Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Happy Birthday Jilda

In the last few giddy days before graduation in 1968, I felt like I was on top of the world. I was dating a girl that I was crazy about.  But in the blink of an eye, things went south and we decided to break up a few days before I turned the tassel on graduation day.
I didn't want to go to graduation alone, so I asked my ex-girlfriend's best friend if she'd like to go with me.
She agreed.
Her name was Jilda. We quickly found we had a great deal in common. We loved the beach, we loved playing music, and we loved good food.
We dated a few years but broke up when I left for the Army. When I returned in 1973, we started dating again. One thing led to another and we married on Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) 1974.
Getting dropped a few days before graduation was the luckiest thing that ever happened to me. This year we celebrate out 37th anniversary.
Today, is Jilda's birthday and she has been overwhelmed with well wishers. The phone has rung off the hook, and her email inbox is full. Thanks to our blog buddy Bouncin Barb, Jilda has picked up a bunch of new blog followers today as well.
My lovely spouse is a very special lady. Her work as a yoga therapist at a drug and alcohol rehab facility touches the lives of thousands of troubled souls. She also works with soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who suffer from post traumatic stress.
She cooks some of the best food I've ever eaten and she sings like an angel. As I said, that day in May of 1968 was the luckiest day in my life.
Happy Birthday Jilda.

12 comments:

  1. Happy birthday Jilda!

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  2. What a beautiful story! She's very lucky to have such a doting husband!

    Happy birthday Jilda!

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  3. I just wished her well on her blog and I'll say she's a lucky gal to have such a fun and loving hubby! So Happy Birthday Jilda! Tons more just like this one!

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  4. Great story! Sounds like you are both very lucky people :)

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  5. This is one of the most touching love declaration I have ever read, Rick! You are a true romantic and at the same time, if I may say so, a lucky guy :)

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  6. You are a lucky man Rick and I am a lucky lady to have met both of you here. As I told Jilda, one of these days we have to meet in person as I believe there's a reason we've connected. So glad she had a wonderful day!

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  7. Awwwwwwwwww!! How romantic!!! Awwww - I love great love stories like these - lovely!!!! Happy Birthday to your amazing wife, Jilda!!! Take care
    x

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  8. We married in 1974 too Rick. Our anniversary isn't until July. Seems incredible to think it's been 37 years...what a wild old ride.
    I've wished Jilda Happy Birthday on her blog, but may I also wish you both a belated Happy Anniversary!

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  9. Anonymous12:43 PM

    Happy birthday Jilda! She sounds like an amazing person! It just goes to show that every thing happens for a reason. :)

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  10. Happy Birthday, Jilda!

    What a great story.

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  11. It sounds as though that break up was a blessing for you both Rick. Happy Birthday to Jilda. I'll hop on over there to wish her well.
    Love Di ♥

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  12. Thanks all for your kind remarks. Jilda had a great birthday.
    She'd do a group hug to all her blog buddies if she could get you all together.
    R

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