Thank You for Saying Yes to Dance with Me

During the Memorial Day Weekend of 1959, I was foot loose, fancy free and 19 years of age. I was invited to a friends home for a party. Their sister Betty was just hired in the Telephone Company in Asbury Park, New Jersey. When she arrived at her new job she was greeted by Peggy Hartigan. Peggy was a service representative and trainer with the Phone Company.

As a thank you Betty invited Peggy to the house party. I was stting at the back of the room when I saw Peggy walk in the room. She was not alone. She was accompanied by several other men and women. I wondered if she was dating anyone. This had to be the toughest decision I would have to make in my life. I was very concerned about being her response, what if she said no. I was sweating and my heart was pounding.I had dated several young women in the past but none of them had this charisma. I was overwhelmed by her beautiful smile, red hair, and rediance.

I walked over and asked her to dance. She said yes. I was surprised and thrilled that this beautiful woman would want to dance with me. We danced for several more hours. A friend and his girl friend decided to go to another dance at the Asbury Park Elks. I asked Peggy to join us and she said yes. She told me later that she never went anywhere without her car or friends. This was a first for her and me. God had a plan that night and I am glad that I embraced it completely.

We married on June 12, 1960. We have had a very romantic marriage with 3 children and 8 grandchildren. A loving and joyous relationship.

Her wriitngs appear on AssociatedContent.Com, Helium.com., and Peggy the Poet@ Blogspot.com. Her work in Hospice, starting small businesses, helping at-risk children and adults is legend.

Peggy Hartigan Najar died on June 22, 2008. Her passing has left a tremendous void in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and the community.

John Najar, her husband of 48 years.