Mel and Elaine
When I was growing up, Golden Anniversaries—50 years of wedded bliss—were quite rare. Nowadays, they seem to come about almost every weekend. Is it because people are living longer, or because marriage is a better way to spend a lifetime? I am not sure.
Lorraine and I introduced Mel (my close friend) to Elaine (Lorraine’s college sorority sister) in 1961. Last week, we attended their 50th anniversary party in Annandale, Virginia. Tempus fugit.
Their engagement, like my own, took place over Eastern Airlines (remember them?) and Bell Telephone. Mel and I lived in the East Bronx and Lorraine and Elaine lived in Maryland and northern Virginia.
Also like my own, their wedding was held in Washington D.C. Theirs was at the famous Willard Hotel, where Abraham Lincoln and family stayed before his March 4, 1861 inauguration.
I kidnapped Lorraine and brought her to New York; Elaine and Mel made their life together in Virginia. We are all in our 70s and we are all still vertical. They have two lovely daughters, Jamie and Gwen, and three grandchildren.
At the party, I was designated opening speaker. I tried to recapture a memory and give the attending guests a “slice of life” of the East Bronx that Mel and I grew up in. I am not sure that I conveyed the true picture to my listening audience.
I did however mention that Mel had the most beautiful pompadour hair at 13 years of age. Somehow it’s all gone now, but Mel is one of the most virile men I know (ala Yul Brynner).
Elaine and Melvin are more beautiful than ever and their relationship has evolved and matured. Lorraine and I are proud that we introduced them, and proud to be counted among their friends.
