He had a real good job making plenty of money, $40.00 a week! He was given a raise of $10.00 a week, and transferred 350 miles away. For two young folks always having lived at home, this was a big giant step for both of them.

The first apartment was three flights up. It had 2 rooms--a kitchen and a bedroom, each with one window, overlooking the back entrance of a funeral home. They didn't let that bother them; they just kept looking up. Oh, they could also see the walls of other apartment buildings. There was one place in the kitchen where she could stand and look out the window, between two buildings, up to the next street. That is where she stood every morning to wave at that young husband as he walked to work.

He had the job to go to everyday. Her days were long. She didn't want to go out alone, except to the grocery store. The refrigerator was something called a luxury not everyone could afford, so she had to shop for what ever was needed each day. One day she was shopping for supper, and when she checked, she found she had not quite enough money to pay. What was allotted and was thought to be plenty was $1.25. Very embarrassed, she had to put some of the groceries back.

In the evenings and on weekends, for entertainment the couple walked downtown and window-shopped. There was no money for extras, like a movie. She was always telling him that someday she would buy him a pink shirt. "No way!" He wouldn't be caught dead in pink. How unmanly can you get! This was summer of 1949.

They didn't know anyone in the entire city; neither had they ever lived in a big city. She wrote letters every day to her Mama. Guess she used food money for airmail stamps. It cost 6 cents for an airmail stamp, but that added up, writing every day.

She had always had mama's cooking, and couldn't cook very much herself. We have all heard the tales of the cravings of the pregnant ladies. It must be true. One day the lady on the floor above them cooked homemade vegetable soup. The fragrance drifted down below all day.

Later the young girl met her neighbor and related to her about the soup. The neighborlady told her she always made too much and wished she had known she wanted it. She had to throw out a big bowl. To this day that lady, now a grandmother herself, will not eat vegetable soup of any kind, canned or homemade. Sounds like there must be something to the tales!

Years passed, with transfers to other cities, and the blessing of three baby girls. Life was good for the young couple. They finally could afford a portable radio, and listened to WCKY Nashville with beautiful country music. Also, they could listen to music from Hawaii, late at night.

Later the young man could afford a little used car, and she could buy him that pink shirt. He realized that he was a man in her eyes all the time, so he wore the pink shirt and enjoyed it! Over the years they even managed a trip to the theater occasionally.

They still are not rich in what the world defines riches but they feel very rich. They still have each other with grandchildren and great-grand children.

In April, 2002 they will celebrate their 53rd wedding anniversary. They still do some walking, in the mall now, for their exercise. He doesn't like shopping, and not much window-shopping, but doesn't mind when she wants to look, if she does it after they walk. They still hold hands when watching TV now, instead of at the theater as of years ago.

They have had many years with lots of happiness and some sorrow, their youngest daughter, at age 16 died from an automobile accident. But they have never had a vacation from each other. They have always, and still do enjoy their favorite time of the day, bedtime. The looks across a room at each other are still exciting, and they always remember to kiss "bye" even if it is just for a run to the grocery store. Always remembering to put each other first.

This is a brief look into the life of my beautiful husband, Charles and myself. When we allowed Jesus to become "Lord of our life" we learned what happiness really is. Thanks for allowing me to share with you.