Adele and Angelo Palmieri

Sometimes love comes unexpectedly and lasts a lifetime.

Adele Setnick Palmieri clearly recalls the moment Cupid's arrow pierced her heart more than 61 years ago. Her love story begins at a Paterson, N.J., recreational park, and she confesses that from the very beginning, it was love at first sight.

"My cousin, Mary, and I were watching a baseball game at the park when a cold breeze started blowing," Adele said. "I was wearing short sleeves and started shaking and hugging myself to ward off the cold. Then a young man spoke up and offered to lend me his sweater.

"I looked at him, saw those dark eyes and dark hair, and I was gone. I knew instantly that he was the one for me."

Because Adele was only 16 years old when she met Angelo Palmieri, her first thought was the handsome young man would probably meet someone else and fall in love before her parents would permit her to date. But Adele made a promise to herself to find a way to get to know Angelo better.

After the ball game ended, Adele and Mary walked toward the roadway, and a glance backward confirmed that Angelo and his friends weren't following them.

"Thinking I would never see him again, I had a heavy heart." Adele said. "But a few minutes later, Angelo and his friends came driving up in a little Ford. We exchanged addresses, and later, with my brother as a chaperone, we went to the park to watch Angelo play softball. We also frequented the People's Park Milk Bar to share a coke."

Adele said transportation was limited during her teenage years, and people relied mostly on buses. There were ethnic neighborhoods, and the Lithuanian Adele seldom crossed over to Angelo's Italian neighborhood.

"But our very different personalities enriched our lives." Adele said. "Angelo was very handsome and very well-dressed. He was also a shy young man, but we complimented each other in a very special way."

A year later, the U.S. Army summoned Angelo to military duty. He served in Lt. Gen. George Patton Jr.'s Third Army as an anti-aircraft gunnery sergeant.

"Our country was at war, and all I could do was pray that God would protect Angelo and bring him safely home again," Adele said.

During Angelo's tour of duty, Adele frequently wrote letters to him. Military intelligence screened the letters she received from him and reduced them to a tiny note.

"The letters were censored, and sometimes portions were blacked out for security reasons," Adele said. "Angelo's letters, referred to as v-mail, were difficult to read because of their small size, but they made a huge impression on my heart."

Adele has stored every letter Angelo wrote in a Johansen shoe box along with other mementoes from long ago. There is a heart-shaped locket Angelo sent from Camp Pickett, Va.; a bracelet purchased in Liverpool, England; a wedding flower; a few Adolf Hitler coins; and Adele's first valentine.

"The valentine is dated Feb. 14, 1942," Adele said. "These letters and gifts are more precious than gold to me, and re-reading the letters brings back many memories."

Adele remembers the times of uncertainty when she and Angelo were separated because of World War II.

"I didn't know where Angelo was stationed or anything about his mission," she said. "I listened to daily news reports on the radio and watched the news reels that were shown weekly at the movie theatre.

"Almost every night, while Angelo was fighting for his country, radio announcer Gabriel Heater would begin his program by saying, 'Bad news tonight,' and I would cry and pray."

Even though wartime placed a burden on their early romance, love sustained them through their letters. Six months after his tour of duty, Angelo married his sweetheart on June 30, 1946, at a New Jersey Roman Catholic Lithuanian church. Later, employment opportunities took the couple to Tennessee, and then to Orangeburg.

Adele and Angelo advise other couples to try to work their problems out and never go to bed angry with each other. Angelo says a sense of humor is also good for a married couple.

Both agree that a strong faith in God will help keep a marriage together.

"If I become upset over anything today, I pause to remember what it was like when Angelo and I first met, and the agony associated with waiting for him to come home from war," Adele said. "Then I think about how wonderful it felt to have him home again, safe and sound, after what seemed like an eternity of waiting."

The Palmieris are thankful for each moment they spend together and enjoy times with their three children, in-laws, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

It has been more than 60 years since Angelo penned the following message, but Adele said the words still make her heart flutter.

"Well darling, it certainly will be the day of all days when I see you again. Love, Angelo."

Elena and Robert Hair

Every Valentine's Day since 1990 has been a day of "omoide nakama" ("sweet memories") for Elena Estrella Hair.

Elena's collection of valentines, letters, photographs and more are a testimony of the love she shares with her special valentine, Robert Hair.

Elena and Robert's love story actually began more than 7,000 miles away from their home in St. Matthews.

It was a working day for Elena, and a job training session for Robert, that set the stage for romance between the two.

"As a single parent, my search for work took me from the Philippines to Japan, where there were many job opportunities," Elena said. "I found a job at the Showboat on the eighth floor of a shopping store as a singer and dancer.

"My main objective was to make a living for my precious daughter, Marie. I never expected to meet an American and fall in love, but that is what eventually happened."

