HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY 2008!!
We asked our readers to share stories about how they met the love of their life. Their answers warm the heart.

My husband and I met almost 30 years ago, when I was only 14 and he only 20. I was celebrating my friends' 16th birthday at Catalina Island. It was very exotic for teenagers! Well, we went to an ice cream stand (which is now a Bank of America), and, while we stood in line, a guy who just got his ice cream, turned around and bumped into me. He just stopped and stared at me! Our eyes totally connected! There he was, ice cream dripping all down his hand. From there, he and his friends followed me and my friend around the entire island all day. At the end of the day, he got up the nerve to talk to me. Even though I was painfully shy and he was extremely outgoing, we connected. I gave him my phone number and the rest is sweet history.

- Tom and Cherie Doherty

We had friends in common in high school, but when Dan graduated the year before me it was the last I heard of him . . . until Valentine's Day six years later.

Bored and unattached, I'd gotten a bag of Hershey Kisses and put them in the desk drawer at the radio station where I worked as a receptionist. I then put a sign on my desk, "Get your Valentine's Day Kisses Here!" A moment later Dan walked in,recognized me and leaned across the desk, eyes closed, to receive the promised kiss. I stumbled to open the candy and quickly shoved it in his mouth. For a week I lamented, "I could have kissed Dan Miler, but I blew it!"- then he caled for a date. We were married six months later- and it's lasted for 33 years! My favorite piece of jewelry is a silver Hershey's kiss necklace given to me by Dan one Valentine's Day many years after we married. It was the kiss that changed my life forever!

- Shirley Miler

After four years as a single mother and putting myself through college, I moved to Westlake Village where I had found a new job. After a few months at work, the elevator doors opened and there he stood: strawberry blond hair and blue eyes. My heart skipped a beat. I quizzed several of my co-workers trying to find out who he was, but no one seemed to know who he was.

After a few weeks I walked into the employee lunch room and there he was! I didn't have the nerve to approach him so I sat across the room and watched as he puled his lunch from the brown paper bag. I thought, "Hmmm, he is either married or very young and his wife or mom made his lunch for him!" but I was determined to find out! The next day I went into the lunch room, and there he was. I got up the nerve to sit down next to him, and after a one-hour conversation I discovered that he was a single father! I also found out that we had both recently gotten into Country Western Line Dancing. Our first date was on the dance floor of Denim and Diamonds where we fell in love.

Fifteen years later (12 years of marriage), I am blessed to be married to my best friend and the love of my life!

- Gail Irwin

He didn't really steal my heart; it was more like a slow steady gathering, until one day it became inevitable that we would make this wonderful life together. Back in graduate school in 1986, he waited patiently as I broke up with the last in a long string of "wrong guys". Then slowly, he plied me with bagels and cream cheese between classes, small conversations and finally our first date on Halloween. He was a dressed as a bum, I was Cleopatra. This pretty much illustrates the vast differences between us. Although his is no bum, he is steady, sure and conservative. He is also the best kisser on the planet! I am unpredictable, constantly pushing boundaries and probably making his life crazy. By New Year's, he was sure it was meant to be. It took me another year or so to realize how much I needed him. Despite our differences, or maybe because of them, we are as happy as the happiest couples we know and looking forward to many more valentines to come. Happy Valentines Day to Bil Moss, the one and only for me.

- Carol Moss

There I was eating lunch in the Purdue cafeteria with my girlfriends.

I turned around and there was a tall, handsome man going through the line. He turned and smiled at me, and I saw and felt electricity in the air between us from his eyes.

I said to my friends, "I'm going to marry that man." They all laughed, saying, "You say that about every handsome man on the campus."

I turned back to see him again, and he was gone.

I didn't even know his name, and, for six months, I kept looking for him among 14,000 students.

I knew Id see him again and I did. I flunked an English exam, and the professor said, "I know you can do better so I'll let you take the exam over in my office this afternoon while I'm gone." I was taking the exam, and looked up and there he was in the doorway. He said to me, "I've come to pick up my old themes." My heart was beating so fast I could hardly talk. Then, in walked Professor Feeney, and he saw us talking. He said, "Are you cheating?" I said, "No." Then, he introduced us to each other, and Dick said, "When you're through, I'll meet you in the 'Sweet Shop.'" That was our first date.

We went together for over two years, and I graduated at 3 p.m. on June 1, 1952, and we got married at 8 p.m. that very day, so my Dad could be there for both ceremonies. What a beautiful, wonderful day, and we've been married 55 years. Professor Feeney was at our wedding.

- Kristal Watters

I met my husband, Jonathon, while we were both living in Chicago. Our first date was lunch, our second date was a concert and our third date was the clincher. (It isn't what you are thinking.) Jonathon prepared a romantic picnic lunch by Lake Michigan. He thought of everything from basket, music and great food. After the picnic we sat on the rocks and watched the boats come into the harbor with a fabulous sunset. I went to get up, my foot caught on a rock and I fell right into the water. Al I could say was, "Grace was extra." He could have laughed hysterically at my mortified state, but he just helped me out of the water. It was love at first sink! We will be celebrating 15 years of marriage this July. Over the years I haven't acquired any extra grace, but he still picks me up!

