A moment from Gaye Goodson

Editor’s note: This edition welcomes the debut of “Moments” by Paulette Ballard. The Lincolnton resident has had a long career in the medical field and is the author of “Unforgettable Moments.”

I met the man who was to become my husband at the Rock Springs Camp Meeting when I was 15 years old. My friends and I were walking around hoping to find a boyfriend. Several laps later I saw him! He was a good looking young man with black hair and dazzling white teeth. He walked over to me, took my hand and walked with me. We walked around for a while, but before I learned much about him it was time to go home. All I knew was his name.

That same year I went to the Balls Creek Camp Meeting, and there he was again. He offered to take me home after the meeting. If I left with a stranger, I knew I would be in big trouble with my dad. I let him take me home anyway because I thought he was such a nice guy. When we arrived at my house I jumped out of the car without even telling him goodnight. I sneaked quietly into the house and told my sisters what had happened.

Three years later as I was bringing the mail I saw a letter from a corporal in Fort Hood, Texas. It was the young man I had been unable to forget. From that day forward we wrote back and forth and sent each other pictures.

One Saturday night he was home on emergency leave and he came to visit me at the hospital where I was working.

Walking down the hall with a bedpan in my hands I saw him in his Army uniform. A nurse took the bedpan from me and I ran and gave him a huge hug.

In January 1954, Howard was discharged from the Army. We were married in August. We had a car, two cows and $160 in cash. After our honeymoon we came back with $60  – just enough to cover the cost of our wedding pictures.

Howard and I were married for 56 years before he passed away last year.

Paulette Ballard collects moving, funny or interesting everyday stories. If you have a story to submit for the “Moments” column, email Paulette at pballardnc1029@yahoo.com. Include your name and telephone number.