A West Virginia Love Story (Fairmont, Man: home, school, college)

[Lone Star Rebel]

As I remember, it was early spring of 1973 when the most beautiful little country gal you ever laid eyes on; crossed my path one morning going to ANOT 101. No more than 4’ 10” and perhaps 98 pounds soaking wet, she stood out like the North Star in a sky of smaller stars as far as the eye could see. Man, it was like being hit by a train. Class that morning was no more than a blur and I thought it would never end. It was like the clock stood still and I would never get out of that classroom to get another glimpse at that little gal again. When the bell sounded, I think I almost ran down several classmates trying to get out that door.

I searched the campus the rest of that day to no avail. I had never been more awestruck in my entire life as I was that day. Was this merely a dream, a phantom in my mind or; did this truly happen? For the life of me, I could not get that vision of loveliness out of my head. That night I tossed and turned in bed like a fish out of water on the banks of a river. Finally I guess exhaustion took over and I fell fast asleep.

With the crack of dawn I sprang out of my bed, hit the shower, grabbed a quick bite and away I flew to the campus only to realize half way there; it was Saturday and there were no classes that day. Oh, what a weekend this was going to be! How would I ever survive this? All I kept thinking was, why couldn’t Fairmont State hold Saturday classes. I mean to tell you, I had it bad.

Well, I did survive the weekend and finally Monday morning was upon me. Once again, a repeat of Saturday morning; only to find when I hit the curb… the right front tire on my little Corvair was flat. I was convinced the God’s were against me. What had I done in life to deserve this? There I stood with books in hand staring at this flat tire like I was hypnotized. Just then, I hear the toot of a tiny horn behind me. As I turned to see what was happening, there sat this little maroon Chevy Chevette with a little voice asking if I needed assistance. I couldn’t believe my eyes! There she was, this amazing little gal who I had seen Friday morning on campus and then spent my entire weekend in a fog… just thinking about her. It seemed as though my luck was about to make a complete turnabout.

As luck would have it, that precious little gal offered me a ride to campus and my life would forever be changed. We spent countless hours just talking away and I can’t tell you the number of times we took a ride on Sunday’s down to Black Water Falls. That year in college went by so quickly, I can barely remember college at all. We spent every waking moment together (when we didn’t have class) and I went on more picnics that year as a young man, then I had ever done as a child growing up.

I married that little gal in June of the following year and our lives together had just begun. She had another year of college to go while I was finished with school and now seeking gainful employment. We rented a little cottage just outside of town and life was grand. I worked hard and she continued to earn excellent grades on campus but, we never failed to make that drive to Black Water Falls every Sunday morning. It was like living a dream, really.

Graduation finally came and that little gal finally became a Registered Nurse with a BS degree. She had fulfilled her life’s long dream and it was time to move on in life. We both had great careers, worked hard in search of that Great American Dream and headed west to watch the sunset over the ocean. California here we come! Well, life being life; we became busy in our careers and doing what married couples do and then one day… we both discovered that our youth had passed us by and it was too late to think of children now. We looked back on all those years and how quickly they passed but, had no regrets and truly loved every moment. Yes, it would have been nice to have had children and then grandchildren but, we spent so many years being young & in love in our minds that… the reality of living had slipped by and nature had taken it’s course. We were both at an age by this time that having children was out of the question. You may think it sad yes, but; we had plenty of love still left to share and never wasted a moment looking back. Till death do us part, was the promise we made to one another.

Well, The Good Lord called that little gal home in the fall of 2006 and my life has never been the same. Life throws us curves at times and sometimes the journey together can be a bit rocky but, with enough love, a little luck and a whole bunch of memories… you can get through anything. I miss that little gal more than the flowers miss the sun on a cloudy day. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of that Friday morning on campus. Life has been good and one day the time will come when I hear that horn again and… she & I will take another trip together to Black Water Falls.

Almost Heaven, West Virginia!

Thank you for taking the time to read my little ditty. God Bless.

[Janipoo]

Lone Star, what an amazing story (I am wiping the tears away). You really had the 1 true love of a live time as they say. One day you will reunite and take a trip to Black Water Falls. But remember you still have a lot of life to live and she wouldn't want it any other way, she is waiting patiently for you.

Thanks for sharing this with us. Makes me wonder what my hubby would say about me .

[harborlady]

Thank you for sharing that rebs, it helps women keep faith that good guys are out there.

[Lone Star Rebel]

Thanks for the kind words ladies. I had to wipe back a few tears myself while writing it Janipoo.

It sure brought back many memories.

[Janipoo]

Originally Posted by Lone Star Rebel

Thanks for the kind words ladies. I had to wipe back a few tears myself while writing it Janipoo.

It sure brought back many memories.

I bet. I almost thought you had big plans for a Friday night but I see you are at home like the rest of us (unless, your at the library on the computer Hehe).

[Lone Star Rebel]

Originally Posted by Janipoo

I bet. I almost thought you had big plans for a Friday night but I see you are at home like the rest of us (unless, your at the library on the computer Hehe).

LOL, no... I'm at home with my little dog, in front of the fireplace, fooling around on this computer and listening to soft jazz. No big plans. I gave up the dating scene back in 73' when that little gal took over my life. I would be kidding myself to think a man could find two loves like that in one lifetime.

I'm content and life is good.

[Janipoo]

Originally Posted by Lone Star Rebel

LOL, no... I'm at home with my little dog, in front of the fireplace, fooling around on this computer and listening to soft jazz. No big plans. I gave up the dating scene back in 73' when that little gal took over my life. I would be kidding myself to think a man could find two loves like that in one lifetime.

I'm content and life is good.

No, I doubt if you could find another love like you had. I just thought that you had plans. That doesn't have to include the opposite sex.

[Lone Star Rebel]

Every now & again I think maybe one day I will look for someone to die with but, I think I would always want to compare the two and that simply would not be right so... I keep myself busy, tinkering on this thing and enjoy life to the fullest. It does get lonely at times but, you learn to get thru that. When you live the life I have, you don't make plans anymore... you take it one day at a time & live everyday like it's your last.

[Janipoo]

Originally Posted by Lone Star Rebel

Every now & again I think maybe one day I will look for someone to die with but, I think I would always want to compare the two and that simply would not be right so... I keep myself busy, tinkering on this thing and enjoy life to the fullest. It does get lonely at times but, you learn to get thru that. When you live the life I have, you don't make plans anymore... you take it one day at a time & live everyday like it's your last.

Death doesn't include more than 1 unless a tragedy [(e.g. accident, natural disater..etc), (unless you know that, most likely 2 people won't die together)] that doesn't mean you can't find someone that you enjoy their company (male or female). It doesn't diminish what you "feel" for your wife. I bet she wasn't the type that wouldn't want you to sit around and reminence about what was. You need to live life and get the most out of it. I know this is coming from someone who isn't in your shoes and is easier than said but than done but at the same time I believe that no matter what you do with your life from here on out you will be reunited and she won't be saying "What the H*ll were you...."

[Lone Star Rebel]

Your point has been well taken. I just don't know that I have the energy to do it again is all.