I met you about a month before your 15th birthday. Although I will always remember the first time I saw you and how smitten I was, I think we became best friends as quickly as we fell in love. We began dating and dated throughout that year until the end of January when I left to join the Army. You were still 15 when I left for overseas and I didn’t see you again until after your 17th birthday.

While I was away, you sent me this picture of you at 16. It became my favorite picture of you and I carried it while I was gone, and for many years after. In the letters we wrote, we agreed that a popular song of the day, “I Remember You”, would always have a special meaning for us.

I remember your natural sweetness and devotion to your parents, friends, relatives and the kids and I. I remember your kindness to strangers who may have been less fortunate, but were still treated with the same warmth that you showed us all.

I remember your confidence in me when I said I wanted to move the family to California to pursue a new career opportunity. Although you were opposed to the idea of leaving our lives and families in Texas behind, you faithfully followed and set about making a new life for us.

I remember how proud I was of you when the kids had grown up and your entrepreneurial spirit kicked in. You traveled around the country, selling your patterns and making new friendships, some of whom have lasted for years.

For almost 58 years, you made three people very happy. Chris and Rachel are the wonderful, caring people they are today because of your love and example. We were so blessed in our life together. It seems that we never had to endure the trials that others had to. In fact, we did in many cases. It just didn’t seem that bad!

I remember that special something about you that nearly everyone noticed, but can’t explain. Whatever it was, none of us will ever forget it. We love you and miss you so terribly!

My Darling, I’ll close as we closed our many cards and letters over the years.

A.M.L.

A.M.L.

Carl