I'll back up a little on my story. I'd forgotten to say that Mel and I were, at the time, in So. CA. I'd lived there my entire life, and Mel had been sent to the Holiday Inn from Seattle as a trouble shooter for the new restaurants there. Mel and I discussed possible future plans, and that his stay in CA might be short lived.
I consulted with my mother about my attraction to Mel and my fears of any relationship so soon, and about my hesitation on the drinking. My mom's advice stunned me! This is in 1974, remember. She advised that I give the relationship a great try! She said that things would either get better, or worse. If they got better—no problem. If they got worse—still no problem—leaving would be easy.
So, when Mel headed out for NM, I arranged to follow with the 3 kids (and 2 dogs). We wound up in Albuquerque for a few months before changes started coming our way, again. The first major change occurred when my rotten "X" filed for custody of the boys. He didn't want them, but he wanted to hurt me, and that was the surest way! I immediately contacted my attorney who said, "Get married—now!" So, we did! Mel was also, at the time, answering a request from Hilton Inns to chef at a new opening in Wichita, KS. We married on a Friday evening, (justice of the peace at courthouse) and Mel left for Wichita on Saturday. Quite the honeymoon—in different states!
Our marriage did the trick, and I won the custody battle, but the drinking was a continuing and growing problem. It was in 1979 while running our own restaurant that the big "DRINKING" confrontation occurred. I'd attended "Al-Anon" meetings for years and knew that threats were pointless. So when I confronted him, he knew that it was I, or the booze. He could not have us both. Fortunately, he chose me—and hasn't touched a drop since!
That's our story! Now you know why we have 2 kids born 8 weeks apart, and why we have 3 kids in their 40s and have only been married for 33 years! Our love has continued to grow, and our kids all flourish. My daughter is the closest person, next to Mel, in my life. And I thank the Lord above for His guidance throughout.
Huge hugs!
4 comments:
What a beautiful story Katy. I'm glad to hear your so close to your daughter or step daughter. Daughters can be hard to handle growing up but once they are grown are a joy and the she's the best friend I have.
What a great story Katy, you and Mel have always been an inspiration to me and you continue to be. You took a chance on someone, you saw the best in him and it proved to be a good bet! Your mother's advice was kind of amazing for back then, but must have been able to sense that you loved him. Kuddos to Mel for giving up the drinking for you, look at the love it has brought him all of these years!!
A wonderful story. I didn't even blog today...cold, not feeling all that good..BUT I came in here and read this and feel so much better. Thank you for sharing.
"Now you know why we have 2 kids born 8 weeks apart,"
ROFL!!! hmmm and here I thought the one kid just kept getting lost trying to find his way out. ROFL
Cool story! Glad Mel gave up the drink. Way to go Mel!!!
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