My Valentine Story: A & W Root Beer, Burgers, 58 Impala and Poof I Was Hopelessly In Love
Posted: Thursday, February 11, 2010
by Fran Larson
http://www.franniesquotes.com/
I was trying to think what I should write for Valentine's Day. I needed a good love story or a riveting essay about romance for Valentine's Day. Then it came to me. The best and most romantic story is my very own true story. So here goes:
I was 19 and had just finished my second year of college. My girlfriend and I had a habit of going to drive-in restaurants after church on Sunday evenings. (Yes, I know I am telling my age by talking about drive-ins). Anyway, we went to the A & W Drive-In and ordered a frosty root beer, burger and fries.
We pretended to not notice them, as we did not want to appear too desperate or anxious. We chitchatted and sipped on our Root Beer. (I know now the rules have changed, but back then, there was an art to being not too available and a tad aloof).
After a few minutes of checking them out from the corner of our eyes and sipping on our root beer, it happened. Yep. They began to look our way and smile. We ignored them a bit more. Then we occasionally would glance their way. Then we began to exchange remarks (from our cars). Then, the next thing we know, they are out of their car, walking towards our car. We were both elated and surprised.
They were both very good-looking. One of them (Jim) owned the Impala and the Lone Star boat. They informed us that they had been to church also. How much better could it be? We began to flirt outrageously. (In those days, there was no fear of talking to strangers, etc.).
After talking with them for an hour or so, we gave them our telephone numbers. In order to make sure that Jim would call me, I pretended to forget to give his class ring back to him. (Part of my flirting was trying on his ring). (I know we females can be very devious, but give me some slack here, as I was only 19).
Jim did call me. We dated fast and furious. We were really in love. After only three months of dating, we were engaged. We were so very happy. I just couldn't believe that I had met this wonderful guy and he was going to be my husband forever.
Something happened after we had been engaged a few weeks. We didn't get along so good anymore. We argued frequently and didn't seem to have the same ideas about how a marriage should be. I blame myself, as my "standards" were really unrealistic.
Then, it happened. Jim broke up with me. I begged him not to do this, but he thought it was best.
I did the best I could. It was too late that year to go to college, so I began working as a telephone operator. I worked the split shift mostly. It didn't really matter because I didn't date. I made new friends while working for the telephone company and tried very hard to put Jim out of my mind.
I had a ritual at night. I would always pray for Jim. I would pray that he would be happy, wherever he was. I was still living with my parents, who had moved a few miles away from my previous house, so I thought even if Jim ever had thoughts about getting back together, he would never find me.
The months passednine to be exact. I had made a new friend. Her name was Sharon. We decided to go to the A & W in Clearwater, which was about 15 miles away from the A & W where I met Jim. As it was with Glenda, Sharon and I were sipping on our Root Beer, when she got a strange look on her face.
"It's him." she said.
"Oh, No. I hate him. Please let's go. Please start the car."
It was too late, though. Jim and his brother were headed towards our car.
"Please, let's go. I can't talk to him..ever!
" It's too late. They are coming to the car..just talk a couple of minutes and then we'll go."
I was so nervous, angry and curious all at the same time, but somehow I did manage to hold on a conversation for a few minutes. Then we said goodbye.
The next day Jim called me (found out where I lived and my telephone number, somehow). He asked if we could just go somewhere and "talk' and promised it wouldn't be a real date. My Dad was furious because he didn't want me to get hurt again. However, he didn't try to stop me from going out for coffee with Jim.
We talked all right. We talked about all the arguments we had in the past but we realized that we had never stopped loving each other. We decided that we did not want to go on without each other. We decided to get married. We didn't want a long engagement. Of course when I got home and went to bed, I could not sleep the whole night.
Three weeks later, we had a beautiful church wedding a Valentine Wedding to be exact. My sister, the Matron of Honor wore a red dress. A heart-shaped pillow bore my beautiful wedding ring.
When I stood with Daddy waiting for our cue to go down the aisle, Daddy asked, "Are you sure about this?
"Yes", I said.
Jim and I are celebrating our 49 th anniversary this month. It is a very happy marriage. Like any couple, we have our challenging moments but Jim is my best friend.
I guess the reason be broke up those few months was that God knew we were not quite ready for this big step. The time we were apart was when we learned to appreciate each other and know that relationships will never be perfect.
Only love is perfect.
Happy Valentine's Day .......If you are wondering if someone really loves you, see my article:
How to Know If Someone Really Loves You: 3 Powerful Questions That Will Give You The Answer
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Top-level comments on this article: (7 total)What a lovely story Fran and yes God was certainly looking over you as he made sure you and Jim were going to be together for these 49 years and for them that are to follow as wellKeep wellKacy
That was one of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read, because it shows how real love works in reality. Congratulations!=== Always- Ella
"Only love is perfect", but 'Lovers are not.' I really enjoyed your real-life story, and thanks, Fran, for sharing that piece of your life with the Searchwarp community. I have first-hand knowledge that a time of separation can help seal the deal when true love is present but disguised or disturbed for a while. ~mogama~
Hey, I am from the "drive in" era too (although the drive in theaters have vanished Sonic and other hamburger places still have drive ins with car hops in Colorado - come on out!)... what a fun Valentine's story! AND love is a commitment - you two seem to have one after 49 years! Valentine Blessings - my hubby is getting a cold...
wooooooooooooooooooooow Fran! CONGRATULATIONSSSSSSSS! that's the best love story i've ever heard and wish you both lots of happy years of married life ahead. You made my day!
I'm a sucker for happy endings, and this was a wonderful ending. Thanks for sharing it with us Fran.
Wish you all luck Fran. Life is full of surprises and you ended up getting the right one. Hope you celebrate 75!
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