Darling Sylvia, We were friends that became lovers. It all started when we were assigned as lab partners in Dr. Potter’s Bonehead Chemistry Lab.  You were bright, hot, and safe. I was with ‘her,’ you were with ‘him.’ We could be flirty friends. Winter Bust Out in Tyler Auditorium occurred. ‘She’ was at home. You were leaning against the stage.  “Why, hello there, sweet young thing.  Do you want to dance? “

“Goodbye for the summer.” Another fall football season and “have a nice life, Joanna.“  “Hello there, Sylvia. How about a hayride and a movie?” “You don’t kiss on a first date? Well I DO.”  At Christmas, it was time to get rid of Mitch! “Make a choice–him or me?”  I gave you a Christmas gift as a token of my feelings. What was I thinking? You came back with the Tiger Eye necklace around your neck and a smile that clearly told me that it was me.  What had I done? We were very special friends; why would I ruin that? In spite of the risks, we were friends that became lovers.

I knew you were bright, but suddenly I realized you were also drop dead gorgeous.  Your eyes, your smile, were no longer niceties but had become necessities.  Becoming lovers was the last thing I wanted.  How could I run away from my best friend? I did not run away and was surprised to learn that I did not want to escape. On the way back from Dr. Kapp’s spring field trip to canoe the Manistee, you met Mom.   Another summer with lots of letters (no texts or Skype). Meeting you with your family at Wert’s Lone Pine Restaurant was a surprise.  A private kiss out of your brothers’ view sealed the deal.

You take risks with real friends. You become truthful. You share your soul.  Your soul is beautiful, and you loved me more than I loved me.  I could no longer be the best me without you at my side. Best friends became lovers. In June of 1969, we became husband and wife.  As we grew together, we added trust and forgiveness to our repertoire. This June, we will have been lovers and friends through 49 years.  You have graced my life.  I do not know what the next years will bring, but I do know that we will only become better together. Our marriage is an ascending staircase, and it grows more intimate every step of our way.

I am so very grateful to Dr. Potter for the Fundamentals of Chemistry. That class changed the path of my life forever.

Love you, Eddie Bert