June 5, 1964 it was my high school’s spring formal and I remember wearing the most beautiful blue dress that my grandmother made. Every boy had a girl in his arms, but I had no one. Feeling lonely, a boy with the most breathtaking hazel eyes came up to me. “What’s a pretty girl like you not dancing?” he yelled to cover the chaos. No man has ever given me attention before, let alone call me “pretty”. What did this man see in me that no other did? My cheeks started to become extremely red, so red that it was getting kind of embarrassing. “I couldn’t find a right partner” I responded while being pierced into his eyes. He then reached out his arms and asked “Well then, may I have this dance. “ I would be delighted to” I quickly responded. While we were dancing, I noticed something. The man that I was talking too had an accent. I swiftly realize all the dirty looks that I have gotten from my fellow classmates. Was it because I was dancing with someone who is was not white? I didn’t care. I never felt this way before. It was as if my heart was synchronizing with his. Still dancing, he whispers in my ear “What is your name?”. “Emily. Emily Williams, how about yours” I say while tip toeing to reach his ear. “ Arnold. Arnold Thompson.”he said to me in a mocking manner. I felt connected to this man.

After that night, Arnold and I dated throughout our whole senior year of high school. We then finally graduated and mutually decided to go to USC that upcoming fall. Suddenly, everything started falling apart. I was 15 weeks pregnant. I didn’t know how to tell my family, but most of all Arnold. We both grew up in strict christian families. Marriage was just too far away for us to wait. Feeling nervous, I look down at my purity ring and a million thoughts started to harass me. “Will god punish me for my sins? Will Arnold's parents accept a white pregnant woman into their family?  What will my parents say?” There wasn’t anything I could do, but tell Arnold. Later that night, Arnold met me. He instantly knew something was wrong. “What’s wrong my love? Why are you not smiling?” he asked me. “I’m pregnant” I say to him looking down at the floor. Some part of me wanted him to be happy but the other wanted him to be worried. Arnold and I couldn’t even take care of ourselves. What makes us think we could take care of a child? Arnold looked worried, but he smiled. He gave me a hug and whispered in my ear “ everything will be fine”. That exact moment, I knew that he was the love of my life. Eventually, we told our parents. Our parents did not support us, but it wasn’t their decision to make. This is my baby. This baby would be a living, breathing example of my love for Arnold. So, we took the next step. Arnold and I barely had enough money saved up, but it was just enough for a ride to Hawaii. 9 months went by in a blink of an eye. I had a beautiful baby girl that we named Everleigh. Arnold and I opened up a floral shop after being inspired by the beauty of Hawaii. We also got married. Business at the time was not booming and we barely made enough for us to eat. This caused a lot of problems in our marriage. Fighting everyday, Arnold began to drink. I never saw him as much anymore. Being busy with baby and Arnold running the store we had our separate responsibilities.

Three years went by, and our marriage was not getting any better. I was now raising a toddler, which was very difficult . Arnold and I started to drift even further. I found out that Arnold was having an affair. Arnold apologized day and night, but I had enough. I don’t blame him. There wasn’t a spark anymore and I did not pleasure him, but that doesn’t mean I did not love him. I took Everleigh and we moved back home. I continued to live with my parents, but it was obvious that we were not appreciated there. Arnold always called to check up on us. In a way, we were both happy. Arnold’s flower business started to become popular. So popular, that he made enough money to buy me out of the business. I took that money and moved to New Mexico, where Everleigh and I started a new life.

Everleigh is now 55 years old. Arnold and I never got back together, but we both remarried to wonderful people. Everleigh maintained a very close relationship with both Arnold and I. Everleigh has three beautiful children. We were all so happy. But, happiness was not inevitable. Arnold began to become very ill. It started off with him,  developing periodontal. This wasn’t harmful. Everleigh and I gifted him his first pair of dentures. Then, he got severe arthritis and it made it hard for him to walk. So, he got knee replacements. This all brings us to now, Arnold started to forget the little things. He didn’t know my name anymore. Nor, did he remember his last name. I didn’t understand what was going on. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Everleigh and I were heartbroken. This man that we live very much was now suffering. I asked god for help, but I knew that the man has sinned. Why does bad things happens to good people? At 73, Arnold passed while working on his garden. Arnold admired flowers so much that he was able to die on them. Everleigh and I were grateful for his peaceful death. Yes, Arnold was not the perfect man. Yes, he made many mistakes. I owe Arnold my life because if it wasn’t for him I would never have had the greatest blessing of my life, Everleigh. Thank you Arnold. I promise that Everleigh and I will never forget your name. Until we meet again, I love you.