Girl and boy, many many years ago, went to the same school together.  In the course of that snapshot of time, they became friends, closer friends, and eventually lovers.  High school sweethearts, of sorts.  The boy loved the girl more than anything in the world, and promised himself that no matter what, there would be nothing that would come between his love for her.  They shared much time together, went on secret dates with one another, even survived a meeting with the girl’s parents!

But youth, like most other good things, came to an end for them.  Events separated them.  Time passed.  Girl became woman.  She looked forward to a future of her own, unencumbered by her past, and hopeful for a bright life.  She moved away from her hometown and began a career.  In the course of time, she met her future husband.  They fell in love, married, and had 3 children.  Not long after in the grand scheme of things, her husband died a sudden death.  Her grief guided her, while her children’s needs would encourage her to continue her life as she was, alone, with the three she loved dearly.

And the boy became a man.  But he never moved on, in the whole sense of the words.  His life became his path, alone.  He made a living for himself, a way to spend his waking hours imagining that his girl was still with him.  Perhaps he had moved on, and just had never found the time for romance.  We will probably never know.

Fast forward a few more years.  Time had taken its toll on the two of them, still separated but not far from each other.  On his 60th birthday, the man decided to find her long-lost love from his past.  He searched for her far and wide, not realizing that she had been living only a short distance away.   He eventually learned that her husband had died early on in their marriage.  And eventually she learned that he had been looking for her.

Mutual friends make great networks!

Their long awaited marriage soon followed, despite her children’s protests.  Of course, no one can blame one’s children for being jealous that their mother had found a love she had lost.  Perhaps a little selfish, but it’s a natural human emotion.  Nevertheless, time had once again brought these two people, who had not seen each other for a generation, back into each other’s arms.  Just one more example of how timeless true love can be.

Oh, and they lived happily ever after.

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This story is based on a true event between 2 of Lisa’s dad’s friends.  They had come to visit us recently, and despite a very tight schedule, I thought this story was worth having them here.  They were very learned old people, one of them even using a mobile w/ a hands-free device!  It’s hard to find an old Chinese person having the wherewithal to learn how to use these modern devices.  I personally miss the dial phone.  They came from New York, but I wish they lived here.  I hope they know they’re welcome here anytime!