Forty Years Ago

Yes I said forty years ago and no it was not when I was born – how rude! Let me give you some facts about 1970. If you were alive and kicking in 1970 you would have paid $23,450 for a brand new home. Yes, I brand new home and we probably aren’t talking a two bedroom one bath number either. The average income in America was $9,400 which would allow you to afford gas at 36 cents a gallon – oh those were the days.

Also in 1970 a young man met a nice young lady in a happening local establishment. He was fresh out of Vietnam all thin and handsome with gorgeous green eyes. She was…sorry I can’t type this with a straight face. Let me just let my mother tell you.

When I decided to write a blog about my parents meeting and marriage 40 years ago I did not want to misrepresent the fact – especially since she is reading my blog now, so I decided to interview her about her marriage.

Me: When did you meet him? Him being my father.

Mom: June 1970

Me: Where were you? It’s ok meeting at a bar is normal these days.

Mom: The Marke Two on Harry Hine Boulevard

I have been told this was a really nice bar, but seriously now it is a dump. I would not be caught in that area after dark even in a car.

Me: What did you think when you first saw him?

Mom: Good looking, dressed nice, hoping he was single!

That answer cracked me up!

Me: What did your parents think when you told them you were getting married?

Mom: Very happy – they thought I would was going to be an old maid at “23” and did not like the fact that I was going to bars every weekend. 

Me: Were you nervous about tying the knot?

Mom: No, not at all- knew that he was the right one for me.

Me: Where did you get married?

Mom: Madill, Oklahoma
Yes, mother you were spelling it wrong, this is the correct spelling.
 

Me: What are your memories of that day?

Mom: We arrived in OKLA about 10:00 AM Saturday to get the license, however the County Clerk had gone to a football game and we had to wait until late afternoon before she could issue the license and we were finally married about 7:30 PM at a Baptist Minister's house just off the square and he was in his late 80's. We drove back to the state line to a bar called Johnny's and had barbecue, played a game of pool and drove back to Irving. Sunday we found an apartment, moved in (that is back we you could move into an apartment in one day) and both went back to work Monday morning! 

Me: What is the key to a long and successful marriage?

Mom: Be there in good time and bad. Keep your sense of humor. Give without expecting anything in return and be thrilled when you get something in return. Laugh, love, forgive and try to forget.

Me: Here is the kicker…would you do it again?

Mom: Yes!! With all we have been thru, I would be lost without my Dave…

Small tear! I love you guys! Happy 40^th Wedding Anniversary! I am so proud you all held it together this long!