteered each year, and I enjoyed being around her during the three days of each festival.

In 1998, my wife (and dance partner) was injured in an accident and, after recovery, decided that she wanted to retire from dance, and seemed to want to retire from me. I needed a new partner to help with classes and to compete in dance events. I called Violet and asked if she would like to help me. She agreed, and things went well as dance partners until, one evening, I asked her to dance with one of the students whose partner was absent that evening. I was observing the class, and realized for the first time that I was deeply in love with her and had been for several years. That night I kissed her after class for the first time.

Things became complicated for a time. My wife and I worked out a mutual agreement that it was time for us to part. I convinced Violet that I loved her and waited to see if she could learn to love me (she did), and we let time pass to ensure that our feelings for each other were true.

Three years later, Violet and I married in 2002 on the beach at sunset at Waikaloa, Hawaii, and have been together ever since. My greatest events in life were marrying her, moving to the Villages, and finding my little dog, Mimi. My greatest regret is that I did not meet and marry her 30 years earlier. She is the best thing that ever happened to me and being in my life proves every day that God loves me. Only He could have sent someone so wonderful to someone like me.

Your story has a little bit of everything. Pain, love, excitement, disappointment and maybe even redemption. Don't worry about the past, is my advice. The past is just that. You have the love of you life in your arms now, and the only thing to do is to go forward and seek new horizons.

Pat Mimi on the head for me:)

[RichieLion]

:DI met my wife on a blind date. I was home for a short stay after returning from overseas while serving in the Marines. I took her to the movies with my buddy and her girlfriend. I was headed to the beach in Delaware the next day to my grandparents cottage and invited her to come with me. My great mother was their along with aunts, my grand mother and my mother. My great grand mother told the group after meeting her that I would be marrying this girl. We couldnot disappoint her so we corresponded, dated and got married. That was 51 years ago this past April. Love at first sight on my part.

Grandmothers (and especially Great Grandmothers) always know. Your wife had to have been a brave girl, back then, to have agreed to run through your family gauntlet to spend that day with you. Congrats on the successful marriage. I hope you have many more anniversaries.

[Oren L Miller]

I stalked my wife for 6 years. I did everything I could to get close to her. I told her we could have a wonderful life together. Both were married previously. I'm not sure if either believed we would have a great life together but we were both ready to take a chance. We started dating and we got married a year later and have been dating for 24 years. We will celebrate our 25th year of marriage in our dream house in Sanibel next July.
She became my Princess and always will be my Princess. Friday nights are our date nights while we are still working. In TV every night can be Friday night and this frog can kiss his Princess every night of the week. :kiss::kiss::kiss:

[jojo]

I met my husband while in college when I was a freshman. We met at a club meeting. He was treasurer of Block "O" - the card section at Ohio State football games. I was secretary.

[Trish Crocker]

Just an observation...it is so nice to read all of the stories but I am most impressed by the fact that the men are so romantic...such a neat thing to see. I thought I had the only romantic husband in the world...finding out that there are so many more. Lots of lucky women living in TV! :)

[bkcunningham1]

Just an observation...it is so nice to read all of the stories but I am most impressed by the fact that the men are so romantic...such a neat thing to see. I thought I had the only romantic husband in the world...finding out that there are so many more. Lots of lucky women living in TV! :)

The stories are all special and beautiful Trish. I feel very privileged that I was able to read what everyone has shared. Really nice everyone.

[RichieLion]

The stories are all special and beautiful Trish. I feel very privileged that I was able to read what everyone has shared. Really nice everyone.

Ditto BK; it's been a real honor, everyone. (but I do keep looking for more, so don't stop:))

[tippyclubb]

This is a very nice thread to see how true love prevails.

After a very nasty violent divorce I had given up on men and was happy being alone for a few years. The loneliness got the best of me so I did the blind date stuff, bars, etc and met a bunch of *ssholes. Once again I decided life would be good living it all by myself as I was an independent woman and could take care of myself. No need for a man in my life. Yes, I was bitter.

I met my husband walking my 10 lb Maltese. Picture it, me and my small dog with a 90 lb Doberman chomping at the bits to kill my dog. Yes, I was totally intimidated, but I did notice how handsome Tom was.

This went on for a few weeks but one day Tom said " Don't be scared, Morgan won't hurt Tinky. " I knew then he saw the fear in my eyes, not just about the dogs but about life in general. It was a long slow process but eventually he won my heart. He brought sunshine to my heart when I thought the world was black. I love him with all of my heart and soul.