- Jana Day

I was working for a company in Tucson, Ariz. Judy was a new employee with our company. I was at a meeting when she walked into the room in a very simple long white dress. My first reaction was "WOW". She was the most beautiful woman I had ever met. It took some time for our relationship to develop because of complications in our lives but as our love grew, it became very clear that Judy was not just a beautiful woman. She was and is a beautiful person who cares deeply for others. Judy treats my children and grandchildren as if they are hers and everyone of them adores her almost as much as I do. It has been more than 12 years since we met and I love her more today that I ever have. And every time I look at her, my reaction is still the same. WOW! I love you, Judy, and happy Valentine's Day.

- Bob Filliault

When I first saw Greg, I was a senior at Thousand Oaks High. It was 1977 and I thought he was really tall and really cute. Back in the seventies side burns were in style and Greg's were gorgeous.

Greg first noticed me at Senior Ditch Day. He didn't have the nerve to ask me out directly. He had his friend ask me if I had a date for Grad Night. I couldn't believe Greg wanted to take me to out. I already had a date with my best friend's brother. So, to let him know I was interested I visited him at work said "Hi." Well it worked; he called a few days later. We spent the summer between high school and college dating.

In September, I left for college. Out romance died and we lost track of each other.

Fast forward to 1987; I'm heading for a divorce. Greg and I meet again at our high school reunion. I have a child now and I'm much more appreciative of a good man and I'm also a lot smarter this time. I didn't let him get away; we have been happily married for 17 years and have three beautiful daughters.

- Edie Johnson

From the first to our last dates, he would ask, "What would you say if I asked you to marry me?" My reply was always, "I don't know." I had decided to make him pop THE question directly three times before answering. Finally, one night, "Would you . . ." "Yes."

- Adele Jacobs

When Ruthie and I were in high school, we used to sit in orchestra class at opposite ends of the music room. I was the trumpeter- and class clown; she was the shy beauty, who dreamed of becoming a classical violinist. I finally asked her out on April fool's Day, 1964. Since then she's called me her "April Fool." Years later I would joke about how lucky she was to be asked out by me- actually, the opposite is the truth. After 38 anniversaries, she's still the most beautiful lady I've ever seen.

Ruthie's father loved classical music. On that first date, he said to me, "Where ya goin'?" I said, "We're going to a jazz concert." He said, "Well, guess you gotta feel the thorns to appreciate the rose!" We went anyway.

Today, we have two sons and six grandkids. There's been lots of joys and lots of challenges. But we are heading into forever, certain of our lasting love. We've learned to keep our relationship precious. To love each other above all else that we cherish.

Ruthie calls me her "April Fool." That works just fine for me.

- Alan Kay

For several years I wanted to travel and work overseas. When the time was right, I applied to teach English in various places and accepted the first offer to come my way from Jakarta, Indonesia.

Despite everyone's protests that I not go to Indonesia, I went . . .knowing that I was bound to find something truly magical and special. My very first night there, I was invited to dinner by my new colleagues. Jet-lagged and half-asleep, my pulse raced the second I saw Lee standing in my living room amidst the other teachers. He had been teaching English there for almost nine months already and was originally from Canada. I didn't tel anyone about my "love at first sight" feeling, allowing our friendship to build over long hours of teaching, whitewater rafting trips and island-hopping throughout the Indonesian archipelago. Finally a couple months later I came right out and told him! Last September we got married - almost exactly three years after the day we met!

We frequently marvel how it is that in the most-populated city in a third-world county we ended up teaching at the same school. There's no acceptable explanation other than it was just destiny!

- Georgina Corkett Chris, Who knew that my wink would turn out to be so special!! Thank you for being so kind to my son and myself! Happy First Valentines day together!!

- Michelle Fleming

It was the summer after I graduated from high school. I was 17 and going on my first "road trip" to Santa Barbara for the weekend. My parents were concerned about the long drive since I had been driving less than a year. I was making my way up Topanga Canyon Boulevard toward the 101 when the car in front of me suddenly stopped. I was able to stop but guy behind me wasn't. He ended up crashing in to me. We were both fine, but his prized 240Z was too damaged to drive. We ended up talking for 45 minutes. He was so cute and friendly (and five years older than me!). It was definitely love at first sight. He asked me if I would like to go out sometime. "Sure!" I finally arrived in Santa Barbara, smiling, and called my dad. I told him about the accident and reassured him that the guy was really nice and I was fine, and said he'd asked me out. My dad said he'd have to pay for the damage to my car first. He did, and three years later we were married. We'll be celebrating our 19th wedding anniversary in June.

- Sheryl Hamlin

Four years of service in the USN on three different ships, and finally, a discharge and begin a new life . . . buy a tractor-trailer and carry explosives in 43 states! A problem in December 1952 when nearing Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as we hit a 29,000-pound load of hogs . . . head-on. No one hurt and the dynamite didn't explode, but the next three months of "unemployment" and getting the tractor-trailer repaired, were hard for a single 21-year-old. Then came a "blind-date" with a local girl followed by movies, exciting events like wrestling matches and dancing at the Armore Ballroom to the music of Vaughn Monroe. . . . The time before getting "back on the road" passed quickly. Numerous train trips to Iowa while getting more loads of explosives in the Chicago area, and finally, moving that young lady back to Pennsylvania where she could live with my parents (and less commuting for me), we were married almost a year after meeting 54 years ago.

