Nothing says Valentine's Day like a wonderful love story. And Vermont Edition got to hear one from Burlington's Anne Bemis about how she met her late husband, Ed. It was a chance meeting that resulted in 51 mostly happy years of marriage.
The tale sounds like it should be turned into a pop song by Billy Joel. Although in this case, jazz was the soundtrack of their relationship.
The story began in New York City at Washington Square Park in 1960 when Anne took her dog for a walk late one night. A tall redhead was walking his whippet named Snoopy. Conversation ensued; Ed asked Anne to marry him that night but she thought it was a joke.
They started to see each other, but Anne was also dating two other guys. When she wanted to go see a jazz performance and Ed was the only one of the three men to get enthused about it, Anne was pretty sure she found her man.
"I don't think you can be in a long relationship with someone you don't respect." - Anne Bemis
Two more shunned marriage proposals from Ed and a astonishing twist that finally saw these two married, completes this tale of love.
The Bemises had been married for 51 years before Ed passed away in 2012.
So what was the key to a long, happy relationship? Anne cites several things. "I think at the base of our relationship, was a genuine fondness but also a deep respect for each other as people. And if that wasn't there, who knows? I don't think you can be in a long relationship with someone you don't respect. I think it would be painful."
And she says one more thing is needed. "A sense of humor, buddy! If you ain't got that, you're cooked."
Broadcast live on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019 at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.
