It was an ordinary day. Reading the "I Know A Story" column that appears weekly in my local newspaper. Patrons of the Lancaster, Pennsylvania Newspaper are encouraged to send in stories that relate to their life. This week's story was titled "Reconnecting With First Kiss, 64 Years Later" and was submitted by Donna Lapham. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Do you remember your very first kiss? Well, I do! I was one month shy of my 14th birthday. Then our home burnt down one month later, and we moved away. We were 14 when we last saw each other - until a few months ago. His birthday is Jan. 8, and, acosss her many years, I'd wish him a silent "Happy Birthday," as if I didn't know where he was. Then, three years ago I looked up his last name. It was unusual, and only about eight names came up. I jotted them down on a piece of paper and started calling. It was the third number that knew him. I told them I went to school with him, gave them my name and phone number and asked would they please give him the info. Ten minutes later, my phone rang and it was him. We talked for a few minutes and then he told me he was in a relationship with a lady friend. I told him it was OK - I just wanted to know he was OK. For three years, I sent them a Christmas letter addressed to both of them. This was OK, but I could not wish him a happy birthday by phone. I was OK with that and went back to a silent "Happy Birthday." Fast forward to a January night, the day after his birthday. He called me, and when I recognized his voice, I told him "I didn't call you yesterday to wish you a happy birthday because you asked me not to." He told me the situation changed; she had passed away. I told him I'm sorry for his loss and told him we'd talk later. Two weeks went by, and no phone call. I picked up the phone and called him. I said, you are 78, I'll soon be 78 and we're not getting any younger and I want to have a cup of coffee with you. He then told me he was going to call me that evening for directions to where I live. I must've given him good directions, because he rung my doorbell. Keep in mind, we have not seen each other since we were 14! I opened the door and asked if it as him. When I heard him say, "I am him," I recognized his voice from or phone calls. I invited him in, took his coat, gave him a mini tour of my home, and then we sat down at my dining room table, had a meal, and we were both comfortable and at ease during our meal and conversation. He stayed for two hours. The next morning I got up and wrote him a thank you for coming and that I truly enjoyed our visit and was looking forward to our next visit or phone call. A few days later, when he received the card, he phoned and told me that when he initially took the envelope from his mailbox, he was thinking maybe I didn't want to see him and get to know him. My children and grandchildren are happy for me, and at one point in time I just want to be friends and see how it all unfolds. This past Tuesday he came and brought homemade chicken corn soup that he made. Also brought me chocolate mint Girl Scout cookies and his yearbook. I looked at his the yearbook, found his photo and told him, "This is how I remember you." I told him I'd think of him different times across the years. He told me he thought of me, especially when he drove near where we used to live, but he couldn't remember what I looked like, just that he remembered I was a pretty girl. He didn't know it, but when he said that, inside, I was elated. He stayed for 3 1/2 hours and the next morning I wrote him a thank-you card and included three photos. He took me to Red Lobster for my 78th birthday and we have golfed twice. I can say riding "Cloud 9" is very nice. We slow danced, and being held in his arms, swaying to the music, is heavenly. The author of this story, who was widowed in 2016 after 50 years of marriage, lives in Manhem Township. She wrote this story in June, and her rekindled relationship from 64 years ago is still going strong. This story was in the Sunday, November 5, 2023 Sunday newspaper. I am typing this story on Saturday, July 27, 2024. I only wish I would have had some more information to share with you. I would love to know the result of this story! If anyone knows....... please leave me a comment here so everyone who reads this story will know what happened with the two lovebirds! I await your comments. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.
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