Only one problem remains. Lloyds of London didn't pay for that accident and I'm still paying . . . in Waterford, Hummel's and Diamonds

It's been great!

- Claude Mullen

We met when I was at a friend's house and a boy would not leave me alone. I tried to get away from him, walked around a corner and bumped into Steve. He said to him, "Didn't you hear her? She said to leave her alone." I looked up into his hazel eyes, and that was it for me. We dated by having parents drop us off at Topanga Plaza where Steve played hockey or to a movie, and the other parent picked us up. We did not go to the same school, so were not able to go to each others dances. Thirty-plus years later we reconnected, and we each had been married a number of times with two children each and all have different parents and are widespread in age. I tracked his parents down and sent them a letter letting them know that I had never had closure and always wondered about all the "what ifs." The story has had many challenges, but to date we have been reconnected for going on eight years (longer than any other for either of us) and married for four. We are the epitome of soulmates, lovers as well as best friends.

Forever Smitten,

- Linda Erck

My husband and I met in the San Jose Airport. It was (as always) a packed Friday night with people coming and going out of the Bay Area. His flight to Burbank and mine to San Diego were both two hours delayed. As we sat and talked while we waited for our flights we fell in love. It was truly love at first sight. A few dates later we got engaged. We've been married for six years and have three beautiful children. And we never complain about delayed flights!

- Morgan and Cristi Harris

During the summer before my senior year in high school, I was riding my motorcycle en route to do some yardwork for an elderly woman. A car puled out in front of me, and I found myself sliding down the street. No broken bones, but I lost an amount of skin. I was too hurt to work, so after my mom bandaged me up from head to toe, I rode my smashed-up motorcycle to the beach where my friends were enjoying the summer. There were a few new faces at the location, and this girl walked up and asked, "What happened to you?"

We enjoyed the rest of the summer and the next year of school. Six years later we were married, and that was almost 39 years ago. I've always joked with her about the day she walked up to me at the beach. I tel her I almost got killed on that day and I met her!!!

If I had it to do all over again, would I? Well, I would ride a bit slower, but just fast enough to ensure I made it down to the beach that fateful day. Sandy has been my Valentine ever since.

- Roger Jackson

We were both with the Horace Heidt Show- I was the drummer; she was the lead dancer. Yuma, Ariz., was the place, Dec. 27, 1952. Our eyes met across the room during the show's first meeting (60 people) before embarking on a six-month east/west tour. We fell madly in love that day- she was 17½ and I was 21. We finished the tour and in August 1953 went to Korea and Tokyo for 30 days to entertain the troops. Then, on our two-month summer tour ending up at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas for a three-week engagement, we married at the Little Church of the West Oct. 24, 1953. We were together for 47 years until her passing Jan. 15, 2000- a real love story (our two grown children would attest).

- Bill Dolney

I first met my valentine, Yael Raz, when she was 15 years old and I was 16 years old walking home from Chatsworth High School. That was 21 years ago, and since that day she has been my best friend, my lover and a wonderful mother to my two boys Dean and Chad (11 and 6). She has become more beautiful each day, and I am so thankful that she is part of my life. I love you, sweetheart; thanks for putting up with my crazy self.

- Gary McMillan

The first time I met my wife, Debbie, was a very special day for me (Dec. 15, 2001). I actually met her on a blind date and traveled 1,100 miles from Seattle, Wash., to Thousand Oaks to go out on our first date. We were set up by my sister-in-law and Debbie's sister, who thought we had a lot in common. Debbie wrote me a letter and introduced herself to me, and we set a date for me to come down to meet her. When I saw her for the first time I said to myself, "This is the girl who I want to spend the rest of my life with." We went to the Getty Center on our first date, and we really had a good time. After that I invited her to spend Christmas with my family in Seattle. For the next six months we had a long-distance relationship, talking on the phone every night and traveling back and forth every few weeks to visit each other. I asked her to marry me, and I moved to Thousand Oaks. We've been married for five years and have a beautiful 2-year-old daughter.

- Jerry Wauchope

If it weren't for Elton John, we would never have met.

I was a music-loving, piano-playing, singing 12-year-old girl, and he was a music-loving, piano- and synthesizer-playing 13-year-old boy. We were in junior high school together. My sister and his sister were friends, and, as fate would have it, there was an extra ticket to an Elton John concert at the Fabulous Forum on Oct. 24, 1974. They asked me if I wanted to go . . . there it began. We were thrown in the back of an old station wagon and off we went to the concert. We became instant friends but didn't have our first date until almost three years later. For our first date we went to Carl's Jr. for dinner and went Ice Skating at Topanga Plaza. (We were 15 and 16 after all.) That was it, and the rest is history. We starting dating from that moment on, bought a house at 18, played in a band for 15 years together and ended up starting a company called Line 6, which manufactures Digital Guitar Amps and Guitar and recording products. We have two amazing boys, ages 15 and 12, and we are still living the "Happily Ever After."

