Is true love something that can happen in an instant, or is it merely a whimsical notion? These are the kinds of ponderings that seemed far from my mind at the tender age of 13, when I was only beginning to take notice of girls. My focus then was primarily on music, as I played keyboards with friends and dreamed of rock stardom. Elton John was a major influence in our household, and when we learned he was coming to perform locally, my sister and I begged our mother to take us to the show. Without hesitation, she packed the car with us and a few of my sister’s friends, and we set off for a night of excitement. Among the friends was Susan, the younger sister of one of the girls—a detail that would soon change my life.
As we drove in the back of our family station wagon, I found myself captivated by Susan. She exuded a natural beauty, with long brown hair, bright eyes, and a smile that lit up the car. In that moment, I felt an unfamiliar sensation—a magnetic pull I had never experienced before. At the Fabulous Forum, I strategically sat beside her, my attention divided between the dazzling performance of Elton John and my desire to connect with Susan. I watched as she reveled in the music, singing along, while my mind raced with uncertainty—did she share my budding feelings? Or was I simply another awkward teenager, lost in his thoughts?
At school, I would look for chances to see her, crafting excuses to strike up conversations about our favorite musician. Surprising her with a new Elton John album became one of my go-to moves. Our long phone chats often continued until someone from either family interrupted, urging us to get off the line. Each interaction only intensified my infatuation. Susan was not only smart and funny, but she was also passionate about music, making her seem like the perfect match. Eventually, I summoned the courage to confess my feelings, imagining we were destined to be together. I visited her home and poured my heart out, only to be met with her gentle response that she didn’t share those same feelings. A sense of defeat washed over me, but I held on to hope.
As the years went by, our communication dwindled, but my feelings lingered. I continued to play music in various bands while Susan flourished as a vocalist in her high school choir. Later, life took our families in different directions. I relocated to a new area near LAX, and our paths rarely crossed. However, fate intervened one summer when Susan and her sister visited my neighborhood. When she stepped out of the car, those feelings I’d had years earlier came flooding back. This time, my braces were gone, I had contacts instead of glasses, and I stood taller. Encouragingly, she suggested we go out sometime, and I made sure it happened soon.
Our first date was ice skating, followed by a casual dinner. I discovered Susan still had a playful spirit, as she effortlessly skated circles around me. That evening concluded with our first kiss—a moment I had long envisioned. From then on, we became inseparable.
Now, as we celebrate the milestone of 50 years since that unforgettable Elton John concert in October 1974, I reflect on our incredible journey together. Susan and I have collaborated in bands, launched businesses, and explored the world side by side. Our love has flourished through 42 years of marriage, two children, a grandchild, and countless Elton John concerts. Every glance back at that moment we first met, I still feel that rush of “love at first sight,” and I consider myself lucky to experience that thrill time and again with her by my side.