True love—does it really exist, or is it just a figment of our romantic imaginations? This question permeated my thoughts at the tender age of 13 when I was just starting to understand the complicated world of attraction. At the time, my primary passion was music. I spent my days jamming on keyboards with friends, dreaming of rock stardom, fueled by the sounds of bands like Emerson, Lake & Palmer and Yes. My older sister and I were devoted fans of Elton John, so when we learned he was performing nearby, my sister and I eagerly persuaded our mom to take us. With a car full of excited teenagers, we set off to the fabulous concert.
In the backseat of our Ford Country Squire, I was paired with my sister’s friend, a girl named Susan. I instantly felt a spark as we shared that cramped space. She was tall with gorgeous, long brown hair, and her dimpled smile lit up the car. As we chatted, I was overcome with feelings I had never experienced before. It made me forget all about the concert’s purpose. Once inside the venue, I positioned myself next to her, but, truth be told, Elton’s performance barely registered in my mind. I was captivated, wondering if she felt the same electric connection that I did.
After the concert, I made it my mission to see her at school. She was a year younger than me, which meant I had to carefully navigate the lunch courtyard and hallways for a chance encounter. Conversations often started with sharing gossip about Elton. I even surprised her with a freshly released album, making calls that stretched into the night until family members urged us to hang up.
My crush for Susan blossomed further. She was not only bright and funny but also shared my passion for music. With every interaction, I was more convinced that she was my soulmate. Gathering my courage, I decided to confess my feelings. One afternoon, I visited her home and expressed how deeply I cared for her, convinced we were meant to be together. Sadly, Susan gently turned me down, hoping we could maintain a friendship. Naturally, my heart sank but I secretly held onto hope that things might change.
We kept in touch, albeit sporadically, as life pulled us in different directions. I continued playing in bands while she flourished in high school choir. The distance increased when my family moved further south near Los Angeles International Airport. However, fate had plans for a reunion. One summer, I learned that Susan and her sister were visiting nearby.
When she stepped out of the car, I was jolted back to that initial feeling from three years prior. This time, I was more confident—no more braces, glasses exchanged for contact lenses, and I had grown taller. To my surprise, she suggested we go out sometime, and I eagerly pushed for it to happen soon.
Our first official date unfolded at an ice skating rink, followed by a meal at Carl’s Jr. Conversation flowed easily, igniting the same excitement I had felt years before. Susan revealed her playful side, confidently skating around me despite pretending to be inexperienced. By the end of the night, we shared our first kiss—a moment I had envisioned since that memorable concert.
Fast forward as Sunday marks 50 years since that life-changing Elton John concert on October 6, 1974. Over the decades, Susan and I have created a beautiful life together—playing music in bands, launching businesses, traveling the world, and raising two incredible children, all while nurturing a lifelong love. This journey has brought us countless memories, countless more concerts to attend, and each time I see her, I’m reminded of that initial spark.
Our enduring love story is a testament to the magic that can happen when two souls connect, proving that perhaps there really is such a thing as love at first sight.