Light-hearted Lou asked
How do you do?
To a gal, he hardly knew
He smiled with delight
Got over his fright
Mustered the courage to then pursue
Coy Caroline said
Hey! This is fine
He’s handsome and charming, too
His smile is divine
His nature so kind
His eyes are sparkling blue!
With a skip in their step
Smitten-kittens have met
From there true love ensues
Happiness is had
Both parties are glad
Oh, what began with
How do you do?!
Lou and Caroline had been acquaintances since their parents purchased homes on the same street in the mid-1950s. And over the years, they caught momentary glances of one another in the neighborhood or would wave a quick hello in the hallways of their shared elementary, junior, and senior high schools. The pair also shared mutual friends and attended many of the same functions. But, neither Lou nor Caroline had muttered a single word to one another in fear of rejection.
Lou admits to buckling at the knees at the idea of approaching Caroline. In fact, each time he thought of speaking to the girl of his dreams, he would begin to nervously laugh. He did not wish to come across foolishly, so he avoided conversations with her at all cost.
Caroline explained that she had old-fashioned ideas about the importance of a gentleman making the first move.
High school graduation came and went...Lou and Caroline went their separate ways. It seemed that any hopes for a romantic relationship was not in their cards.
Eight years passed...
Lou proudly served his country in the army for two terms. And although he was comfortable with his decision not to reenlist, he hoped to continue to serve in a new capacity. The eager young man worked as a machinist by day and volunteered by night (and weekends) at an area V.A. hospital.
What he didn’t know was that Caroline had earned her nursing degree and was employed as a lead floor nurse at the same facility.
It was in the hallway of the hospital where the volunteering veteran laid eyes on the gal he had once exchanged greetings from a distance with.
Lou was not going to allow his fear to get in his way this time. So, he mustered the courage and asked, “how do you do?”
“The rest,” Lou says, “is history!”
After many years of marriage, children, and grandchildren, Lou and Caroline still meet to exchange their fond hellos, and I love yous. These love birds are often spotted in the hallways of their home and corridors of the veterans’ hospital where they officially met.
Lou and Caroline live together, volunteer together, and to this day, experience great joy together!
Life is filled with many opportunities! But, it is up to us to muster the courage, like Lou, to pursue what we want; whether we are making a move to a new community, joining the military, earning an education, or finally speaking to that special someone.
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