Barbara and Rich

Their story began in high school when Barbara befriended Rich's older sister.  At first, Rich was a pesky nuisance.  But as high school progressed, they found themselves spending more time together and their love began to bloom.  Graduations came, and they chose separate paths to achieve their career goals.  While Barbara headed to Richmond for nursing school, Rich headed to Blacksburg to attend engineering school at Virginia Tech.  Although the distance separated them, their love continued to grow through letters, phone calls and visits.  Rich realized that no matter how far apart they were, he knew that Barbara was the woman with whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life.  So on a visit together, following a quiet and romantic dinner, Rich proposed, and Barbara accepted!  After a year of planning, they celebrated their nuptials surrounded by family and friends on December 20th.

 

They honeymooned in Niagara Falls (although upon reflection they have no idea what they were thinking visiting Canada in December), and returned to Blacksburg to make their first home.  As the years passed, homes were moved, children were born, vacations were taken, and life was lived.  Years came and years passed, and their love grew and bound them over that time.  And now they are preparing to reflect on 50 years of marriage.

 

So as they did all those years before, amongst the sights and sounds of the holiday season, family and friends will join them to celebrate five decades of love.  On December 20th, the people who have witnessed their love throughout the years will recognize this hallmark in their lives.  Another milestone met, but their love story continues to be written…