My Wedding

[Ed Toner]

At 26, I was still a batchelor, had been engaged twice. The last one was a last minute wedding cancellation. I had a feeling it wasn't going to work, so about 3 hours before the ceremony, I told her so, and left. This was my last day in the Navy, and the squadron was there along with the Chaplain. I was a no-show!

Meanwhile, I started a new career as an airline pilot. I flew a lot of trips to Dublin, and on the first layover I met a girl I really liked. She had no phone, so we wrote letters.

I flew about 5 more trips and saw her each time. Then I got bad news. I was laid off, and no more trips. The more I thought about it, the more I knew life would not be the same without Mary. So, I proposed by mail, explaining everything.

I got a YES reply by return mail, and sent her a ring, and $450 for a 1 way ticket to NY. I had NO idea of how to plan a wedding, but an angel of an Aunt of mine did it all.

The wedding went off fine, and off we went in my 1957 Rambler. She was an innocent virgin who had never been away. She arrived with the clothes on her back and 2 small suitcases. I had a job promised me in LA as a Flight Test Engineer paying $600 a month. The only cash I had was the money collected as gifts at the reception, $450.

I had a Diners Card, and an Esso Card, so we used Esso, and dined and slept at places that honored the Diners card. Mary was amazed that I paid nothing for gas, food, and lodging. I pulled her leg a bit about credit cards.

That was 47 years ago, and 6 kids later, here we are. We had the first 5 in 5 years. All is well with all of them.

I get a kick reading about all the elaborate planning that goes on today.

My advice? - JUST DO IT!

[boedicca]

This is very sweet. I am one of five kids, all born within the first seven years of my folks' marriage. There is something about big families that makes for very strong and lasting connections (if everyone doesn't kill each other first).

Congratulations on a long and happy life with Mary.

[Red]

Originally Posted by Ed Toner

and off we went in my 1957 Rambler.

see, ppl, this is the secret: own a Rambler.

[Ed Toner]

My Rambler was a station wagon, and it was a pretty nice car. Presently driving a Lexus 400, a gift from a daughter, child #3, and very gifted herself.

#3 and #6 both have genius IQ's, and are doing very well in life, as our other 4 are doing as well.

[Red]

Originally Posted by Ed Toner

My Rambler was a station wagon, and it was a pretty nice car. Presently driving a Lexus 400, a gift from a daughter, child #3, and very gifted herself.

Originally Posted by Ed Toner

#3 and #6 both have genius IQ's, and are doing very well in life, as our other 4 are doing as well.

once again ppl, mostly due to the Rambler.

owning a Rambler is the secret to life as we know it.

[The Frog]

LOL @ Red.


Cool story, Ed.

[voluptuous_red]

wow that was an awesome story ed! it made me grin from ear to ear. im such a girl!

[Ed Toner]

Thanks, voluptous one.

We rented an appartment in LA, and then the Diners Card and the ESSO card bills arrived, and I had to explain to her what it was all about.

After a couple of months, Mary thought she may be pregnant. There was an Obstratition right down the street, a Dr. Gallos. He confirmed it, we were expecting #1.

There were complications, and she had to see him frequently. He never took any money for the visits. It was just as well, as I was broke.

Then, more good news - I got a letter from BuPers, telling me I had been promoted to LT, USNR (I was a Ltjg), and I was needed back on Active Duty. I got orders to report to Pensacola for Flight Instructor duty. YAHOO! Problems solved.

I explained to Dr. Gallos the situation and asked how much I owed him. He replied "LT, I only take my fee after I have delivered a live child to you. You owe me nothing, sir. God Speed on your trip."

He was an Arab, BTW. If you see my pro-Arab stance on this Forum, this may help explain it.

I never met an Arab I didn't like.

I can't say the same about my contacts with the Israeli's.

[alleonna]

nice stoy their mr. toner. unlike mine... my wedding was planned and well prepared. With so may visitors and food of course. Afte a year, i have my first baby born.

The moral of the story: When you get married, you increase the population of the world! LOL Go and multiply they say!

[buggy]

Cool story. Better than, my wedding cost $25,000.00 and my dress was $12,000.00 and now four years later... we're divorced.

[Bear Stories]

A 12 thousand dollar wedding dress? Were you smoking crack? Do you know how many pairs of shoes you could buy for 12 grand? Frankly, I'd rather have the shoes and no husband.

[No_Brakes]

It doesn't sound to me like that was literally buggy's story.

[Bear Stories]

Oh you shut up! I'm still fantasizing about how many pairs of shoes I could buy for 12 thousand dollars.

[buggy]

LOL. Yeah, my wedding dress was $70

[No_Brakes]

Hey, I wasn't stopping you, BS - dream on!

Though if I were handed 12 grand for a fashion shopping spree. I'd likely be picking up a whole new wardrobe, even though I really wouldn't need anything but my own hot natural glory to show off an expensive pair of shoes!!!

[kbruson]

What a nice story...! Thanks for sharing!

[jojo]

Originally Posted by Red

see, ppl, this is the secret: own a Rambler.

[Java_man]

Great story Ed !

My parents had a rambler too ... and they stayed together since 1948

[Miss Misery]

ed,

i read this thread back when you posted it and i couldnt think of anything remotely good to say, since your story was so beautiful it really left me at a loss for words. i figured i couldnt come up with anything that could match the sheer warmth i felt in my heart when i read this. i still cant, but i figured i'd better reply with something.

if i can be half as happy as you seem with your love, i'd be set.