To the editor:
Sweetheart’s Day is creeping up right around the corner and the beautiful cards and flowers will be touching the hands and hearts of sweethearts all over the County. This is why I have decided to write a short true love story that blossomed out of The V.F.W. and American Legion Club a few years ago here in Aroostook County. Just one of many I’m sure.
It was a cold, snowy evening, when this middle-aged man had moved to The County from out of state to be with his sister and family. He loved to dance and asked his sister if there was any place to dance in the area. She sent him to the American Legion Club in Caribou.
As he walked down the narrow stairs into the dance area he noticed in the corner of his eye a table filled with pretty women. They looked like beautiful flowers on a new spring day just waiting to pop up and dance the night away.
He went right over and asked one of the sweet ladies to dance. She agreed but shared with him quickly that she was married and just out with family for the evening. Her husband was sick. He was disappointed of course but he let her know that he understood and would be a gentleman. He just wanted to dance the night away and they did.
They parted at the end of the night and said goodbye.
Life went on for both of them and 15 years had passed so quickly. The man, who had lost a mate to cancer himself, had moved away but decided to move back to The County. One afternoon while at Bingo at the V.F.W. in Caribou a lady walked up to his table and asked him if she should know him by any chance? He looked up at her and beautiful thoughts of the past surfaced out of his memories. He asked her right away, “Are you the sweet lady I danced with all night many years ago at the Caribou American Legion?” She said she was and her husband had passed away a few years ago. They talked for awhile and once again parted their ways.
Thoughts kept popping up in his head for the rest of the day and into the night. He just couldn’t seem to stop thinking about her, or able to sleep. The next morning came quickly and he called the place where he knew she worked and asked her out for coffee.
Was it coffee or was it a Hallmark moment brewing in the air? Cupid was shooting his love arrows deep into their hearts and love was born. They have been together ever since that day.
Not wanting to get off the subject of the military clubs in The County, I just want to say that not only love stories happen at these places but also many acts of love are shared by these clubs. We must never forget the beautiful dinners put on during funerals by the Auxiliary women who donate their valuable time to help others in need. Let’s not forget the sweeties who bring in fresh baked goods, make french fries, hot dogs and delicious hamburgers on the grill at the Legion for the Bingo games every night. They are sweethearts in my book aren’t they?
When we attend a Bingo, or any event at one of these clubs we help a soldier, or some needy soul. These volunteers work so hard. The Senior Bingo for example has been going on for years and ran by a very special woman. She and other volunteers have kept it going even when it nearly stopped because of poor attendance. This sweet lady who many have known and observed her dedication over the years always continued to push hard so to keep it going. If it made just one dollar it would bless someone. She never gave up. We honor her for her service and dedication.
It is also very important for all to know that your money is never wasted at these clubs when you attend an event or cause, or make a donation. In return you may even have a chance to win a few dollars yourself, or maybe win a big, plump turkey at a Holiday Bingo game. You may provide a nice warm winter coat for a child, or someone who can’t afford one. You cannot lose no matter what. It is always a win, win situation. A special act of love. If you lose a few dollars playing Bingo, cover charge at a dance,etc. You are always a winner. You have blessed someone and love blessings come in many forms.
These are just a few of the love stories that are born out of these clubs. As we get closer to Valentine’s Day let’s remember these sweethearts who volunteer their valuable time. Let’s never forget the many veterans who have served our country, the ones who gave up their lives. What an act of love for sure.
It is in my opinion that all veterans, their families and all the many volunteers who keep serving our community, they are blessings. Aren’t they all sweethearts? Cupid never runs out of arrows and those arrows come in many forms. Be a sweetheart this season and remember all the many acts of love given from such as these. Happy Valentine’s Day
