German Saga 2

If you missed part one, just click on the notable entry in the menu on the left. I’ll add the various chapters there like a continuous diary.

As I already mentioned, Michael had to return to Germany and I continued my studies at San Diego State. I was majoring in astronomy and biology, but my mind just couldn’t concentrate on my studies any more.... hm, I wonder why?

We wrote letters almost daily. Then one day there was a package for me. In it was a gold ring with 3 small diamonds… my engagement ring! Such rings were not a German tradition, and he had looked long for a ring set. Normally, when you’re engaged you wear the simple gold band on the ring finger of your LEFT hand. During the wedding ceremony it then gets moved to the ring finger of the RIGHT hand! So, if you ever look for a wedding ring on a German, look on the right hand… he/she may not be trying to hide it!
Then in July Michael had a break from his flight training and flew back over. My dad’s ship was stationed in Long Beach, so one day we drove up there so he and Michael could finally meet.
Me and dad on board the U.S.S. New Jersey......

And Michael .....

And saying good-bye.....

Then the time for him to return to Germany approached… and he was taking me with him! My parents bought me a ONE-WAY ticket to Germany!

The flight went to London first, then on to Frankfurt. Michael was flying stand-by and was seated on the so-called “jump-seat” in the cockpit. I sat among a group of young people my age who were on their way to London. While flying over the Great Lakes, the captain invited me to join them in the cockpit. What a view! Little did I know then that I would get such an opportunity often over the years.

We flew into London, the group of young people disembarked, then on we went to Frankfurt....

To be continued....

Westy

# 1, morphinekisses wrote this on 11/30/07

That's a great picture of Michael!

# 2, Westy wrote this on 11/30/07

yeh, he always looked prim and proper! LOL and guess what, he still looks the same today, 38 years later.....

# 3, lowandslow wrote this on 11/30/07

What a great story! Waiting impatiently for part 3. :)

S

# 4, periwinkle wrote this on 11/30/07

Yay! Enjoyed this immensely. Thanks Westy!

# 5, TheLioness wrote this on 11/30/07

Great story, Westy. Did you mean gold ring?

# 6, Westy wrote this on 11/30/07

thanks for the encouragement... I may actually get to part 3 over the weekend! :-)

# 7, Westy wrote this on 11/30/07

ooops... off to edit! lol

# 8, likeisaid wrote this on 11/30/07

Awww, Westy...what a lovely story and wonderful pictures. You made a very cute couple. :) I can't wait for the next chapter!
{{hugs}}

# 9, Odom-Groh wrote this on 11/30/07

Great Story

# 10, life-lived wrote this on 11/30/07

What a wonderful walk down this part of your life with you! Thank you. M.

# 11, Xanadu wrote this on 11/30/07

Love reading every chapter you post. I'll bet the ring WAS cold when it arrived. HA! Keep writing more. I'm enjoying this. Great picture of Michael, and, of course, you. You still look the same! Hugs.

# 12, itiswell wrote this on 11/30/07

That is such a nice story. Thanks for sharing. Astronmy and biology. That is an unusal combination. That is an interesting tradition that the Germans have in regards to wedding rings. You looked lovely in that dress! (((hugs)))

# 13, CaptainMando wrote this on 11/30/07

Aww... :o)

# 14, Westy wrote this on 12/01/07

so, I finally edited the cold/gold! I made the mistake TWICE... what a freudian slip heehee

# 15, RFMadPad wrote this on 12/01/07

i didn' know about the ring part! interesting!!!:-) and jupp.. he still looks very good after all those years.interesting mom!:-)

# 16, SunnyLane wrote this on 12/01/07

This is wonderful, Westy!

That ship reminds me of my ole Navy days back in the 60's.

My hubby's ship was the USS Northampton, stationed out of Norfolk, Va.

Love the pictures! And your story, how verrrrry interesting! :)

Happy Saturday. :)

# 17, RFMadPad wrote this on 12/01/07

i didn' know about the ring part! interesting!!!:-) and jupp.. he still looks very good after all those years.interesting mom!:-)

# 18, Westy wrote this on 12/01/07

ooops, Regina, your comment just appeared a second time! LOL

I'm glad everyone's finding it interesting... we'll see when part 3 appears...

# 19, japee wrote this on 12/01/07

Gosh - you look the same today!

# 20, Boatswain3 wrote this on 12/03/07

Too bad I've had to change over the years - looked like a pretty nice officer! LOL! - Seriousley, those pictures bring back great memories! --- DAD