Oh, and by the way the dogs ended up being best buddies. Just like me and Tom !

[Schaumburger]

This must go down as the best TOTV thread ever... Some are sweet stories, some are cute, but all are "our generation" with a few from previous generations.

Mine is simple but probably pretty typical, it all started on March 15, 1958, yep I remember the precise date. My good friend David, his girl friend Jackie, invited Barbara and myself to take a afternoon ride to the Dairy Queen. We started dating, I left for the AF a couple years later, and two years later we were married and she joined me in NC. Our first was born in Tampa, our second was born in Alaska, and for the next 49 years, seven months and 23 days the AF and Barbara were my life. We returned to Indiana last month, had a Dilly Bar at the same Dairy Queen to commemorate where it all began and in February will celebrate our 50th year together. The Villages is a great "icing on the cake" to it all. We do have our favorite exit on I-75 (Exit 2 in Ga) to stop on trips north to get a Dilly Bar - now sugar free of course..

kb8tpw, I haven't had a Dilly Bar in years -- they are delicious. I should have one this weekend to toast you and Barbara. Here's hoping you two have many more happy years together. :thumbup:

[Schaumburger]

My husband and I met in a psychiatric hospital. Hm-m-m. Actually, I was there on a rotation as a student nurse and he was there as an extern in medical school. We were both getting coffee before a staff meeting when they brought in a patient who was the guy I was currently dating! I was so shocked and upset that I spilled scalding hot coffee down the front of this nice extern. Not only did he forgive me for that, but he even asked me out. The big complication was that I was in the Army. Long story short, we got married and he joined the army too (I keep telling him he would have gotten drafted anyway.) 44 years, 4 kids, 3 grand kids later we're having a wonderful life despite the ups and downs.

Another Linda, That's what true love is all about. :)

[Schaumburger]

As a recently discharged Veteran and a newly minted Honolulu Cop, I was struggling to make rent payments living in Waikiki in a shared 3 bedroom apartment with roommates. Another Cop and I decided to share a condo so my vacancy was advertised in the local newspaper. Long Story short, Dianne showed up as the applicant to take my place in the apartment, we met, she moved in , I moved out. We started dating and eventually married and had two sons.

The honeymoon was the best part as we were living payday to payday so we rented a house on the beach in Kailua and held our reception at the house and honeymooned in it for a week. Guests to the wedding were advised to bring swimming attire and after leaving the church went to the rental house changed and swam, played beach volleyball and ate a buffet that Dianne's father and I had cooked all night prior to the Wedding Day.

Married 32 years, so we must have done something right.

Congrats, JackZ and Dianne on 32 years together.

[Schaumburger]

My sister set me up on a blind date to meet my hubby at an office x-mas party. Hubby was her boss. I came at 8pm, he showed up at 11:30, drunk with 6 other drunk guys. He ignored me. I told him to dance with me or talk with me or I was leaving. He danced with me one time and then went to hang with his homies. I left and he caught me in the parking lot and said my sister said he had to take my number. I said tough ca-ca but eventually he got it. He called me the next week and we've been together ever since. I found out 3 months later that he didn't even know I was going to be at the party. My sister lied to get me to come. We've been together 31 years now. Guess some little white lies can be good.

So playing hard to get (sort of) worked out well for you. Congratulations!

[Schaumburger]

I have really enjoyed reading these posts...true love does prevail through months or years apart, one person's hesitation to get involved again, lack of money, etc.

Thank you all for sharing your stories. :mademyday:

[tainsley]

I stalked my wife for 6 years. I did everything I could to get close to her. I told her we could have a wonderful life together. Both were married previously. I'm not sure if either believed we would have a great life together but we were both ready to take a chance. We started dating and we got married a year later and have been dating for 24 years. We will celebrate our 25th year of marriage in our dream house in Sanibel next July.
She became my Princess and always will be my Princess. Friday nights are our date nights while we are still working. In TV every night can be Friday night and this frog can kiss his Princess every night of the week. :kiss::kiss::kiss:

Wow! I have goosebumps! You and your wife are lucky to have found each other!

[dancerbill]

Your story has a little bit of everything. Pain, love, excitement, disappointment and maybe even redemption. Don't worry about the past, is my advice. The past is just that. You have the love of you life in your arms now, and the only thing to do is to go forward and seek new horizons.

