Saturday, September 13, 2008

Sept 13th, 1941

A young sailor got a two day leave. He drove to Los Angeles from San Diego to ask his special girl to marry him. Their song was "Begin the Beguine".

They drove to Las Vegas NV in the middle of the night to get married. It was a Friday - Friday the 13th! There was a terrible fire in the desert and they were stopped at a road block and told they couldn't go through to Vegas. The young soldier explained the situation and how short a time they had before he had to report back to duty. The men at the road block escorted the young couple through so that they could be on their way.

They were young and innocent and in love. They had only known each other for six months, and most of that time the sailor had been at sea. But life was different in those days. People got married faster - and stayed married longer.

Their lives after that night were not all that easy. The United States involvement in WWII was only a few months off. They endured months of separation until the young soldier was medically discharged after coming close to losing his life. He spent 8 months in the hospital, but was finally able to return home to the wife that he loved more than anything and their new daughter.

Life continued for them - along with the ups and downs. They lost their daughter when she was only 14 years old, they both suffered immensely... but ultimately decided that they needed to find a way to still be parents. They adopted a baby girl in 1959 and loved her with all their might. They were a family that loved each other - no matter what. And they stayed together through thick and thin. No matter what life brought to them, they were able to get through it as long as they had each other.

I have no doubt that if they were still alive they would still be together today celebrating their 67th Wedding Anniversary. And they would love each other today - just as much as they did all those years ago.

I love you Mom and Dad!

7 comments:

Patty said...

What a lovely story. My Father was also in the Navy.

Abe and I got engaged on April Fools day 1955, after dating about 12 days. I did know him when we were in school, but had not seen him for about four years.
Then we got married in July 1955.

Laura said...

That is the sweetest story! Glad you shared it!

BTW - You're not going to believe the word verification I have to type in for this post. OYGRL

Oy!!

Kim Foster said...

Beautiful. Just beautiful.

Kim
from "The Yummy Mummy Cooks Gourmet"

Rose said...

Wow, this is a wonderful post. I enjoyed it so much.

Jill said...

Oh Cindy, this is beautiful! My parents got married about 6 weeks later and Dad joined the Army. I have seen so many photos of young, 'skinny' guys in their Navy uniforms back in the 40's. I made a website for my former supv. after he did a lot of research concerning a Liberty Ship that disappeared and the men on it, including his uncle. www.heintzelman.info

Adrienne said...

I loved reading that, CIndy. Made my eyes tear up...I am sure they would still be married too and making us laugh with all their stories.
xoxo
A

Megan said...

How sweet.

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