To a girlfriend named beverly

[Merrillstoys]

It was 49 years ago. I took this girl out on our second date. I was taking her to Manhattan to see a Broadway show and then to dinner. I asked her if we could first stop by a stamp show at the Americana Hotel and she said “yes”. While at the stamp show I bought a stamp for $100 and she went nuts. She said “It’s used!! You can’t even put it on an envelope.” I explained that even though this was only our second date, if we fell in love and got married and she wanted a home, I could sell my stamp collection and buy her that home. For the rest of the stamp show she never said another word.
About 30 years ago my wife came back to our apartment from a shopping trip. She announced that she found a house that we just had to buy. I told her we couldn’t afford it. She said “Do you remember our second date? You said if I wanted a house, you would sell your stamp collection and buy me that house.” I still don’t think that’s exactly what I said. Anyway, two weeks later I flew to L.A., sold the stamp collection and bought the house.
When I informed my wife I would start collecting baseball cards, she said “You go right ahead and collect anything you want.” Wasn’t she great?
So now I collect T206 baseball cards. My children will have to pry the cards out of my cold dead hands.


September 5th 2002
Rest in peace Beverly



This is always a tuff day for me.
I would just like to thank everyone who read this and to those who responded.
THANKS,
Merrill

[vintagetoppsguy]

Thanks for sharing that story. It brought tears to my eyes.

[Danny Smith]

Thank you. Wonderful story and it sounds like she was a great woman.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Agree. Beautifully written with perfect pitch.

[mrvster]

and a great story! T206 are the best....but your wife sounds like she was one-of-a kind.....very touching

[atx840]

Beautiful story, you are a lucky man. Thank you for sharing.

PS. Made my wife cry.

[Eric72]

Originally Posted by Merrillstoys

It was 49 years ago. I took this girl out on our second date. I was taking her to Manhattan to see a Broadway show and then to dinner. I asked her if we could first stop by a stamp show at the Americana Hotel and she said “yes”. While at the stamp show I bought a stamp for $100 and she went nuts. She said “It’s used!! You can’t even put it on an envelope.” I explained that even though this was only our second date, if we fell in love and got married and she wanted a home, I could sell my stamp collection and buy her that home. For the rest of the stamp show she never said another word.
About 30 years ago my wife came back to our apartment from a shopping trip. She announced that she found a house that we just had to buy. I told her we couldn’t afford it. She said “Do you remember our second date? You said if I wanted a house, you would sell your stamp collection and buy me that house.” I still don’t think that’s exactly what I said. Anyway, two weeks later I flew to L.A., sold the stamp collection and bought the house.
When I informed my wife I would start collecting baseball cards, she said “You go right ahead and collect anything you want.” Wasn’t she great?
So now I collect T206 baseball cards. My children will have to pry the cards out of my cold dead hands.


September 5th 2002
Rest in peace Beverly

Thank you very much for sharing. It sounds as though Beverly was a beautiful person. You were blessed for being by her side.

Best regards,

Eric

[gregr2]

Very well stated, thank you for sharing. Sounds like she was a great woman.

[Sean]

Merrill, that really is a great story.

[Matvoo]

Great story thank you for sharing

[t206blogcom]

Wonderful story, thanks for sharing.

[clydepepper]

Merrill - I'm sure you realize just how lucky you were to find such an understanding woman. I would have been happy just to have one that could be quiet that long.

[Kenny Cole]

It sounds like both of you were blessed to find each other and to have all those years together. Would that I can be so lucky to have that time with my wife.

[KCRfan1]

What a wonderful memory! Beverly sounds like she was absolutely terrific. You're a lucky man to have had a wife like her!

[HalChaseCollector]

Fantastic story

[sreader3]

Merrill,

Reading your story, I envisioned a youthful you, there at the NYC hotel circa 1965, making a rather flippant pledge to your unbeknownst bride to be--and her understanding it as your solemn vow. What a wonderful tale of love and integrity. Thank you for sharing and sorry for the loss of your lovely Beverly.

Scot Reader

[chipperhank44]

I've got to say things like this are what make collecting vintage cards so much more gratifying than modern cards (my former hobby). So many more memories, stories, and sentiment involved in this community and these collections. Thanks so much for sharing your story about Beverly, sounds like she was quite a catch! My wife loved the story as well.

[gnaz01]

Awesome, you are one lucky man!!! Great story

[Tao_Moko]

Thanks for sharing. Really moving example of love in a marriage.

[Fred]

Awesome story!

[ethicsprof]

beautifully written and poignantly told.
both of you were so fortunate and blessed to have found each other.
I am deeply moved by your story.

all the best,
barry

[CW]

Once again Barry says it perfectly.

Very touching, Merrill.

[Rickyy]

Great story...thank you for sharing your special memories with us...

Ricky Y

[steve B]

As others have said, a wonderful story and so well written. It speaks directly to the balance between any collectors loves and which naturally must come first.

I think it deserves a more permanent space somewhere.

Steve B
PS: 49 Years ago a stamp for $100 was a pretty big deal!

[Merrillstoys]

This is always a tuff day for me.
I would just like to thank everyone who read this and to those who responded.
THANKS,
Merrill

[cubsguy1969]

Wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Rob

[h2oya311]

I got choked up quite a bit w/ your final two lines. Very beautiful story. I will share it with my wife tonight.

[ksabet]

Truly touching, I have been married 12 years and hope I have that kind of passion after 30 or more years.

Thank you for sharing!

[Al C.risafulli]

Thanks so much for sharing that.

-Al

[tschock]

A "plus one" to all the above comments doesn't even begin to approach the sentiments I feel on you relating this story. Life is beautiful!

[DHogan]

Thank you for sharing your special memories with us.

[jbbama]

Awesome story, thanks for sharing.

[Mountaineer1999]

A wonderful story Merrill, thanks for sharing.

[rc4157]

Thanks for sharing Merrill, you were blessed to have Beverly as your partner.
RC

[benchod]

Wow,
One the best posts I've read!
Merrill thanks for sharing your story.
Peace be upon you.

[obcbobd]

Beautiful story. So sorry for your loss.

God Bless

Bob

[7nohitter]

What a great woman...you're lucky to have spent your life with her. Thank you for posting this great tribute.

Andrew

[iwantitiwinit]

Beautiful.

[Bestdj777]

Beautiful story. I hope you spend today enjoying all of the great memories you've had.

[autograf]

Fantastic story........stuff like that makes this forum what it is..........

[irishdenny]

iN a World In which We live... We see & hear of so many situations were people are iN the ruff of it! You my Dear Friend have sparked an entitlement that occasionally happens... And So, I "Thank You" for helping me remember my Dear Wife!

Your Story of Your Sweet Bride Beverly iS so worthy to be read... and Read AgaiN!
I admit, that getting All choked uP, iN a Good Way iS Always Welcomed...

"Thank You" for passing oN your dear memories of Beverly to uS All!!!

[brian1961]

Merrill,

Thank you for sharing your heart, bro. Very tender, and precious. Keeping your word to Beverly brought her much happiness, and no regrets for you on this sad anniversary. A sincere brotherly hug to you from my wife and I. Honestly, I can't type anymore, the tears prevent me..... Brian Powell

[exitmusicgreen]

Much respect.