To all of you who have commented on my post about Judy, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I never knew how many of you were out there . . . lurking, without ever commenting.
I never knew how much of an impact Judy had made on you as well as me.
She and I first met on this date, fifty-five years ago.
She was working for the "Famous Writer's School" and I had written in expressing an interest in their course.
When she reached me by telephone I was thrilled, assuming that she had come from the East Coast, where the school was located, to Indianapolis, where I then lived.
I asked her where she was and she named a nearby hotel and I said "What a coincidence! A friend and co-worker who played drums in a small combo was entertaining in the lounge of that very hotel and I was planning on being there that evening to watch and listen."
We arranged a time and I was late but fell in love at first sight.
We were wearing matching trenchcoats and black turtleneck sweaters.
And for 55 years, every time someone would ask how we met, I'd glibly answer "We met in a hotel lobby!"
After she made her pitch and I said I'd love to sign up for the course but I just couldn't afford it just then, I invited her to join me in the lounge for a martini.
Which led to more than one, we talked for hours, I learned that she actually lived in a suburb of Indianapolis and the rest is history, as that corny expression states.
After we married I was talking about her with my boss at the time and he said he married his wife three months after he met her.
I calculated and said "Ha! I beat you! Our courtship was only 89 days!"
Writing these memories brings tears to my eyes once again.
So I'll stop here and show you what I believe was the last picture ever taken of Judy and I, a few days after Christmas of 2025.
That is a lovely photo of you both. Old and shaggy, possibly, but you had won the heart of a beautiful woman so that can't be bad x
ReplyDeleteYour love story is as unique and beautiful as Judy was, thank you for sharing it and her with all of us. I have so many great memories her from “back in the day” when we were all young and a little crazy, remember our plot to fill the Grand Canyon with Jell-O? You’ve been on my mind a lot, please take care of yourself, you mean so much to so many of us.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story of how you met. Fifty-five years is a long time and so many memories, I can't even imagine how hard this must be. We all know we will die at some point, but that point is always in the future. Thinking of you and your lovely lady (who must be obeyed).
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful "how we met" story. How lucky you both were that your paths crossed and you were able to spend your lives together. Big hug to you today on the anniversary of that meeting.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story of how you met your soulmate!
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet story. Be well.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you back online! I like that story of how you met. I toast you with a martini! Aren't you glad you took so many photos over the years? I like that last photo.
ReplyDeleteThank you for coming in with this lovely history. You sounded well matched. That photo is lovely.
ReplyDeleteIt was meant to be. No coincidences! Your paths were destined to cross. You were fortunate to have those 55 years together. So sorry it wasn't more. You have your photographs and memories to help you gradually deal with the loss of your beloved partner. I'm sharing some tears with you right now.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet love story. It was meant to be ... kismet. You and BAD take care of yourselves.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this. I was so sorry to hear about your loss and wondered how you were doing. Take care of yourself. Sherry (former lurker)
ReplyDeleteI pray that you continue to find some comfort in these wonderful memories of Judy.
ReplyDeleteMy sympathy in the loss of your dear Judy and I love the story of how you two met.
ReplyDeleteBe good to you and take care.
Hugs!
When you know you are both right for each other.xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for writing -- I have been thinking of you a lot. That's beautiful picture of Judy -- and a great love story. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about you a lot. Jaycee is right - you can't disparage that beautiful lady's decision all those years ago. She chose her scruffy Beau AND she kept him, too.
ReplyDeleteA great story Bruce. Glad you have those memories of a great 55 years. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story. You were meant for each other. So romantic! Take care of yourself. Cali
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your wonderful story of meeting Judy. "In a hotel lobby!" Your sense of humor is unmatched. Like my parents, Judy and you were a matched set. I could never imagine my mom without my dad, although she lived 4 years past him. I too have been thinking of you a lot and wondering how you were getting along. It's a foreign and quiet world without our spouse and best friend. So very hard to go about our days without that special person. Hugs to you, Bruce!
ReplyDeleteI suspect you will, for quite some time, turn to tell her something before remembering she's no longer there. Which does not mean she won't hear you anyway. Do what you can to keep taking care of yourself and your memories. Judy is someone you will continue to treasure.
ReplyDeleteLinda Sand
A sudden unexpected loss is a gut punch….. I detect the “meeting in a hotel lobby” is perseverance to cherish SWMBO’s memory and carry on…..that’s what we do best….
ReplyDeleteJudy looks a little like Judi Dench, the actress. Of course you miss her and will always miss her. You two were such a perfect pair, a perfect match. Two halves of a whole. We who only knew Judy via your blog will miss the tales of her and the paintings you showed us. Take time away if you need to, we will be here patiently waiting.
ReplyDelete