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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

After 50 Years, We Still Fraternize

Ann Landers Creators Syndicate

Dear Ann Landers: Here’s another “how we met” story. In January 1946, I was on the Army Marianas Olympic Swimming Team. Our plane was on the way to a competition and crashed off shore at Majuro in the Marshall Islands. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but we were all pretty much banged up.

After one week in the hospital there, we were transferred to Tripler General Hospital in Honolulu. At 0700 the first morning, a very good-looking nurse walked into the ward. I said to the patient in the next bed, “I’m going to marry that beauty.” He replied, “You belong in the psycho ward, buddy. Or maybe you’ve been smoking too many of those funny cigarettes.”

I was in sick bay for several weeks, and “the beauty” and I became good friends. As soon as I was able to navigate on my own, I invited her to dinner. The morning after the first date, there was a notice on the bulletin board that read, “The nurses are forbidden from fraternizing with the enlisted men.” By then, it was too late. We had already fallen in love.

After 50 years, four children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, we are still fraternizing. - D.E.B., Midland, Mich.

Dear Midland: Thank you for sharing your beautiful love story. I’m sure my readers will enjoy it as much as I did.

Dear Ann Landers: I found this little verse in my husband’s old driver’s ed book from 1973 (author unknown). My stepson is nearing driving age, and we keep it stuck on our refrigerator. Although the advice is nearly 25 years old, it is still sound and I hope you will run it in your column for all drivers out there - young and old. - Stepmom in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Dear Stepmom: That takeoff on an old nursery rhyme may be a lot more effective than a lot of preaching. Thanks for sending it on. Here it is:

Ten Little Drivers, cruising down the line. One had a heavy foot, and then there were nine. (Speed limits are set for your safety.)

Nine Little Drivers, the hour was getting late. One dozed a moment, and then there were eight. (A tired driver is a dangerous one.)

Eight Little Drivers and the evening seemed like heaven. One showed his driving skill, and then there were seven. (Drive sensibly and sanely at all times. A car is no place for a clown.)

Seven Little Drivers, their lives were full of kicks. One bought a bottle, and then there were six. (Gasoline and alcohol are a deadly mix. Don’t drink and drive.)

Six Little Drivers, impatient to arrive. One jumped a traffic light, and then there were five. (Don’t gamble years of your life to save a few extra seconds.)

Five Little Drivers, wheeling near the shore. One viewed the scenery, and then there were four. (Careful driving demands alertness at all times. Keep your eyes on the road.)

Four Little Drivers, happy as could be. One passed a car on a hill, and then there were three. (Never pass another car when your vision is obscured.)

Three Little Drivers, busy it is true. One neglected car repairs, and then there were two. (For safety’s sake, keep your car in top condition.)

Two Little Drivers, and the day was nearly done. One didn’t beam his lights, and then there was one. (Slow down for dusk or darkness. Adjust your driving to existing conditions.)

One Little Driver, who’s still alive today. By following the safety rules, he hopes to stay that way.