50 years later.....

It was June 1969. That is how long these precious souls have known each other. Rocky had returned from Vietnam. He was 22 years old and worked for the Cabin John Fire Department. While at the fire department he saw a beautiful, limpy, girl, wearing a cast, get off the bus. He looked and looked. He thought she was the most beautiful woman he had set his eyes on. He asked the Jr. Fireman who she was. It was love at first sight for him. Several weeks later Linda was at a high school graduation party. Rocky was at a friend's house, tagging along to a party he hadn't been invited to. He knew that beautiful, limpy girl from the school bus was going to be there, and sure enough she was. When Rocky saw her he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek to congratulate her, then he turned around and walked off. A month later Linda went to Fricky's of Georgetown to help a friend in the restaurant kitchen. When Rocky came through the back door their eyes immediately locked as they saw each other from across the room. They got googly-eyed and Linda was full of butterflies. It was love at first sight for her. That night Rocky told a friend "I WILL marry that girl!".

Linda and Rocky "officially" met in June 1969. Two months later they were engaged on August 15th. Four months after that they were married on December 27, 1969.Rocky proposed at the Charlestown Race Track. It started like most dates. Linda asked to go and Rocky made sure it happened. While there he spontaneously asked her to marry him right before they made their first bet together... on a horse named "Call the Preacher". Who couldn't propose when betting on horse with that name, right?! That dang horse stumbled out of the gate, fell down, got up, and won the race! That horse is much like their love. Spontaneous. Fiery. Energetic. Determined.

Rocky and Linda were always destined to be together. God placed them in each other's lives at just the right time. He knew their story before they did. They loved each other from first sight. They cherished each other. They have seen each other through sickness and health. They have grown together for 50 years! They've had 3 wonderful boys. They've had lots of money and very little money. They've had everything. They've had nothing. The odds were against a young 19 and 22 year old who met and wed in 6 short months. They weren't supposed to make it. As a matter of fact, many people said they wouldn't make it. But, you see, God knew. His wisdom allowed them to cross paths for months. They yearned for each other and, in that, they learned to cherish, love, give, and sacrifice. When the odds were against them God was not. They prayed to him and he provided for them. Congratulations to these two precious souls for 50 amazing, God-trusting, years.