Dreams really do come true

One of my all time favorite songs is the classic by Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson, “To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before”.

“To all the girls I’ve loved before

Who traveled in and out of my door

I’m glad they came along

I dedicate this song

To all the girls I’ve loved before”

At 86 and a widower for nearly six years, I often think about this song. As a happily married guy for 53 years, my wife Margaret was my queen.

Prom queens

Reflecting on my time at East High School from 1938 to 1942, I never had a chance with any of the prom queens. The athletes had their choice. I was more interested in making money on my Vindicator newspaper route and had to forget sports and the glory that came with them.

Attending Youngstown College (YSU) from 1946 to 1951 under the G.I. Bill, I decided to ask some of the beautiful queens for dates, only to strike out every time. Finally, at age 85, I hit the jackpot, quite accidentally.

I asked two senior citizen lady friends to dinner at my favorite Italian restaurant “La Rocca’s” in Poland, owned by sisters Anna and Iola. I escorted Pearl on Monday and Betty on Saturday of the same week. During our conversations I learned that they were prom queens of their respective high school graduating classes. That was a pleasant surprise.

They certainly are both of queen caliber even today. Once a queen, always a queen. My dream was realized many, many years later and I was honored to be with them.

True beauty is ageless.

Michael J. LaCivita is a Youngstown retiree and inductee in the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame and Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.