Bermuda

1972, I was 18, in the navy stationed in Bermuda. I sent a ticket to my high school sweetheart to spend a month with me. In love, I gave her a diamond engagement ring and she went home to finish high school. I called Barbara to ask for the ring back, she hung up on me. I wasn't given a chance to tell her why I wanted the ring. It was to have a matching wedding band made. I called the next day to explain but she wasn't home. Being an aircraft fire fighter working 24 on, 48 off, we were required to be on standby our first day off. There was an incident on base and I was called in. It was nighttime, cold and it was the rainy season, I crashed my motorcycle when I hydroplaned, trying to get to the base fire station. I laid in the road until a local Bermudian came upon me, put me into his car and rushed me to the base hospital. I never got to thank the man or apolgize for bleeding on his car seat. I cracked 3 bones in my neck, broke my nose, jaw, shoulder and broke both legs, cuts and scrapes. Worst of all, I couldn't remember the previous few days, I didn't remember Barbara for a long time and to this day Barbara reminds me of what we did that whole month together. It's like being told a story. Time went by, I healed and went on in life as did Barbara. Something was always missing in my life, and I believe that missing link was the cause of my divorce. Barbara was in an abusive marriage then her husband had a motorcycle crash and he was a quadrapalegic for 19 years until his death. I am a disabled veteran and was recuperating from my 31st surgery when I thought of Barbara. I searched for years but this day I found her step mother, who gave me Barbara's number. I called but her son said she was at work. I called later and Barbara answered. I said, "did you go to Bay View high?" She said "yes". I said, "Have you ever been to Bermuda?" She said."Yes"  I said, "I know Barbara, I was the one who sent you the ticket." Barb said, "I know, I've been crying since I saw your name on the caller ID." Barb traveled 2000 miles to see me and we have been together now for 13 years.

Plans were to marry and she would be with me in Bemuda but it never happened. Perhaps jog back some memories I lost. We are getting older and in OK health. I am disabled but not handicapped. My accident and our seperation was 42 years ago.  I would love to take Barbara back to Bermuda and pick up where we left off. Living on disability is hard and we cannot afford this trip and all the financing to prepare.

Respectfully, And Thank You