- Susan Wolf and Marcus Ryle

I was a court reporter taking an all-day deposition with 10 lawyers at one long table. At the end of a long, tiring day, a lawyer spoke up from the back of the room. "I object! Overly broad, overly vague and overly everything else I can throw in!" Everyone in the room burst into laughter, including me. I looked up from my stenograph to see which lawyer had dared to break the boredom with such a wicked sense of humor. It was a good-looking guy who suddenly was looking at me. We smiled at each other. When the depo was over, I took my time packing up my machine, and he took his time packing up his briefcase. When we were the last two people in the room, he asked me out for a drink. I had made a promise to myself that I would never date another lawyer, but something told me that this guy was different, so I said yes. The chemistry was immediate, and we sat and talked for hours. We became engaged three months later and have been married for almost 28 years. We have a daughter and son and are still going strong.

- Marla Schram Schwartz

Blind dates can work! Honest to goodness true. . . . I never went on a blind date through high school or college. Never had a problem meeting the ladies. In law school, one of my classmates insisted I meet a friend of hers. She was sure we would like each other and pushed me to go on a "blind date" with this young lady. The ONE blind date I did finally go on was my last "new" date. She just happened to be the one! (Even though she didn't know it. . . . I certainly did). Dated no one else from that moment on. We've been together from that date. Almost 30 years now.

- Steven Elliot

1978, my roommate and I were both students at A.S.U. in Arizona. On Easter Sunday we were driving home from a sunrise service. We saw a flower vendor on the corner and decided to stop and buy a bouquet. As we drove up the drive, the car got a flat tire. We were driving a Datsun, and the directions for using the jack were in Japanese! Being in dresses, and not knowing Japanese, we stood there looking like helpless females. After about 10 minutes a white pickup truck drove up and out hopped a guy with curly brown hair, sweet brown eyes, a mustache and a gold chain around his neck. He looked at us, then the flat tire, and uttered the words, "Mind if I watch?" He immediately went to work and changed the tire. I found myself staring at him, and this voice inside me was speaking to me: "I need to get to know him, don't lose him."

I had my epiphany and will be celebrating 27 years of marriage with my soul mate.

- Pam Richarson

This is for my loving husband, Roger, who I met 21 years ago at a Zuma beach party at night. He drove up in a red Datsun Z just as my friend Jamie and I were leaving. I wanted fried ice cream at a nearby restaurant, but she wouldn't let me leave until I met him (Thank you, Jamie J). After talking a while, he and I seemed to have lots in common as well as chemistry. We shared a hug goodbye that felt magical- I didn't want to let him go. He even loaned me his scarf because it was a chilly night.

The very next day he walked into my work, I looked up and instantly we both felt the connection again. We'd talk on the phone for hours every night. After dating for several years we got married and now have two beautiful children. We still feel that special connection that we experienced the first night we met. I dedicate this to my Valentine/soul mate.

- Sari Gronwald

I was president of a young adult Church group that was conducting a Sports Night when I saw this young woman enter the gymnasium. From a distance she reminded me of someone I met months earlier and was attracted to, but as we were being introduced I realized it wasn't that person. Her name was Judy, and this was her first day in California, arriving earlier that morning from Duluth, Minn. And yes, I was immediately attracted to her!

My being the person coordinating the Sports Night, which included table tennis competition, I took the liberty to enter Judy as "my partner" for doubles competition. She displayed her athletic skills in table tennis, which we won, and also in volleyball and other sports, which truly impressed me, being very athletic myself.

About 12 months later, after a special night out that included dinner and a Nate King Cole concert at the Greek Theater, I asked her to marry me, and five months later we were married in Van Nuys, Calif. So for the past 45 plus years Judy has been "more than my table tennis partner" . . . she's been my friend, wife and a great mother to our son and daughter.

- George Lange

I was born in Montreal, Canada, and my wife was born in Clydebank, Scotland; our families both moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., where we met. I was introduced to her by her boyfriend at the time, Bobby, in a corner candy store in Brooklyn when we were 14 years old. I was crazy about her immediately; Bobby made a big mistake.

We started to go "steady" in 1962, were engaged in 1966 and were married in 1968. We moved to California in 1974 and to T.O. in 1980.

We have two wonderful children and two very special grandsons.

- Roy A. Ratcliffe

We met at work- yes, another one.

Before I met her, I'd heard all the stories. She was a registered nurse and Vietnam vet. She was a registered geologist and put time in on the north slope of Alaska with the oil industry. She liked fast cars and drove as well as any man. She was beautiful.

With that background, I was expecting a middle-aged woman with the years of experience etched on her face. I was surprised when I was finally introduced to someone in her early thirties. While I had difficulty getting past the incredible face, we eventually got on to the normal chatter about where you grew up, where you went to school, were you married . . .

I knew I met my mate when she answered the "so, got any kids?" question with "No; well, none that I know of . . ." Wow! Al that and my sick sense of humor. I was smitten.

- Mark Pumford

We first met in a UCLA social dancing class. (We are Alumni!) Charlene was an art education major, and physical education was required three times a week. With a large campus, transporting art supplies to classes and having to make outfit changes in physical education was too demanding. So she took a social dance class. Now, Shelden was a chemistry major, which in those days did not have girls in such classes. So to find some girls he audited the social dance class. (Audit meant "no credit.") Most of the class had a female majority- BORING! So one day, Charlene spotted Shelden and grabbed him for a dance. We danced together for two semesters, and Charlene got an "A"! He graduated and served in the Navy, and I graduated and taught art in Los Angeles. We married in June 1958, have two grown children and three grandchildren. Through the years we have done ballroom, square and line dancing. Our 50 year life together has been and continues to be a "wonderful dance."

