Patricia, 56 and Edward, 61, both grew up in the same small town of Rochester, Pa just outside Pittsburgh. Patricia had a crush on Edward at an early age, but her memory of him faded after he joined the Army and moved to California. They met again years later and were married May 31, 1980. They live in Mint Hill. Patricia tells their story.
Young love: Edward went to school with my older brother. He was good looking with sparkly eyes, everyone at school liked him. I developed a crush on Edward when I was 10 and would purposely stand in our front yard on Sunday mornings. There was a stop sign in front of our house and I would wait to get a wave from him and his family on their way to church.
Growing up: I was 13 when Edward graduated and left for college. Years passed and I forgot about that cute guy down the street until after I had graduated from high school in 1974. One day there he was, in a car at that same stop sign. He was home to visit his family and I called him that evening. We went out the very same night.
First date: We only had $2 between us so we drove to a point overlooking Pittsburgh. Edward impressed me with his knowledge of the city’s history and the architecture Pittsburgh is famous for. Unfortunately, I was so excited when he kissed me the first time that I laughed out loud. He’s never forgotten that.
Traveling adventures: Edward proposed to me two years later at that exact spot. I finished college before we got married in 1980. It seems like only a few years ago, but our 32-year adventure has included living in California, Washington D.C., Las Vegas and now Charlotte. Our next adventure has yet to be determined. Hilary Trenda
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