Mac’s Best Riding Pard

Mac’s spurs lightly jingled as he walked up behind me to view the golden western Colorado valley below. After four years of companionable friendship, I thought this quiet, handsome cowboy would never notice my unspoken love. I would always be the friend who cheered him at rodeos, introduced to his adoring girlfriends as “my riding pard,” (short for “partner”). But on that beautiful Friday the 13th, as we gazed on autumn’s glory together, horses resting nearby, he wrapped me in his arms and quietly said, “I love you.” Four years of friendship became five decades of love. — Barbara Jean Stratman

Still Thirsty, Still Dreaming

Nisha and I spent a college summer abroad in India together, two 19-year-olds thirsty for knowledge. In rickshaws, buses and trains we explored our hopes, dreams (and fantasies) against the seductive backdrop of the land of our ancestors. Fourteen years, two spouses and five children later, unknown to each other we both decided to pursue masters degrees at the exact same time. We graduated within one week of one another and decided to celebrate in London and Paris, two 40-something-women, still thirsty for knowledge, still on buses and trains, still with hopes and dreams (and some fantasies). Still together. — Milli Shah Bhashyam

Lexie’s Light for Lou

My 4-year-old neighbor had never been in a church. When her mother took her to a grand Manhattan cathedral, Lexie asked why there were candles. “When someone dies, people light candles to remember them,” her mother explained. “Is there someone you want to remember?” Lexie’s answer: “Lou.” She was 3 when my husband, Lou, died. When my friend told me what happened, I thought my heart would burst. How Lexie would light up when she saw Lou. He would beam. There was chemistry between them, and this sweet little girl loved Lou and remembered him. Her love eased my grief. — Leida Snow

Big Romance? Bring it On.

Gabrielle’s profile mentioned she wanted someone to recognize how “goddamn romantic” she was. I told her to bring it on. She drives four hours weekly to see me (flowers in hand). She embroidered my lampshade with poetry and swans. She’s learning Spanish to communicate with my family. Asking her to be my girlfriend, I commissioned a print: penguins leaping off an iceberg, captioned, “Isabella taking the leap for Gabrielle.” When I got the Mitchell Scholarship in Ireland, Gabrielle said she’d follow me to the earth’s core. Becoming a Mitchell Scholar? A one-in-30 chance. Finding the love of my life? One-in-a-million. — Isabel Plakas

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