In 1988, Greg was in the Air Force, at Shaw AFB, SC and Darlene was in college at LSU, Baton Rouge, LA. Darlene’s sister Val was also at Shaw with her hubby Ron. Greg and Ron were friends. Greg saw Darlene’s pic at Val’s home and inquired about her. She explained Darlene was her baby sister in college and she didn’t want the eligible bachelor known as “Giggy G” to improperly influence her. Greg talked smack about how Darlene would instantly fall for him! Val exclaimed that it would be the other way around. On one occasion Darlene called while Greg was visiting Val. They talked on the phone, exchanged addresses/phone numbers. They knew they had to meet. It was love at first sound. Pics were exchanged over several letters. No internet, cell phones or social media. Eventually, Greg came to her hometown for a surprise visit. Darlene was looking a hot mess and Greg was looking cute and fine. He saw pass the mess. What they shared over the phone and through letters came full circle. They were madly in love and shared their first kiss. Over time, visits were more frequent and letters became steamier! In 1989 they experienced their first fight while Greg was visiting. What’s better than an apology? An impromptu proposal! Greg asked the DJ in a nightclub to stop the music, dropped to one knee and asked Darlene to marry him. She said YES! Still in a long distance relationship, Greg got orders to Korea and then Florida. The visits, expensive phone calls and letters continued. Plans were underway to get married after Darlene’s graduation. But, surprise-they/she was pregnant! Instead of spending money on a wedding, they prioritized being parents and held an exchange of vows at Darlene’s home in New Orleans. The plan was to eventually have a wedding. Well, here they are 30 years later finally having Their Day! G&D 06/17/91