Martha and I met at Purdue University. We were both freshmen. I was just out of four years in the Marines, and she was just out of high school. She lived in Duhme Hall, and I lived in the Cary Quadrangle. One evening the Cary West student leaders decided to have a little party in the cafeteria. They caalled several of the women’s dorms and invited any and all. There was a pretty good turnout. Yhe intent was to have a mixer and have people get acquainted.
The had a DJ pop and snacks. I guess that was all that was needed. I had just been introduced to Martha When they announced they were having a twist contest. I asked her if she wanted to and she said yes. It was a big surprise when we won. Then they had a juggalug contest using root beer which I won. All in all a good evening. I walked her back to her dorm and said good night. I did tell her i iked her and would loke to see her again sometime.
The next week they had a Sadie Hawkins dance. This is where the girls invite the guys. Martha called me and ask if i wanted to go. I said yes. She showed up with a bouquet for me that was some flowers through a Sam Cook twist record.
The rest is history; we continued to date and two years later got married. It lasted sixty years until her passing. I miss her so.
rachel
I have yet to experience this phase in my life, passing of a spouse. When my grandpa died, my grandmother said she never felt so lonely ever in her life. You have a whole community out there for you always.