What has proven to be the most significant intersection of my journey came on the first day of classes at Abilene Christian College (now Abilene Christian University) in September 1960. ( Full disclosure: there has been some disagreement over the details of the story to follow. However, my account is completely true to my memory.)
The first class I attended was something like University 101, an orientation class for freshman. It was held in a large classroom with 150+ in attendance. I arrived late and there were no visible empty seats, so I made my way to the back of the room. About 3/4 of the way back, I was surprised to hear a sultry voice call out, “You can sit here, big boy.” I looked over and there was this attractive brunette with a weird small gray streak in her hair with an empty seat beside her. Although, I managed to appear unfazed, as though I was used to such come ons, I was stunned. I did not know her name but she knew mine.
That’s how George ezell from Florence, Alabama first met Ann Watson, aka Dee Ann Watson, from Memphis, Tennessee. That first encounter was interesting but I did not perceive it to be “the moment”. At that point, I don’t think either of us thought anything would come out of our meeting. It was only later that I came to understand that there may have been forces at work beyond our understanding.
I had no idea that In 1937 L. Arnold Watson traveled from Idaho to attend Abilene Christian College. On the first day of classes he met Ruby Mae White from Abilene, Texas who was also starting her college career. Their meeting began a courtship that would result in their marriage two years later. Leaving Abilene to move to California, they eventually had five children, three boys and two girls. Four of those children, including Dee Ann Watson, attended ACC.
Our first meeting pushed the pebble off the ledge. After a slow start our relationship began to gain momentum and by the end of the second year we were engaged and left Abilene and married in June 1962. Subsequently, we had five children, three boys and two girls. Four of our children attended ACU.
For 56+ years Ann has been my traveling companion. I hope that the legacy of her parents will continue and we also will enjoy 74 years of marriage. 
George, you still enjoy your “funny” story although it’s not quite correct. I’m glad you did sit by me and we’ve enjoyed these many years together.