Pat Mimi on the head for me:)

Thank you for your good advice. At this point, I have the best that life can offer and am happy.

I gave Mimi a pat on the head, and also a pat for Violet (but not on the head!).

Bill

[faithfulfrank]

I met my wife in a church I was visiting. It was an active church socially with a lot of young people. We were both around 21 at the time.

Like many churches, there were more girls then guys. I was the new guy...kinda like "fresh meat". I was much better looking back then, and I seemed to have a lot of attention from many of the young ladies. My future wife on the other hand, seemed to be not too interested. We became friends....but friends only. The other girls told her she was lucky...she told them all, "We're just friends...if you want him, go for it".

Of course, I was a lot dumber back then, and thought I was hot stuff. I also told my future wife that we could be friends, but never anything more....she wasn't "hot" enough for me.:ohdear::ohdear:

She replied " What makes you think I'd ever WANT to be more then friends...you are too full of yourself and I'm not interested in the least".

I don't know what happened, but a year later we got married in that church, and we've been happily married for 32 years...

Frank

[islandgal]

I met my wife in a church I was visiting. It was an active church socially with a lot of young people. We were both around 21 at the time.
Like many churches, there were more girls then guys. I was the new guy...kinda like "fresh meat". I was much better looking back then, and I seemed to have a lot of attention from many of the young ladies. My future wife on the other hand, seemed to be not too interested. We became friends....but friends only. The other girls told her she was lucky...she told them all, "We're just friends...if you want him, go for it".
Of course, I was a lot dumber back then, and thought I was hot stuff. I also told my future wife that we could be friends, but never anything more....she wasn't "hot" enough for me.:ohdear::ohdear:

She replied " What makes you think I'd ever WANT to be more then friends...you are too full of yourself and I'm not interested in the least".
I don't know what happened, but a year later we got married in that church, and we've been happily married for 32 years...

Frank

Love it!!! Works every time ..............:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[In awe of TV]

What wonderful, romantic stories. For those of you who married later in life, you've given me renewed hope of finding someone special.

Continue on with more great ones . . .:posting:

[islandgal]

In aw of TV............

:agree:

[Schaumburger]

I met my wife in a church I was visiting. It was an active church socially with a lot of young people. We were both around 21 at the time.

Like many churches, there were more girls then guys. I was the new guy...kinda like "fresh meat". I was much better looking back then, and I seemed to have a lot of attention from many of the young ladies. My future wife on the other hand, seemed to be not too interested. We became friends....but friends only. The other girls told her she was lucky...she told them all, "We're just friends...if you want him, go for it".

Of course, I was a lot dumber back then, and thought I was hot stuff. I also told my future wife that we could be friends, but never anything more....she wasn't "hot" enough for me.:ohdear::ohdear:

She replied " What makes you think I'd ever WANT to be more then friends...you are too full of yourself and I'm not interested in the least".

I don't know what happened, but a year later we got married in that church, and we've been happily married for 32 years...

Frank

Frank, From the photo of you and your wife in your avatar, you both look so young. Are you sure you didn't meet at age 11 and get married a year later? :). Thanks for sharing -- cute story.

[tippyclubb]

What wonderful, romantic stories. For those of you who married later in life, you've given me renewed hope of finding someone special.

Continue on with more great ones . . .:posting:

Never give up trying to find the right one. It will happen when you least expect it and will be worth the wait.

[asianthree]

He worked in surgery, i worked in labor and delivery. My boss didn't like who i was dating and his boss knew he had just returned from Nam and newly divorced..She kept sending him down to make sure my c-section room was ready to go everyday. An hour before our third date i ended up in his or with a ruptured appy, 10 days in ICU almost died, he came to me and said after he did the surgery,he said i was the only person he knew inside and out... married year later, it will be 39 years this November

[skyguy79]

He worked in surgery, i worked in labor and delivery. My boss didn't like who i was dating and his boss knew he had just returned from Nam and newly divorced..She kept sending him down to make sure my c-section room was ready to go everyday. An hour before our third date i ended up in his or with a ruptured appy, 10 days in ICU almost died, he came to me and said after he did the surgery,he said i was the only person he knew inside and out... married year later, it will be 39 years this NovemberWow! Now that's what I'd call meeting your mate while living on the cutting edge! Nice story; thanks for sharing!
http://demo.mittechnical.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/labor.jpeg

[jchase]

Met mine on a coin toss, best quarter I ever had!

