I met Su one day [April 1978] at our collective mail box for our apartment complex. She was in a halter top and short shorts and I was just getting off from work at one of the local chemical plants where I worked as a plant process engineer. She put out her hand and introduced herself and I was surprised and pleased...   I was living in Metarie, Louisiana after moving there from Kentucky in 1977.  I had a second job, to pass the long evenings and to otherwise socialize within the community at the local TimeSaver [convenience store].  I flirted with the customers and found many a date.  But one date with Su and I knew that I was with someone special.  We were married on February 17, 1979, not quite Valentines day in our new home in Ponchatoula.  In 1985 we built our new log home where we have lived since.

Even from the first time I met Chuck, I knew he was someone special. Someone with whom I could trust and love and be loved in return. I must say that he has so enriched my life. I have always felt safe with him in my life and I consider him my best friend. We have worked literally shoulder to shoulder when getting things done whether it is building something or solving a problem. I've learned and done things that were never on that list "To do in this Lifetime" and I would not trade these memories for anything. The love and camaraderie that we share is priceless and hard to come by in these times for many people.  I will always be there for him and I know in my heart that he will be there for me and I can't ask for anything better than that.

Through all of our trials of life we have learned to depend on each other.  We have built all that we have.  We have played, worked, built, and suffered together for lo these many years and have learned "We can only count on each other" when things need to get done.  I nearly lost Su to illness in 1985 and she me in 1995.  Both forever changed after that.  We find both strength and inspiration in each others company.  We are a team, partners, and love each other dearly.