At 13, I thought about girls but didn’t comprehend true love—especially not love at first sight. My world revolved around music, from playing keyboards in school bands to dreaming of rock stardom. My older sister and I idolized Elton John. When we discovered he was set to perform locally, our enthusiasm transformed into determination, and we convinced our mother to drive us all the way from the San Fernando Valley to Inglewood. Among my sister’s friends was her younger sister, Susan, and since we were the youngest, we found ourselves in the back of our Ford Country Squire station wagon.
As we journeyed to the concert, I couldn’t help but notice Susan sitting across from me. She was tall, striking, with enchanting brown hair and playful bangs framing her bright eyes. Her laughter was infectious, and I loved the way she engaged in conversation. I was smitten, momentarily forgetting about the anticipation of seeing Elton.
Inside the Fabulous Forum, I chose a seat next to her, my focus wavering between the electrifying performance and this girl who had captured my heart. As she sang along to the hits, I pondered whether she felt the same connection. Would she be unsettled by my braces and glasses, or my awkward height? Those questions lingered while Elton commanded her attention.
Once the concert ended, my determination to find her increased. Despite being a grade below me at Portola Junior High, I scouted the courtyard relentlessly, searching for any opportunity to talk. I cleverly used our mutual love for Elton as an excuse, even surprising her with a new album upon its release. Our late-night phone conversations blossomed, filled with laughter, until one of our siblings would remind us to hang up.
Over time, my feelings for her deepened. She possessed a blend of intelligence, humor, and kindness that felt unparalleled. I fantasized about a shared future, believing our love was destined. Mustering courage, I visited Susan’s house and poured out my heart. Patiently, she listened, only to gently explain that she didn’t share my feelings, but hoped we could remain friends. I felt shattered yet clung to the idea that this was just a minor hurdle.
As the years rolled by, we kept in touch, albeit less frequently. I continued playing in various bands while Susan flourished in her high school choir. By the time I turned 16, I had moved to Westchester near LAX, while her family relocated to Westlake Village. The distance posed challenges, but luck smiled upon us one summer when Susan and her sister decided to visit.
Stepping out of the car, she reignited all the feelings I had experienced three years earlier. My braces had vanished, and I had traded glasses for contact lenses. Suddenly, she casually mentioned that maybe we could go out. I seized the moment and planned our first real date without delay. Ice skating followed by dinner at Carl’s Jr. proved to be a delightful night filled with easy conversation and her playful spirit. That evening concluded with our first kiss—something I had long envisioned since that concert.
Fast forward 50 years to commemorate that magical Elton John concert on October 6, 1974. Over these decades, Susan and I have created a life intertwined with music, starting businesses and traveling the globe together. We’ve been fortunate to raise two wonderful children and welcome a grandchild. Now, whenever I see her, I feel that initial spark of love at first sight, a feeling that continues to deepen with every passing year.