- Shelden and Charlene Sundgren

I met Marie at a bereavement group meeting at the Goebel Senior Center 16 months after losing my wife of 31 years. Her husband had passed only eight days before my wife. She was seated next to me that day and as we were preparing to leave she asked if I was a Mason. After assuring her I was, she said her late husband was also and asked for materials relating to the fraternity, as she wanted them for her son-in-law. I said I would bring them the next week and suggested we meet for lunch in order to review them. We did and started further conversations. Later I asked her on our first date. Dinner, movies, long walks and dances are now a regular part of our lives. Our families and friends have accepted us as a couple. Marriage in the future? Perhaps! Right now we are simply enjoying life and our time together. We have no problem bringing our late partners into conversations, and that is all part of the healing process. It is almost three years that we have been together, and for both of us life now has more meaning.

- Alton C. Emerson

While I was visiting another state with a friend, we went to a local church event for young adults. Prior to the beginning of the event, I saw Sheryl Simpson at the back of the room, talking to two other young ladies. We, my friend and I, both were there to check out all the young ladies, but as she passed a few minutes later, I tapped my friend on the shoulder and said, "See that young lass; I'm going to marry her one day." I knew by her countenance that she was bright, intelligent and classy. She was the main speaker at the event, and for 30 minutes, while she spoke, all I could do was break out in a cold sweat. Three weeks later I worked up the courage to get her number to cal her blindly and asks her out. I was 26; she was 25. We were married 18 months later. We have been married 20 years and have four outstanding children. The single greatest thing that has happened in my life was meeting my wife, Sheryl. There is no one I know with her compassion, pragmatism, service to others, and love and loyalty to me and our children.

- Dale M. Hendrickson

Fate brought us together. It was a Saturday night in September of 1984 at the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner. We were both there (actually at the same table) without the slightest idea of what was going to happen. Near the end of the meeting, Marge was named Conejo Valley Woman of the Year,and I was named Conejo Valley Man of the Year. The shock of receiving the recognition overwhelmed any other feelings we might have had. Eventually the romantic feelings surfaced when we realized what had happened. We recently celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary.

- Fred and Marge Wilson

I was watching him from afar, hoping to catch a glimpse of him (same neighborhood in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn) from my window in a fourth floor apartment I lived in with my mom and younger sister. I was 17. He was watching me from afar. One day, my sister went outside to play, and this handsome special guy, Jim, found one of my very favorite things was a great sandwich I always got from the neighborhood deli and sent my sister running with one for me. I was totally thrilled (he looked like Elvis). He disappeared into the neighborhood, so I couldn't thank him (don't know if I would even have had the nerve to). One day I was walking my dog, and he came over me and got up the nerve to talk to me and asked me if I wanted to go over for a soda. I said okay, and we've been together ever since- 52 years, 48 of them married. Raised a family of four children, and I had found an extra wonderful husband and father. It was the luckiest day of my life. We were meant to be together from the beginning. I knew he was my special guy from the first time I laid eyes on him, and he told me later that I was meant to be with him forever.

- Diane Reich

When I was in the army in the mid-'50s, I was stationed with the 5th Cavalry Regiment in Sendai, Japan. As springtime approached in 1956, I asked a young Japanese lady who worked on our post about viewing the cherry trees which were beginning to blossom in the area. Well, we made a date to go to a nearby town to see them. This we did and also had a few other get-togethers before I was to return to the U.S. for separation. Before I left I said to her, "If I ask you to come to the United States, would you?" She said, "Oh sure!" Well, I returned home for separation and to graduate school. We corresponded and became engaged. As the semester in school was winding down, one of the fellows in my classes asked me what I was going to do between semesters. I am sure my answer, "I'm going to Japan to get married," startled him. That was 51 years ago!

- Ed Schlossman,

My love story begins in 1952 in Nurnberg, Germany. I was 17 years old and worked for the Grundig Company. Every day I would take the streetcar home from work. One day, there were no seats, and a young American Air Force man gave me his seat. Every day after that he continued to give his seat to me. Finally one day, he asked my name and asked me to go to the movies with him. I fell in love with his blue Paul Newman eyes, how handsome he looked in his uniform, his kindness and especially the fact that he was a strong Christian. We dated in Germany for a few months, but then he had to go back to Cincinnati, Ohio, in June of 1953. We corresponded by letters, and he invited me to visit him in Ohio. I left my mom, dad and sister and my hometown in Germany in July 1954. We were married three weeks later on Aug. 21, 1954, and after five children and 11 grandchildren are still together. We will celebrate 54 years in August. I left everything for the dream of love and happiness and definitely got it with my blue-eyed, Air Force man!

- Berta Lemon

A balmy evening in early September 1990 at the CSUN campus. I'd just set my notebook on the desk when another student approached me, smile lighting his face.

"Hi! So, what are you doing here?"

I explained that, in order to complete my baccalaureate degree in mathematics, I needed a Real Analysis course which was not offered that semester. To compensate, my adviser had me enroll in this class, a graduate course in Topology.

"Hmm. Well, I'm here to study mathematics and to meet beautiful women."

Casually, I replied something suitable, which I cannot recall. I distinctly remember blushing shyly as the following thoughts raced through my mind: 1. Did he just say what I thought he said? 2. He's just saying that to flirt. 3. What else should I say? 4. I can't believe he said that. To me.

