Love Story
My parents grew up in the same town but came from different worlds. My father was the only son of an entrepreneur and a homemaker. Living a big life in a small town. My mother was somewhere in the middle of ten kids and looking for her escape to greener pastures. She shared stories of working very young washing dishes or combing hair. At twenty she was a mother of two and living in the back of her sisters house. Then an introduction to my father would lead them both on a kind of Bonnie and Clyde journey.
My pops ran the infamous Roc-Inn, a dark bar that featured live bands, free peanuts, and eventually had nude entertainment. My mom stayed clothed and became the bartender. Together my parents managed apartments, made river-runs with the crew, and created wild memories at the corner of Market Street and at Two Trees.
They met in 1969 and eventually made it down the aisle New year’s eve 1980. My parents worked hard and shared generously. They even celebrated a big payday with a trip to Europe and paid for four friends to join them. Their holiday parties were epic! We celebrated everything with everyone and my parents were the ultimate hosts. All inclusive type of events, sometimes even springing for accommodations so all the family could be there.
My favorite memory of this dynamic couple was watching them dance at my Dad’s 50th birthday. My mom organized the party in their hometown and everyone danced the night away under the bright desert stars. Its been almost 50 years and my parents are still riding together. Through it all, highs and lows, they keep choosing each other. Happy Valentines day to J&L who defied the odds, did it their way, and are still loving strong.
