My parents married in 1946 just a few months short of my mother’s 16th birthday. My father was 21. Understand that in those days in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, a 15-year-old girl marrying a 21-year-old man was not uncommon.
I recall my dad reminiscing and speaking fondly of the early days of their relationship. He admitted that when they met he was smitten. Mom often echoed the same sentiment. Dad was 20, had returned home from WWII a combat veteran and purple heart recipient. He had been given a medical discharge after being wounded in combat.
Mom told me that their families knew each other, but they had never been formally introduced. I am not sure of the exact circumstances of how they met, but Dad asked her out. Their first date was a church picnic.
My parents on their first date, circa 1945. Mom was 14, Dad was 20.
I have heard my mother speak of those early days in their relationship when there wasn’t a lot to do in Menifee County, Kentucky except cruise in dad’s car. I’ve always loved this photo. Dad looked rather like James Dean with his cigarette in his mouth and Mom’s expression was one of laughter and enjoyment. She was definitely having fun. They both look so happy and cool.
My parents, circa 1946.
Here are a few more and I can only guess the dates. Probably late 1940s or early 1950s.
This is my favorite photo of my parents taken in 2010. My father passed away in 2016, just six months short of their 70th wedding anniversary. And yes, just like when they were younger, they liked posing with a car behind them 😆.
Here is my favorite picture of my mother. She was probably 15 or 16. It’s no wonder Dad was smitten.
Here she is last December on her 90th birthday.
Still an awesome, fun, and cool lady.
Edit: We recently celebrated my dear mother’s 93rd birthday. Last fall she relocated from Ohio to Virginia and now resides in an assisted living facility just a few minutes away from me. I am blessed beyond measure to have my mama so close to me in these latter years of her life. Here we are Christmas day, 2023.