In March of 1966, the guys decided to have a going away party for Mark Romey (a.k.a. Harpo), since he had joined the Coast Guard and would soon be leaving for basic training. And of course, we’d have it at Wiechec’s.
The party was well on it’s way, and was really crowded, when a group of neighborhood girls walked in. My brother Tom nudged me and said, “look who just walked in. . .Carole Bielat”. I didn’t notice her at first, and I don’t think that she noticed me either. My brother asked her to dance...but I wasn’t going to have any of that, and decided to cut in.
Carole and I grew up on the same block, went to the same grammar school and high school...we knew the same people, and were even kind of sweet on each other in the 7th grade. We never dated in high school, but sat next to each other in a study hall, and Carole let me copy her math homework, and although we were friends for as long as I can remember, we just never dated.
As the party wound down, we decided to leave, and went to a bar in South Buffalo, where we did more dancing, and talking, and just getting to know each other all over again.
That evening was pretty much the beginning of our life together, since we’ve been together ever since…..that was 45 years ago, and we’ll be married for 41 years.
There we were, at a party for a friend who was leaving for the service...at a favorite neighborhood bar...who would have ever thought where that would lead...not us for sure.
In the months ahead, one by one, each of us left for our Military Duty. That August of 1966, I left for four years in the Air Force, and when I came home, Carole was waiting for me.
1 comment:
this is an amazing story! love it!
thanks for being my parents.
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