On the flight to Vegas, I sat with Bonnie and Charley. They were totally in love. It was heartwarming.
Charley's sister used to mow Bonnie's lawn. When Bonnie no longer needed the help, she still owed some money, so she visited her house to drop off a check. Charley was the only one home, and they've been in love ever since. I asked when that was, and Bonnie smiled, "Years ago."
I'm guessing it was before 1998, because when they were first dating, Hurricane Bonnie came along. Shortly thereafter, there was Tropical Storm Charley. Their friends loved to tell them about it.
The plane took off and shuddered during its climb. Charley said, "I like to keep my feet in the dirt." Bonnie agreed, "I like to keep my hands in the dirt!"
They're farmers from Ohio and were headed to Las Vegas for a vacation. I asked what they were going to do there. They hesitated and I suggested, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas?" They agreed and laughed.
I felt totally at ease with Bonnie and I told her all about Fernanda and my hopes for Burning Man. I asked what they do on the farm, since they don't have a TV. Do they sit on the porch? Watch the sky?
She said that, after work and after dinner, they're usually pretty tired. So sometimes they'll read but often they'll just snuggle.
They're people who truly appreciate each other and their good fortune in finding one another. I'm so glad that they've found that love in their lives, and I hope I'll be so lucky myself. I think Paulo Coelho would call them a good omen.
