Years passed and it was Christmas time. Snow gracefully landed on the already thick white blanket of snow. For as far as you could see, there was only white. When you took a deep breath in the cold almost felt like it was shocking your lungs. I arrived to one of my family's friend's house for a Christmas party. The evening for sure was one to remember and soon it was already about midnight. It was about time for me to go home, but from a past uneventful experience I didn’t want to walk home alone. I talked to the father of the hosting family, politely asking him for a ride home. Just as he was about to answer my request, I saw a handsome man jump from around the corner.
“I will bring her home, father”.
I see him question it for a little bit, but then a smile came upon his face.
“Well, alright, boy, take good care of Lois,” responded his father.
I didn’t know one thing about this boy except that his name was Ted. I knew Ted’s mother and father but had never gotten the pleasure to actually meet him before. I quickly picked up the fact that Ted was shy. The entire ride home he never spoke one word to me, making it a very awkward ride. We pulled into my driveway, and I thanked him for the ride. Just as I was about to close the truck door…
“Wait! Would you like to go on a date next Wednesday?”.
I smiled and responded, “Yes, I’d love to!”
“Great! I’ll pick you up. Have a great night, Lois,” and he drove away.
I fell in love with that boy so easily, almost like breathing. Soon enough June 7, 1952 came around -- our wedding day. I got to marry the man who made me happiest and my best self. My life was falling into place and I was enjoying the wild ride. Ted and I moved up to Lancaster, New Hampshire, and bought a farm. We named it “Echo Ridge” after its unique echoing ability on the land. Never would I have thought that one little change such as moving to a new area would open up so many new opportunities for me. Some people fear change, but change can be one of the best things to happen to you. Life is unpredictable and you never know what's coming next. You need to be prepared for what is going to be thrown at you for changes to occur.
I interviewed 88-year-old, Lois McGee. Lois told me about how moving to a more rural area was a tremendous change for her, but in the end it benefited her. People can’t be afraid of change. You may lose something good, but you can also gain something better. Seeing a transformation of yourself from who you used to be and who you are now can be one of the best feelings. Sometimes a little change is a good thing.