The Real Peggy Sue & Stretch
This is a fictional story. As far as I know, my parents never investigated the murder of neighbor, staged a revolt in their elementary school classroom, or were attacked by bookies. But, many of these stories were inspired by the stories my parent's told me about their childhood and it was their personalities that inspired Peggy Sue and Stretch.​​
My mom and dad were childhood friends that grew up in a suburb outside of Louisville. Many of the most vivid details came from memories my parents had during this time. My dad clearly remembered a grumpy neighbor with an artificial leg and my mom created a miniature golf course to make money. My parents plotted underneath the Kilby's green picnic table and my mom snuck on Sacred Heart's campus to talk to the nuns. Like many of their generation, they were fascinated by cowboys and Indians, treasure, and war. They were best friends.
After my mom moved away, she visited my dad one time. He did what any smitten 6th grade boy would do at the time. He completely ignored her and tried to impress her with his basketball prowess. She was devastated. Years later she found a box of my Dad's treasure and in it was a poem he had written about her after that visit.
Their freshmen year of college they both ended up attending Murray State University, where they renewed their friendship and began their romance. They have been married over 48 years and have continued to have adventures together. From building rock gardens to founding LifeHouse together to raising four children together, my parents are a wonderful example of love.
It's hard to get a picture of 18 people!
They are still cute!