Seems like we have known one another all our lives. We have pictures of our first grade class, and yes, we're both there. With the exception of 2 years, which the county arranged by shifting district lines, we spent the next 12 years together. We played together when we were in grade school, both joined the band and enjoyed it immensely, were great friends when we entered high school. That's when we really "discovered" each other. We started to date each other - and no one else. We had a lot in common, but we each had our "own" things that we pursued also. Then, it was 1963/64, our senior year. It was a time to make plans for the future, a time to explore dreams and possibilities. But we ended up going our seperate ways that year. Lots of things changed for each of us. We bumped into each other by chance one time about a year later, but neither of us followed the impulse to ask for another meeting, and we completely lost touch with one another. The years passed, we both married, had children, jobs, lives that were important to us. We made friends and relationships that we will cherish forever. But, neither of us really forgot the other. Now fast-forward to 2001 - things have really changed, haven't they!! Well, some had not. Gail had recently acquired a computer and was learning how to get around on it. All of a sudden, she got a notice that there was a Rock Hill Alumni Site. (you all know about classmates.com, right?). And, wow, the class of 1964's picture was on the site for all to see. Well, that was too interesting to pass up. So she went there, and who was she standing by in that picture? Of course - Larry. There were class rosters and an invitation to sign up, so that was the next step. And there was Larry's name. Well, Gail couldn't leave the site without sending a short note saying hi - after all, we were friends "forever". And....Larry responded. SURPRISE - we were both single! After "talking" via email and yahoo for a few weeks, the in-person meeting took place, and yes - the magic was still there! Between us we have 5 children (3 girls and 2 boys) ranging in age (in 2002) from 19 years to out of his 20's and into a mini-van, (GOTCHA MIKE) and 13 grandchildren (hahahahaha - 5 girls and 8 boys) ranging in age from 4 months to 16 years. Gail also has 2 step-children (twins) who have hit the 30 mark and 3 step-grandchildren (2 girls and a boy).
We were happily married on May 11, 2002 - FINALLY!
Updates
Gail's oldest son was married in September, 2003. He now has a wife and two step-children.
One of Larry's granddaughters had a baby in February, 2004.
Larry's youngest son and his wife had a baby in March, 2004.
Gail's step-daughter is getting married in April, 2004.
You do the math!!!
Read our poem here
Reset on 4/3/2004
