I have diagnosed myself with a specific attention deficit disorder (ADD). Up until now I had only noticed the symptoms when I started cleaning the house. The bi-monthly scene is some variation of the following:
I enter a bedroom with intentions to put away a load(+) of laundered clothes. I immediately notice the bed isn’t made so I lay the basket down. While bending to make the bed, I notice a wine stain on the floor (don’t ask). This leads to sweeping and mopping, followed by taking out the trash. I finish up by wiping down the night stands and dresser. Then I walk towards the door, tired but pleased, and see the heaping mound full of crumpled clothes still waiting for me.
I had thought that I only suffered from A.D.D. Cleaning, but it is now apparent that the specificity can transfer, as I have A.D.D. Writing as well. When I sat down to write my last post, this was the post I was actually trying to start. I had good reason to be sidetracked; I was so touched each time someone lit up when I asked them how they first met their loved one that I had to write about that joyful energy before I even wrote their story. The next thing I knew, I had this post started, as well as my last post, and 5 other How They Met stories.
Without further ado, let me present the story of my Uncle Lloyd & Aunt Sandy, who celebrated 51 years of marriage this past March 29th. I focused on their youngest daughter’s sewing talent on my Commanding Companies page. Throughout my formative years, they gave me an open invitation to their pool and, therefore, aided in forming my TacOcaT spirit. When my parents spent time with them, I remember thinking they were fun and young at heart. Sandy always giggled and smiled and Lloyd played a guitar. They once bought the biggest sub sandwich that I had ever seen! They made me look forward to Christmas gatherings and family reunions. My memories of times spent with them are all simply happy.
Even though Lloyd & Sandy were both born in Tennessee, they didn’t meet until over a decade later, after their families had moved to Indiana. Lloyd recalls the exact moment he first laid eyes on Sandy. She was introduced to his 8th grade math class and he thought to himself, “That’s the girl I’m going to marry.” Little did he know, she wasn’t particularly looking for a boyfriend at the time. Enter into the equation: persistence.
My uncle remembers using a silly voice to get Sandy’s attention. In her words, he experimented with his Gomer Pyle imitation. (This completely explains my cousin & I practicing our “country” accents while co-working the Dairy Queen drive-thru many years later, by the way.) From 8th grade ’til sophomore year, Lloyd kept working his magic and at 16, he got a car and began providing rides to school to other students for $1 a week. Eventually Sandy became a member of his ride-along crew, except she received the bride-to-be discount, which was exactly $1 off a week. The couple began double dating and Lloyd’s qualities won Sandy over.
Looking back, my aunt doesn’t feel that as a teenager she was wise enough to know the value of good moral character and work ethic in a mate. She credits God for His guidance in choosing Lloyd. He has always made her feel loved & she’s always trusted him. My aunt appreciates that she has had a partner for support in fortitude through life’s trials and tribulations. Throughout their relationship, this duo has witnessed wars, riots and 9/11. Together, they have experienced the heart breaks that come with the loss of parents & siblings and watching children go through tough times.
I recognize humor, persistence, respect, appreciation and joy in this story. I’m sure Lloyd and Sandy utilized these traits not only in their marriage but also while raising 3 children, which then trickled down to their 9 grandchildren. Every time I speak aloud my desire for an in-ground pool, at least two naysayers insist on telling me why I shouldn’t want what I want. Conversely, this couple tells me they have never regretted owning one and are there for me if I need advice along the way. It’s safe to say that humor, persistence, respect, appreciation and joy will be accommodating attributes when I keep a pool open for extended family and friends, as did Lloyd and Sandy. Truth be told, I even see value to instilling those characteristics in my home as a whole, like even when I put away clothes.
Beautiful ❤
We must all have ADD…LOL
I’m thankful the areas I’m deficient in attention didn’t affect my grades. I consider it a blessing that I’m no longer in school now. I think I would struggle.
Uncle Loyd & Aunt Sandy seem like 2 awesome people! Ur lucky to have had them, as role models!
Thank you for reading! Writing these “How They Met” stories has definitely helped me realize what great examples of lasting love surrounds me.