07/12/2023
December 6, 1957 ~ At First Sight: A Love Story
There once was a beautiful young lady named Barbara. She was one of four girls born to Roy and Mabel Burgins. One evening when she was 19, she was enjoying a soft drink at a local bar where her oldest sister worked. On that night, she met a handsome, dark-eyed man named David who was there having a beer. Once they were introduced and pleasantries were exchanged, Barbara & David continued to talk through the hours never tiring of the conversation.
As they were getting to know one another on that wonderful winter's evening, they were becoming completely enamored. The two were falling hard for each other.
However, at one point, Barbara realized the hour had grown late and that she needed to leave. David offered to drive her. So, they set off to Barbara's home and once they arrived, they remained in the car and continued to talk.
At one point, when the conversation took a more serious turn and David told Barbara that he wanted her to come away with him so they could be together, Barbara drew back. Being one of four daughters and having a protective father with traditional family values, she was not about to run off anywhere or even elope with a man. So, she said to David in regards to heading off to Mississippi: "Well, there is only one way that would ever happen."
At that moment, on the spot, the pair went inside to inform Barbara's parents of their decision to be wed.
I assume by their initial descriptor of David that Barbara's parent's first impression of him could've been better.
Infamously, they referred to David as a "fly-by-night motorcyclist."
Of course, he was neither "fly-by-night" nor a motorcyclist.
What he was, however, was in love and so was she.
And so it was and came to be.
David and Barbara decided they would get married right away. And 19 hours from the time they met, they did just that... and they stayed married.
~ If that isn't love at first sight, I don't know what is. ~
**This is the story of how my parents met and wed in less than a day. It's a testimonial of the odds they beat to stay together and of the joy they shared. It's an homage to a fantastic love story and even more incredible people. It's a reflection of awe, adoration, and respect.
I wish my father were here today to celebrate their extraordinary love story. I miss him and know my mother does too.
Happy Anniversary to you, Barbara. You two were/are a unique and inspiring love story. Thank you both for everything.
I love you dearly.