Our ensuing courtship flourished as only college students do it best: on the cheap. Inexpensive Chinese take-out, Monty Python humor, Vin Scully on the radio at Dodger Stadium. Long walks through the neighborhoods around campus, during which we conversed and really got to know each other.

This month marks our 15th wedding anniversary. Q.E.D.

Wendy Joffe

I come from a small town in Nebraska, so when the Navy stationed me in San Diego I didn't know anyone off the base. After many months, a buddy named Ron asked me to start going home with him to Los Angeles on our off weekends. One Sunday, we went to church with his family, and although Ron and I sat in the back row, I could see a little brunette up in the first row of the choir. I asked Ron if he knew her, and he introduced me to her right after the service. I was dazzled, to put it mildly. Three days later I wrote to one of my aunts back home that I had met the girl I was going to marry. The Navy allowed two weekends a month off base, so Ron and I would get a ride with another buddy or we'd have to hitchhike to Los Angeles, but we got there. Gloria and I were married the following year in that very same church, and on May 2, 2008, we will be married for 55 years.

Bud Wilson

Our story is one of true destiny, in the works for four years. It's 2003; a sports bar in the Atlanta Airport; my layover from Kentucky back home to California; Sean's layover on his way home to Little Rock, Ark. We couldn't keep our eyes off each other. Finally, on the way to his gate, he said "I just couldn't leave without saying hi." We talked, laughed and exchanged e-mail addresses, thinking nothing would come of it until I had an e-mail the next morning. We became best friends, but across the country in an impossible situation; me falling harder for him with every conversation, and he always wondering if I was "the one." Then fate stepped in . . . twice! My brother's job moved him to Little Rock, so now I was visiting, able to see Sean. But still, I had my career here until I was downsized, and my new job allowed me to work from home. I went to my brother's and worked from there. Sean and I fell in love and saw all our dreams come true.

Jennifer Beach

Jack and I met when I was a bank teller in Westlake Village. He was a mechanic at The Tune Up Factory. He would come into the bank every week to cash his paychecks. We also found out we had a mutual friend. She was killed in a car accident back in the summer of 1991. After her funeral I kept thinking about Jack and knew he must have been having such a hard time dealing with his loss. The day after the funeral I called him at work to check to see how he was doing. He was so surprised that I cared so much about him. He came over that evening and we talked and cried and just had an amazing connection. He took me to Santa Barbara the next day, and we've been together ever since. We were married on Sept. 13, 1992. We have a beautiful 10-year-old daughter named Miranda.

Jack is the most wonderful husband. After losing his friend we went through other heartaches. His mom passed away six months after our wedding. His dad suffered a massive stroke. We both lost our dads two years ago. Had we not found each other we couldn't have helped each other through so many sad times. Our daughter has special needs and everything we have gone through with her has been us working together as a couple. Although we have had sad times we have had so many fun times too. We make each other laugh all the time. I feel extremely blessed to have Jack in my life. He is caring and patient, warm and loving.

I dated many jerks along the way to finding Jack. I just want him to know how much he is loved and truly appreciated for being the wonderful person that he is.

Melissa Berenstein

In 1974 I was living in Lake Tahoe, Calif. with my boyfriend Bill. Craig came to visit him for a few days over the Christmas holiday to do some skiing. One night after cooking dinner for Bill and four other guys, Craig came in to the kitchen and assisted me with the cleanup. I thought Craig was so good looking, with dark wavy hair, a wonderful smile and a great sense of humor, and he did dishes.

A few months later Bill and I split up. On one of my trips to Southern California to visit my parents I got in touch with Craig. We kept in touch often; he came to visit me in Tahoe, and I would see him when I was in Southern California.

In 1979 I moved back to Southern California to assist my mother after my father had passed away. Once again Craig and I found each other; we would go to dinner, parties and the movies as friends.

For years we would keep in touch on and off. We would get together have lunch, go to a movie, catch up on each other's lives and be friends. In 2001 , he decided to ask me out on a real date. I was a little skeptical so I took it really slow. In January 2002 I decided to let go and just enjoy.

Craig and I have had our share of challenges and have made it through with love in our hearts. After 30 years of friendship, on Sept. 9, 2006, I married my best friend. We are both grateful for the love we have found within each of us.

We live happily ever after.

Francesca Puccio-Crowell

I can clearly remember the moment I fell in love with my husband 18 years ago. He played a few songs for me that he had written, and instantly I knew I was in trouble. Unfortunately all the songs had been written about other girls. Soon after that I was the only girl he was writing songs about.

Happy anniversary, DB! I love you.

Holly Butler

I was walking to the elevator at college, the elevator door opened, and Dennis was inside. I asked my date to introduce us. He was a bit reluctant but did so. Dennis was his best friend. Ed got off the elevator; we stayed on, and the rest is history. We have been married for 40 years! Talk about love at first sight. Dennis and I were in the same accounting class, but I didn't know him. He sat next to the most beautiful girl in school. I always wondered why such a skinny guy would get such a lovely girl. Personality! After that elevator meeting we never separated- together forever!

Sharon Hanson

It was September l963, and I went to a dance the night before I was starting law school in Berkeley.

