Martha and I met at Purdue University. I was a freshman just out of the Marines, and she was a freshman just out of Broad Ripple high school. There was a little impromptu party at Cary West where I lived, and I decide to attend. I was introduced to her, and I felt the earth move. It was a fun night, they had a twist contest. which somehow, we won. It had to have been her dancing. Then there was a jug a lug contest which I beat out Babajidi Soijodi of Nigeria for the win. That was something I was good at. Being a residence hall, they used root beer.
I walked her back to her residence that night, which was Duhme Hall, and promised to call her the next day. I kept my promise.
The next time I heard from her was when they were having the Sadi Hawkins dance on campus. I got an invitation from Martha which I accepted. I remember she gave me a bouquet made up of flowers and a Sam Cook record, The record was “Twist all night”. How appropriate. The dance was held in the student union and was really crowded. Downstairs there was a smaller lounge and Diamonds were performing there. They did “Little Darling” for us.
We started to see more and more of each other. Weekend pizza at Brunos, or just a coke at the union. Walks on campus, a swim in the pool, or just getting together to study. One evening we stopped at the Black and Gold grill and the conversation became serious. We lost track of time and missed curfew. We stayed the entire night at the grill and then went to classes in the morning.
Towards the end of the year her parents were concerned we were getting too serious. They drove up during the week to talk to her. She showed them her ring.
