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Friday, February 12. 1988 / University Daily Kansan
Valentine's Day calls up memories of long-gone loves
By Ken Winford
Special to the Kansan
A faint smile crosses the lips of Helen Nelson. She closes her eyes and drifts back almost 60 years to a day that will live in her memory forever. She lifts her head and quickly wipes away a tear.
It was in 1928, at the age of 16, that Helen Nelson married her first true valentine. Harold Ray Williams. It was also that would last almost half a century.
"I grew up in Joplin, Mo., and my first husband was a farm boy." Nelson said. "Because I was only 16, my mother had to be there to give her permission when we were married by the justice of the peace."
Valentine's Day is a time when most people think about current romances or maybe even daydream about future relationships. But for many nursing home residents, Valentine's Day brings back memories of lost love.
Nelson, who lives at the Colonial Manor of Lawrence, 3015 W. 31st St., differs from most other nursing home patients in that she isn't alone. After the death of her first husband, she met her present spouse, Donald Nelson. They were married in 1983 and are one of only two married couples at the Colonial Manor.
Helen and Donald Nelson's first Valentine's Day at Colonial Manor in 1985 was made extra special when they were elected Valentine's Day King and Queen by the administrative staff of the home.
Whenever anyone asks Helen Nelson how she met her second husband, she always laughs and answers. He likes the girl's smile and found him in my backyard."
Helen, who owned a fishing resort,
met Donald there when he rented a cabin.
Donald, an avid fisherman,
was the one hooked that time, and he
and Helen soon married.
Donald recently left the hospital, where he had undergone surgery. He was recovering at his daughter's home, and although she was hopeful, Helen didn't know whether Donald would rejoin her in time for this
year's Valentine's Day.
"When I think about it, probably the best Valentine's Day I ever had was spent here when Donald and I were named king and queen," Nelson said. "Having the party and being chosen by the staff was nice, but what made it special was that I had someone here to share it with."
Holidays are often the hardest and loneliest times of the year for nursing home patients.
"Most of the people here are alone, and that makes holiday situations tough," said Robin Burgess, Colonial Manor administrator. "We have a special Valentine's Day party planned for this year. It helps our residents enjoy the day."
Robert Blair, who will be 69 this month, also lives at Colonial Manor.
Although he doesn't like to admit it, Blair was popular with the young students in his heyday. He broke off engagements with five different women.
"I know that seems like a lot of times to be engaged," Blair said. "But it's not really as bad as it sounds. I actually only gave a ring to one of the girls. With the other four, I lent the ring in my pocket."
Blair's birthday, Feb. 21, falls near Valentine's Day, and he says this is the reason that he never got too excited about the holiday.
"I like birthdays; and every year, I used to give myself a big party and invite over all my friends and the people I worked with." Blair said. "One year, a new girl came up and told me that this was the best Valentine's Day party she had ever seen.
"I said, 'Honey, this party isn't for Valentine's Day, It is for me.'"
Blair laughed at the memory, but then his face took on a sonic cast.
"Sometimes I get very lonely," he said. "My brother was the best friend I had, and he's been gone now for almost 10 years. I've led a good life, and if I had it to do all over again, I wouldn't change a thing."
Blair paused for a moment and slowly said, "Except. I would wish that it all wouldn't have gone by so fast."
Sun of Ski Waves "It's Back,"...
Once again, Litwin's and KLZR team-up to make this your best Spring Break ever. We'll be sending one lucky couple to the surf and sand, and another to ski the slopes. There will be additional prizes worth thousands of dollars. Sun of Ski Waves, Bigger and Better.
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Jennifer Rowland
planning editor
The Marine Corps is currently accepting applications from 1st and 2nd year law students. Interviews will be conducted on February 16 at the University of Kansas, School of Law. The interview schedule is posted in the School of Law placement office.
MATHEMETICS PRIZE COMPETITION
Junior Level: Open to all undergraduates of non-senior standing.
First Prize—$75
Second Prize—$40
Senior Level: Open to all undergraduates.
Second Prize—$50
Both exams will be given on Feb. 25,1988
7-10 PM in room 109 Strong
To participate you must register in 217 Strong
by noon, Feb. 25, 1988
COPIES OF LAST YEAR'S COMPETITIONS ARE POSTED OUTSIDE 217 STRONG
TAKE NOTE
THE KU MEN'S GLEE CLUB IS NOT JUST FOR SINGING
We're upbeat with good tunes, times and fun.
No enrollment required. Just come as you are Meets Tues. and Thurs. 2:30-3:20 328 Murphy Hall No experience or auditions required.