February 16, 1980

When she came back from Hawaii (...1977...?) she was determined to make me belong to her. This was entirely possible, despite what had gone before. She zero'd in on me, and I was lost... to this day, I suppose. Love crossed like vines in our eyes.

Lake Tahoe was our destination. I couldn't get off of work for February 14th, Valentine's Day, so we had to wait until Saturday the 16th. We and the Braitenbacks and the Storms and the Maidichs drove up Friday night from LA, while the Sterlings came over from Steamboat on Saturday. Blizzard hits Hwy 395. Stringing chains, laying under the car, future sister-in-law Rosie and Kim huddled in the freezing car by the side of the road. My parents, the Maidichs, had gone off the road somewhere above Bishop.

We made it to Carson City just before midnight and were just able to get the marriage license. A good omen. We made it to Reverend Love's Chapel at the Lake the next afternoon. I forgot to bring a tie, Chuck lent me his. Photos with Shannon and Braden have survived in my box here. Kim and I said, "I do." And that was it. Off to the casino. Couldn't tear her away from the craps table, Chuck made us 600 bucks that night. Then, to gentling alone, married.


I never thought I could get this lonely, I never thought I could be this blue. I can't believe it's all over, you were just here. I miss you so, my Kim-o.