In December of 1976 I started work at a small weekly newspaper in Keyport, NJ. The Bayshore Independent.
Although I had a bookkeeping background, newspaper bookkeeping was new to me, so the editor/publisher gave me several issues to take home over the weekend to familiarize myself with the general tone of the paper and to practice measuring the ads. No computers then, so I would measure the ads physically with a small special ruler, calculate the column-inches and bill the advertiser accordingly.
Reading through the papers, I saw a weekly column called “The Inquisitor” by Lee Duigon. Some of these were so hilariously funny that I thought I really have to meet this guy, just to let him know how good his stuff is.
When I first met Lee in person, I thought he was older than he actually was and he thought I was younger than I actually was, but it mattered not. I also thought he was married. That was because of his Mom who made sure he was well turned out. Lee himself, if left to his own devices, would wear a T-shirt that looked like he had been in front of a firing squad.
We got to know each other at work (after I was told that he was single) and had our first date on December 26. We used to celebrate that date every year.
In February during a disastrous ski trip organized by a bunch of his friends (I’ll describe that another time) he asked me to marry him. In August of 77 we went to Elkton, Maryland and were married.
That was the smartest move I ever made in my life.
God bless everybody
Patty
What a sweet story, and it sends his gift of writing rubbed off on you
That’s a great story. Finding the love of one’s life is a wonderful thing, and I believe, with all my heart, a godly thing. As sad as this moment is, you can count as having had a truly successful marriage and that both of you lived up to those sacred vows. I assure you, that is valued in the sight of God, and will not be forgotten.
Thanks for sharing, Patty. Asking married people how they met is a great conversational tactic.
I’m sure Lee would have said it was the smartest move he made in his life too. I’m not sure if you will see this, my comments have not been getting through for some time. But I want to say again that I’m sorry to hear about Lee’s passing. He had a gift for writing. His humor, wit, and presence will be missed. -Kevin aka Watchman
After I’ve known a couple just a little time, I often ask them how they met. Most of them love to tell their story, and it is always very special., as is yours, Patty!
I am so sad to hear about Lee! I don’t comment much here, but I keep up with the blog and I am just so sad to hear this (although not for him, he is with Jesus and free of pain). He wrote a very kind review of my book here on the blog several years ago. I always got a chuckle out of his satirical Joe Collidge posts.
God be with you and strengthen you, Patty. I could tell, from the way he always wrote about you, how much he loved you. Hold close to the Savior, he will never let you go <3
Rest in peace, Lee