Looking around, my eyes were immediately drawn to a girl on the other side of the room; she was stunning, the best-looking girl I'd ever seen. Face, figure, the way she was dressed and groomed all made me ask her to dance. Ellen and I hit it off immediately; rapport, mutual attraction, al seemed to be there. As we talked I had the strong feeling she was an exceptionally warm, loving, affectionate woman. Moreover, she laughed at all my jokes, no easy quality to find. Within two hours I concluded we would wind up married. I proposed four days after our first date. We were married four months later.

After 44 years with an A-plus wife, I still vividly remember the moment when I first saw her and large parts of the conversation at the dance word for word. And I wonder why I even waited four days to propose.

Pete Kossoris

I saw her from across the room. My stomach sank and my heart pounded, but only briefly as my body's defense mechanisms were well-trained in the art of avoiding feelings of vulnerability. "I'm in trouble" was the first thought that materialized in my pounding brain. I couldn't swallow. It felt like someone poured a bag of sand down my throat.

I completely avoided her the rest of the night with the hopes that fate would bring us together: next to the bowl of chips, our hands would touch inadvertantly, we'd look up into each other's eyes, and I'd say something perfect, something captivating. But that never happened. I didn't see her again that night!

Ten months later, I saw her sitting with friends at another party. Immediately, and with purpose, I went up to her group, smiled and began talking to her friends. She was the one I wanted to talk to, but I sure didn't want her to know that. Eventually, I turned to her and teased her about not saying hi to me. It took her off guard, but in a good way. We playfully bantered the entire night. I got her number. The rest is history.

Corey Kling

Love at first sight? I never subscribed to this notion until I actually experienced it.

I first saw my future wife in a graduate school classroom at a prominent midwestern university more than 38 years ago. When I first heard her distinct accent, observed her interacting with others, saw her smile and noticed the way she carried herself, it was as if I was being drawn by a magnet. She was a Michiganian, I was a Californian. She had no idea who I was and it's safe to say I wasn't on her radar at all!

After several dates over many months, I purchased an engagement ring, buried it in the campus botanical gardens, escorted her on a walk through the gardens and unearthed the box in which the ring was placed. Despite her wariness and her response- "I don't know"- when I proposed, we were eventually married by our Methodist campus minister in a blinding snowstorm in early January.

Ritch K. Eich

Following a divorce in midlife I lost interest in finding that lifetime partner during the six years that followed. Then on one evening following a long day at the office, I was invited to share in the after-work socializing at a local restaurant. While there I was introduced to a waitress by a friend. The alarm immediately sounded, and I later asked her out to dinner. The relationship of three months which followed concluded in matrimony uniting two families into a single entity. Over the following 29 years we moved into our autumn years, and one begins to realize we change physically but the attraction of one for the other continues to grow. We learn in time that beauty is not just cosmetic but something that lies deep within oneself. The initial attraction may be in question but the relationship will continue on into the hereafter. The axiom "Don't judge a book by its cover" holds true; it's the content that holds our ever after interest.

Richard W Green

I had been computer dating for a while and was about to give up, until I received the most sincere e-mail. From our very first date, to the dozen roses delivered the next day, I knew I wanted this man in my life forever. Since we've been married, nearly four years, we wil have purchased three homes, sold one, had two amazing boys and are even more in love today than the day we got married.

Tammi Mintz

I have to admit that I met my future husband on a blind date. We each knew one half of a couple comprised of a veterinarian and an optometrist. Al four of us met at Ottavio's restaurant. When my friend and I walked into the lobby, I saw a tall, handsome man holding two flowers. It turned out that one was for me and one for my friend- such a sweet gesture, I knew he was a keeper. Fourteen years and two  ids later, he still is.

Carol Melton Mayer

My someone special won my heart many years ago because he was so very amazing. It was a lifetime of a special love and seems only yesterday. I remember when he entered my life. It was our last month of high school, close to prom.  

After choir practice he held the door open for me, we walked a few steps then he asked if I would like to go to the senior prom with him. I was thrilled. We then fell deeply in love and he asked me to marry him. But life had other plans. My Bob was drafted and after three and a half years in Italy and Africa, he came marching home. So tall, so handsome and tan, my love almost made my heart burst with pride. After a wonderful life, three children, and 60 odd years together, I lost my handsome red-headed Irishman who had such a beautiful Irish humor and wit. My beloved stole my heart.

Ann Kelly

I was working at Kmart in Thousand Oaks. A co-worker set me up on a blind date. We met for lunch.

Andy and I went next door for lunch. I think my lunchtime grew to at least two hours.

Finally lunch ended and Andy said he would give me a call.

I was so excited; he seemed really nice. It wasn't long before he called and asked me out on a real date.

We went to the Top of the Harbor in Ventura. We discovered that we grew up blocks apart near Santa Monica. We were at the same elementary school. Both families moved out to Thousand Oaks in the 1960s. We went to Waverly Middle School. He went to Newbury Park High and I to Thousand Oaks High. We were at Moorpark College together. He graduated from California Lutheran University standing next to my best friend.

We met on Feb. 5, 1982. We were married on Oct. 10, 1982. This will be our 26th Valentine's Day together, still in love.