[cappyjon431]

After going through a painful divorce I had pretty much sworn off dating and long term relationships. To "get away from it all" I changed careers and ended up captaining a boat in the Bahamas. Ten years after my divorce I decided I might be ready to start dating again, but because my boat only put into port (Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale) on Saturdays for provisions before heading back to the Bahamas, my options for dating were very limited.

At the suggestion of a friend, I decided to check out an online dating service. I was very reluctant because I always felt online dating services were for desperate types, and I didn't consider myself desperate. After viewing hundreds of ads, one particular ad stuck out. The young lady seemed adventurous, well read, intelligent, she loved the ocean, and wanted to learn to scuba dive (in addition to being a boat captain, I am also a scuba instructor). I decided to contact her and after corresponding online for a while we decided to meet for sushi when I was in port. Dinner was a wonderful experience with such an amazing woman and we decided to meet for lunch every Saturday when my boat was in port. When I had vacation time I certified her to scuba dive and we took several dive trips together. I felt myself beginning to fall in love. As the relationship progressed, I decided that it was time to leave my life "out at sea" and I got a shoreside job. We became an item and after about a year and a half we got married.

We had originally planned to elope since it wasn't either of our first marriages and we didn't want a big fancy wedding. We wanted to get married at a remote dive resort in the Bahamas, on the beach, at sunset. At some point prior to the wedding, my bride-to-be asked me if she could invite her mother, as it would break her mom's heart if she couldn't be there to witness the ceremony. While we had planned to elope, I didn't see any harm but I did feel that if we invited her mom, it would be unfair not to invite my parents as well. Things kinda snowballed from there, and before we knew it the resort was almost entirely booked with our families. We had our beautiful beachside susnset wedding on Andros Island in the Bahamas.

My wife is my best friend and we've been together for the last nine years. We've been on many great adventures together, including owning and operating our own dive shop on a remote Caribbean island in Panama. Our next adventure begins later this month when we move to TV.

[tainsley]

Now that sounds like a Lifetime movie! You are a lucky man Captain to have found love again and to have gone from one paradise to another!:smiley:

[jimmemac]

Met my love at college in the dorm watching the Billie Jean King vs Bobby Riggs tennis match on tv. She was gorgeous with long curly blond hair like Farrah Faucett wearing a mens white shirt-all I wanted to know was - was she wearing a bra?(yes) Started dating and by Christmas we were engaged and married before the summer was over-will be 37 years in 3 days!!!

[chloe52]

WOW! Somebody should write a book on all these great stories!

[lightworker888]

I married my college sweetheart and had a great life for 12 yrs. We had 2 terrific girls and life was sweet. Then he died of colon cancer at the age of 37 and I thought that life would be me and the girls.

After a year and a half I started to go to a weekly singles discussion group at the Unitarian church in an attempt to get some adult conversation! I remember telling my first husband (I talked to him alot) that I thought I was ready now to meet someone that he thought might be interesting. It was at the gathering that night that I met my second husband and we married a year and a half later.

He has been a great father to our girls (they were 9 and 6 when we met) and we just welcomed our 4th grandchild, a girl, 3 days ago so life is still sweet.

There really is a silver lining to every cloud that darkens a day.

LW888

[BritParrothead]

I moved to London from the north of England. I shared an appartment with another young lady. One night we were having drinks in the appartment below ours with friends, when we heard somone upstairs! Well we knew it was not us. I went up and sa 2 guys going through my trinket box. I yelled, ran, and called the police from downstairs.
The cops arrived, one very nice 6ft 6ins and the other not so much. The tall guy, said dont worry, I will look after you.
We have been married 35 years next month
and will be back in T V very shortly :) :wave:

[dillywho]

We met in the cafeteria line at the plant where we both worked. My youngest son was about to depart for the Navy and I was telling my co-worker how hard it was to see the last one leave the nest. Bobby was right behind me, reached out, patted my shoulder and said, "It'll be ok, little mama". When my friend and I got to our table, I asked her, "Who the *&** was that?" She said, "Oh, that's Bobby...the guy who owns the bus company." “So THAT’S who that is!” I had heard of him for years, but until that day had no idea who he was. (Bobby and another guy had gone in together several years before, bought some buses and operated a park&ride service to the plant, some 25 miles from town.) I lived just outside of town, not far from the plant, and so had never ridden the bus.

