Thursday, March 23, 2017

Happy Birthday Jilda

Jilda and I first met when she was in eighth grade. She had on an antique dress and playing the pump organ at a history fair. She must have been 13 years old. She had long blonde hair and blue eyes the color of the 1956 Thunderbird that I loved. We didn't chat much, but I remembered eyes.

My senior year in high school, I dated one of Jilda's best friends. Just before my big day, she broke it off with me, leaving me dateless on graduation.

I asked her if she would consider going to graduation with me. Actually, I think something suave and debonaire like, "You wuddn wanna go to graduation wid me wud you? She said yes, and it started there.

I was drafted in 1971, during Vietnam. We ended up parting while I was away. But not long after I returned in 1973, we got back together. A year later, in 1974 we married on the front porch of a house trailer in Brewton, Alabama. The preacher who lived in the trailer was once the minister at the church where Jilda and her folks attended.

That was May 5, 1974. The day was warm. I had a Canon camera that cost more than the car we drove. It was a fully manual film camera. The preacher's wife shot a ton of pictures during the ceremony, none of which were in focus. To say our ceremony was a blur is an understatement.

Today, Jilda celebrates her 65 birthday. I've helped her celebrate almost fifty of them. It's been an amazing journey. 

I am so thankful her friend dropped me on the eve of my graduation. 

Happy Birthday to Jilda.


15 comments:

  1. Love this! Happy Birthday, Jilda!

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  2. You two were such young cuties. Now you're somewhat older cuties.

    Love,
    Janie

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  3. Anonymous8:00 PM

    Happy birthday, beautiful Jilda!!

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  4. Such a great post. Please give my best to Jilda on her special day.

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  5. This is a beautiful love letter that you shared with us. I didn't know you were in Vietnam which must have its own set of stories. She must have been worried for you. I find it amazing how some people find their soul mate when they are so young.....you are both very lucky

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  6. You were lucky to have a winner on your first try!

    Congrats.

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  7. I am happy for you. You picked a winner.

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  8. I am very happy for you both. Happy birthday Jilda.

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  9. What a feel-good tale. HAPPY birthday, Jilda!!!

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  10. That's a great story. How lucky for you that you were abandoned by your date for graduation prom since you found your soul mate. Happy Birthday Jilda.
    Hugs, Julia

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  11. A very happy Birthday to Jilda! Nice to celebrate the day with someone you love ! You two are blessed !

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  12. What a great story! Happy Birthday Jilda!!!!
    Lisa

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  13. I like a good love story! I get the point! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JILDA!
    NICE!
    You are one lucky dude! The best to you and especially Jilda on her day!

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  14. What a great story! Happy Birthday Jilda!!!

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  15. Rick this is such a sweet story... I loved hearing it, it made me smile xox

    A very belated birthday to Jilda, I hope it was a wonderful and happy one xox

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