We grew up in Maine, Herb in a small vacation town, me, Bernie about 20 miles away. Since our parents were friends, we grew up spending lots of time together.
When his brother married my sister, it allowed us even more time to be around each other.
Herb was in a band ( Windfall ) with his brother and I would tag along with my Sis.

Herb in Band
Yes This Is The “70s”

My goofy sister
” Rose Marie ”

We started our lifetime of romance when I was 13 and he was 15 (no, my parents didn’t know!). One year later we had found beautiful love and were going steady. We had each found our soul mate. We both knew from the very beginning that we loved each other and would do whatever it takes to be together forever. It was a dream love for both of us. Respect and love were a priority in our lives.
We enjoyed weekends with our friends riding our motorcycle along the shores of Maine’s beaches and also in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Boy did we know the Kancamagus Highway well. We also enjoyed our time touring with the band. When I was almost 18 he went on tour to Canada and since I was still in High school I could not go! It was the first time we were apart and it was Hell! Six months later, off he went for a tour in Puerto Rico! When he got back in the states, we decided it was time to “tie the knot”. We did not want to be apart ever again.

July 2, 1977 was a very special day for both of us.

Our wedding 7-2-77

After battling long, cold winters in Maine, we decided it was time to head south. Off to Florida we went! Sunny South Florida became our home for the next 30 years.
Time seems to slip by so quickly, that in the blink of an eye, we are now in our 60’s! We had lots of really good times, some relationship difficulties, and a whole lot of normal days in between. respect and love was always a priority.

Bernie X-Mas “AKA the old bag”

Herb on the road driving our Semi

Neither one of us has a degree in counseling, marital advice, or relationship therapy, but have had our relationship problems and attended the “school of hard Knox” for many years. We have learned that real life situations can really grab your attention and slap you in the face much harder than any lesson to be learned out of a textbook.
The reality of money/bills, raising children,(their bad relationships and broken love), aging and dying parents, and the unimaginable death of our precious granddaughter, has taught us not to take any part of our lives and or relationships for granted.

Our precious granddaughter ” Jade”

In our early years, being with each other was our number one priority, with our motto being “all you need is love”. We have learned that communication is what ties our marriage together, and has made it withstand the test of time, it is vital to a strong, healthy, long lasting relationship. This has proven to be the “key” to the mastery of love in our relationship.
Now the kids have grown and we have become empty nesters. Now we find ourselves crisscrossing the country in an 18 wheeler, enjoying each other’s one on one company and beautiful scenery most people take for granted.

Our “traveling Puppy” She drove with us for 16 years. RIP our Belle

When we do go home, we devote our time to spoiling our grandchildren. Once they are completely and thoroughly spoiled, we hand them back to their parents and wave “so long” for awhile. Paybacks are so very sweet! Were positive our children will do the same when they become grandparents also.

Bernie With Our Old truck
Yes she is very very cold

Life has taught us that all things important require dedication, communication, (remember that listening is an act of love) and constant effort by both partners to keep our relationship evolving.

Live, Love, Laugh. and Cry…

Bernie and Herb Hopkins
P O Box 595
Clayton Al. 36016