Right after that, I married the guy I was dating and he married the lady he was dating. We later moved into town, ironically just a few blocks from Bobby. After moving into town, I decided to try the bus. The very first morning, just as I pulled up behind the bus and parked, he pulled out before I could get to the door of the bus. There I stood. Not good...on his part.

Later, Bobby and his wife went their separate ways. We had become good friends on the bus when I became the first passenger on and the last passenger off. There was a guy at work who would bring homemade burritos every morning and they went fast. Bobby was never able to get inside in time to get one by the time he made his last stop, parked the bus, and got inside. He told me one morning that he would buy for both of us, if I would get him one. His office was just down the hall from mine and I would call down and tell the girls to "Tell Bobby that his breakfast is ready." every morning after that and we would meet in the hallway halfway between our offices. We took turns buying.

Soon, I started fixing him up with my single girlfriends. When my mother was dying, my spouse could not see beyond himself to even come to the hospital, hospice, or offer any other support. Bobby checked on her everyday and didn’t even know her. Needless to say, Mr. Important and I parted ways.

Not long after my mom died, I was suggesting another friend to Bobby and he stopped me mid-sentence to tell me that I was the one he wanted to date. That was 22 years ago. We got married in the church parlor after church one Sunday morning after he finished driving the church bus. (That’s another story.)

And, as they say, the rest is history. He’s still my best friend and always will be.

[Trish Crocker]

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/picture.php?pictureid=2731&albumid=448&dl=1313351436&thumb=1

[Schaumburger]

WOW! Somebody should write a book on all these great stories!

chloe52, I agree. :agree: These stories have been so great to read and encouraging/uplifting also. Thank you to everyone who has already posted and will post their stories in the days to come. Congratulations on your years of happiness together. :thumbup:

[Floridagal]

I met my wonderful husband at a single resort in Mt. Freedom, NJ. I introduced him to my girlfriend as I was with another gentlemen. All night he kept looking at me. The next day he told my girlfriend that she was nice but wanted to get to know me. When I went to the pool the next day and was lying on a bench my not yet husband through me in the pool. When I got out he introduced himself and said I was the one for him. A year later we were married and we just celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary, have two wonderful children and three grandchildren. My girlfriend still talks to me and she married a wonderful gentlemen a short time after me.

[RichieLion]

We met in the cafeteria line at the plant where we both worked. My youngest son was about to depart for the Navy and I was telling my co-worker how hard it was to see the last one leave the nest. Bobby was right behind me, reached out, patted my shoulder and said, "It'll be ok, little mama". When my friend and I got to our table, I asked her, "Who the *&** was that?" She said, "Oh, that's Bobby...the guy who owns the bus company." “So THAT’S who that is!” I had heard of him for years, but until that day had no idea who he was. (Bobby and another guy had gone in together several years before, bought some buses and operated a park&ride service to the plant, some 25 miles from town.) I lived just outside of town, not far from the plant, and so had never ridden the bus.

Right after that, I married the guy I was dating and he married the lady he was dating. We later moved into town, ironically just a few blocks from Bobby. After moving into town, I decided to try the bus. The very first morning, just as I pulled up behind the bus and parked, he pulled out before I could get to the door of the bus. There I stood. Not good...on his part.

Later, Bobby and his wife went their separate ways. We had become good friends on the bus when I became the first passenger on and the last passenger off. There was a guy at work who would bring homemade burritos every morning and they went fast. Bobby was never able to get inside in time to get one by the time he made his last stop, parked the bus, and got inside. He told me one morning that he would buy for both of us, if I would get him one. His office was just down the hall from mine and I would call down and tell the girls to "Tell Bobby that his breakfast is ready." every morning after that and we would meet in the hallway halfway between our offices. We took turns buying.

Soon, I started fixing him up with my single girlfriends. When my mother was dying, my spouse could not see beyond himself to even come to the hospital, hospice, or offer any other support. Bobby checked on her everyday and didn’t even know her. Needless to say, Mr. Important and I parted ways.

Not long after my mom died, I was suggesting another friend to Bobby and he stopped me mid-sentence to tell me that I was the one he wanted to date. That was 22 years ago. We got married in the church parlor after church one Sunday morning after he finished driving the church bus. (That’s another story.)

And, as they say, the rest is history. He’s still my best friend and always will be.

Your's is an epic story. All those highs and lows, and somehow your guy and you kept going in the same direction until there was no one left on that road but the two of you, as it was fated to be.

Loved your tale, and thanks for telling it.