Share
Kathy, 57, and Gary, 55, grew up in Palmyra, Pa. and became close friends in their high school marching band. They lost track of each other in college and more than 30 years passed before they reconnected in 2008. They knew their time was finally right and married July 11, 2009, and now live in Charlotte. Gary tells their story.
Making friends: We both played saxophone and got to know each other when we marched next to each other in band. Kathy was just the sweetest person, it made me very happy to be around her. We spent time together and with friends but wouldn’t have been considered a couple.
Parting ways: I thought Kathy was wonderful but when college came, it wasn’t the right time for a more serious relationship. We occasionally saw each other when home from college but the last time was in 1977. Over the years I occasionally thought of Kathy, especially when I returned to Pennsylvania to visit my parents. I hoped I would run into her but trusted she was having a wonderful life.
Reconnecting: When my marriage ended, I hoped God would bring someone like Kathy into my life. In 2008 I came across Kathy’s name while visiting a social networking site for high school and college classmates. Her status said single and I just had to reach out to her. It took about a month but I finally got her address and sent a handwritten letter. She called two days later and we started trading phone calls and emails every day.
Finally time: I had been looking for an excuse to go back to Pennsylvania and see Kathy when she said she was coming to visit her daughter in a town only an hour away. It was the first time we’d seen each other in more than 30 years, but when we went to dinner we were just like old friends. We couldn’t say it then but I think we both knew it was time to be together. We married about 8 months later.
Hilary Trenda
TELL US YOUR LOVE STORY
Email htrenda@charlotteobserver.com. Type “love story” in subject field. Include full names, ages, address, daytime phone number, wedding date, photo. To read past Love Stories: charlotteobserver.com/love.
