Jimmy and Becky Neeley, now ages 70 and 68, live in Rockwall, Texas.
Jimmy Neeley:We had a class together.
Thats how I first noticed you.
Becky Neeley:It was 1969.
That was your senior year and my sophomore year at Longview High School.
Jimmy:I asked you out, and I was the first date you ever had.
We dated through that year.
Becky:And then after your senior year, you decided to enlist.
You were just 17.
Jimmy:I was on pins and needles waiting for letters from you.
I had already bought an engagement ring and was planning to ask you to marry me.
I was pretty sure youd say yes.
Becky:I didnt even look at the ring.
I just said, No, I cant marry you.
My mom did not want me involved with anyone in the military duringVietnam.
My dad was injured in World War II, so perhaps that was part of it.
Just make a clean break, she said.
Jimmy:You went on to college, met your husband and weremarried for 43 years.
Life just took us on different paths.
But I always wondered how you were doing.
Becky:I became a widow in 2017.
I was 62 I didnt expect to be a widow that young.
I had no idea if Id ever date again.
When I got your message, you told me that you understood, because you lost your husband.
And I was thinking, well,Itd be great to have coffee and catch up on old times.
Becky:Our cars pulled up at the very same time.
I felt like I was a teenager again, going on myfirst date.
Jimmy:I was on cloud nine, and I looked forward to talking to you again.
Id call you and wed spend hours on the phone.
It didnt take long for me to realize I was falling in love with you.
Becky:My heart was really moving toward a deeper commitment with you.
But I was still really scared.
This time you said yes.
Jimmy:So youre my valentine.
I wake up and every day I thank God he brought you back into my life.
Im just very happy.
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