For Part 2 of finding a perfect life mate, I’ll introduce you to my Uncle Johnny. As a kid, I found him fascinating. He collected all kinds and shapes of polished agates, had countless records of bird songs, stacks of National Geographics, and a few statues of naked alabaster ladies. Everything he displayed in his home was interesting, but he had not found a life mate. (I do wonder what the ideal candidate might have looked like). He joined a Lonely Hearts Club, and exchanged letters and photos with a promising candidate years before online connections were available. He boarded and rode the train from Washington State to New York City for days to meet her. She had told him the color of the coat and the hat she would be wearing as she stood at the platform where his train would pull in. Family legend says she was there, he saw her, but he did not get off the train. I do not know if she did not match her photo well enough. Or he got cold feet about pursuing a relationship, but he stayed on that train as it reversed direction and returned all the way to Washington State. I wish that story had a happier ending—I have imagined many alternate scenarios.
I knew an attractive 6’ tall young woman in remote northern Alaska who was encouraged to be patient, that God had a special someone for her, and would send him in time in answer to her prayer. With few prospects around, she said, “God would have to drop him from the sky.” That next summer when they had a forest fire, a handsome 6’ plus smokejumper floated down using their camp as a base. After his crew put out the forest fire, he began a blaze with that young lady, and they’ve kept their home fires burning ever since.
There are as many fascinating ways for people to get together as there are people. Please share your favorite story or suggestions for connecting. And Happy Valentine’s Day.
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