Sandy Chagi

Owning a company in Honolulu, being single and working with major celebrities can keep one burning the candles at both ends. As an ad man, things get pretty jumbled up, leaving no time on being serious on anything. Promising my business partner that I'll never marry again he still arranged a blind date without me knowing. One early evening, I'm still at work when my elevator opened and a beautiful, perky creature entered my life. Out went the promise, out went the work, as I dove into her languid eyes. Her name was Antoinette. As I reached for her hand, she responded with a handshake that took me away. Not a mushy handshake, but a sturdy, compassionate grip. I was and still am entranced by her beauty, wit, and humor. Thirty-two years later, I still anxiously await to see her and hold her. She changed my life, gave me a son and keeps me in stitches with her stories about her firstgraders. I am so proud to be a part of her world. Smitten for life? Who would have thought.

Roland Roy

How could my boyfriend, who I was going to ask to my high school prom, drive up in front of my house with his new girlfriend?

Needless to say, that was the end of that romance. The next day at school my friend saw me sobbing in the girls' locker room.

She said, "My boyfriend has this friend you should meet." He sounded like the perfect guy- blond hair, blue eyes and a surfer.

She arranged to have the guys park next to the tennis courts at the high school during P.E. class so I could meet my "Mr. Right" through the fence. With high expectation, I saw him approach, and I was extremely disappointed. This tall, lanky, skinny guy wearing powder blue and white striped pants and blue tennis shoes did not impress me at first sight. He was very quiet and shy. Although he was definitely not my type we ended up dating every weekend. He stole my heart and we fell in love.

Five years later we were married and have been happily married 34 years.

M. Walton

My heart stopped when I saw his angry face walk into my office. However, as soon as he saw me, his expression immediately changed, and all I could see were his pearly white teeth and big blue eyes. He came in to com- plain about the noise in the upstairs office. I told him I would take care of it, even though I was not the property manager but just worked for the owner of the building. He then picked up my business card, looked at it and said to me "Finally! I get to know your name." It only took one more time to bump into him in the hallway for him ask me to lunch. During lunch, I told him about my 5-year-old son, and he said he could not wait to meet him. After lunch, I was taken by surprise by the most romantic kiss. After many poems, kisses and flowers, one year later we got married on an island in Fiji during sunset. Here we are, five years later, still as in love as the first day.

Marisa Pichie

Many years ago while directing traffic at my old police department I had to use the restroom badly. I selfishly asked God to send me a relief. To my surprise, minutes later a new rookie arrived. Before he could even introduce himself I sputtered, "Are you my relief because I really need to pee!" Not my proudest moment. Lucky for me we became friends and he kept asking me out on a date. He would not accept no for an answer so I finally said yes. Going with no expectations I was shocked to find myself having the best date of my life. As we were laughing over dinner I remember thinking, "God, now this is the kind of guy I should be dating; as a matter of fact this is the type of man I should marry." So that's exactly what I did. Eleven years and two beautiful children later we are still together. My Bardo, you are the world's greatest husband and father, the perfect Valentine. I am very thankful God sent me the relief of a lifetime! I love you.

Deana Ortiz

It was a blind date, set up by friends, 53 years ago. The fact that he called two days in advance to introduce himself impressed me. We went to the movies, a zombie movie; I really hated scary movies, but would not admit it. This is a good way to get a girl to sit close; we left early; I was glad. We sat in the car, a few kisses, but mainly he talked and I enjoyed listening. We have continued to talk and listen for 53 years, 48 of them happily married, four children, 11 grandchildren, and now three great-grandchildren. Life has been great!

The Lashuas

Chris and I met in 2005. I wasn't going to go out that night. It was cold outside and I had to drive a distance to get to my friends. . . . After being talked into it, I got ready.

The destination of the evening brought us to Chapter 8, a local bar and lounge that later turns into a night club. After a few moments of arriving . . . as cliche/cute as it sounds, I saw a young man through the crowd. He saw me as well. I don't know who looked first, but he had such a kind and familiar face, I forgot my shyness and made a beeline over to him. I was so confident I knew this person from my past somehow. It was a feeling of warm familiarity the closer we got to one another. The first thought that entered my mind was: "I see you." I was determined to find the source of connection to this mystery man. After exploring several options of how we could of met before, we were dumbfounded. . . . We had never met before yet we knew each other! From that night forward, Chris and I began a wonderful old-fashioned, this-is-what-our-grand-parents-talked-about courtship. He became my best friend. Two hearts, one soul.

I'm most pleased to announce we'll be getting married this summer. I'm so blessed because every day I get be with my best friend. Two years ago, when Chris and I met, I said I couldn't be any happier than I am now. Perhaps I was dishonest, because I keep getting happier with each day passing. You never know where you'll find your true love!

Happy Valentine's Day to all hopeful romantics!

Cara Doyle

Just about 23 years ago I met the love of my life and didn't know it at first. We were in the Army and Stacy came up to my friend and I and started flirting a bit with me, but I didn't catch on and wasn't smart enough to look past the baggy military uniform and Clark Kent glasses (I actually gave my buddy permission to go after her- something he told her about, and that she playfully held against me when I finally did get around to asking her out). She let me off the hook though. We had our first date and saw each other each evening for the next nine days. At the end of that ninth date she looked over and proposed to me. I figure I should have trusted her judgment that first day that we met so I said "yes" and we got married a few weeks later. Every day since has been better than the one before. She'll always be my Valentine.

Joe Sterphone