Robert, an area manager for Koyo Corp. in Orangeburg, was visiting Japan on a work-related assignment. Hoping to find an English-speaking person to show him around the bea.jpgul city, Robert was directed to the Showboat, where he was introduced to Elena.

"For Robert, it was love at first sight when he met me," Elena said. "Later, we went sightseeing and out to eat to get to know each other better.

"I didn't realize it at first, but I was falling in love with him."

On one of Robert's visits to Japan, his mother became ill, and before he flew back to the United States, Elena placed her heart-shaped gold ring on Robert's pinkie.

"I told him to wear my ring until we saw each other again, and he did," Elena said. "Sadly, Robert's mother passed away, and it was some time before we saw each other again."

After Elena's contract with the Showboat expired, she returned to the Philippines to be near her parents. As Elena and Robert waited to see each other again, many love letters and pictures were exchanged, and Elena sent Robert music tapes recorded in her native language.

Then one day, Elena received a surprise package in the mail.

"Robert sent me an engagement ring by mail," she said. "He didn't think to send it ce.jpgied or registered; he just trusted that his love was all the insurance needed to get the ring safely to me."

To be sure that getting married and moving to the U.S. was the right decision, Elena obtained a 90-day visa.

"I was very nervous about coming to America, because it was something I had never dreamed about," she said. "But once I saw the bea.jpgul and charming countryside and met Robert's family and friends, I became excited about living here.

"Robert and I were married Dec. 17, 1993, at the Orangeburg County Courthouse by Margaret Thompson. It was a day I will never forget. After we exchanged our wedding vows, Robert took me to Dukes Bar-B-Que for dinner."

After the wedding, the couple dressed up and had their pictures taken at Edisto Memorial Gardens. The pictures were sent to Elena's family and friends in the Philippines.

"This was one way we could let my family know how bea.jpgul Orangeburg is and how happy we were to be married," Elena said.

Today, Robert continues to work at Koyo and play golf, and Elena operates a nail salon. Elena's daughter, Marie Angel, is studying nursing, and Robert's son, Will, lives in Baltimore. The couple's 13-year-old son, Ron, is beginning to understand more about the long-distance romance his mother and father experienced.

"I am teaching Ron about the culture and ancient traditions of Japan and the Philippines," Elena said as Ron flipped through a collection of letters and photos. "I want him to know about the vibrant cities, serene gardens, temples, shrines, the mountains and bea.jpgul islands.

"I also want Ron to know the true love story about his father and mother."

Elena said people often ask her why she came to America.

"I proudly tell them that my heart brought me here," she said. "South Carolina is my home now. I have a family of my own, and Robert is a good husband to me."

"And, I never pass up an opportunity to tell my husband, 'mahal na mahal kita,'" which means "I love you very much," Elena said.

Yolanda and Henry Lewis "Skip" Harrell

A beach party and a spilled suitcase are interwoven in Yolanda and Skip Harrell's love story.

More than a half-century ago, Skip and Yolanda met at the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary and the Virginia Polytechnic Institute (now Old Dominion University). Skip was a native of Norfolk, Va., and Yolanda had moved with her family from Brooklyn to Norfolk when she was 5 years old. Yolanda and Skip attended rival high schools and finally met at the two-year college.

"There was a big beach party weekend taking place at Virginia Beach," Yolanda said. "We both had jobs, and Skip had a car, so friends suggested that Skip take me later in the day, although we didn't know each other very well.

"When Skip picked me up from my home, he carried my suitcase as he walked down the stairs. Suddenly, my suitcase popped open, and all of my clothes, including my unmentionables, spilled out! Skip picked up my clothes and stuffed them back into the suitcase, while my mother and I sat at the top of the stairs laughing."

"I don't know what kind of impression I made that day," she said. "Skip didn't talk very much during the ride to the beach, and I didn't see him at the beach the whole weekend."

The following fall, Yolanda and Skip went on their first date. Then, Yolanda enrolled at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, and Skip enlisted in the U.S. Army. Their love and respect for each other began to blossom.

"Skip and I wrote each other daily, and I still have a box of our old love letters," Yolanda said. "Skip came to visit me every chance he could while he was in the military."

Yolanda graduated in 1955 and returned home to teach fourth grade. After Skip completed his Army tour at Camp Gordon in Georgia, the couple exchanged wedding vows.

"We were married on Aug. 18, 1956, and that was 51-1/2 years ago," Yolanda said. "We have enjoyed many wonderful years together, and we've shared a lot of laughter along the way.

"Thankfully, I haven't had a spilled suitcase lately. But there was a time we seemed to be packing up and moving frequently."

Realizing the importance of a college degree, Skip re-enrolled at the Norfolk Division of the College of William and Mary, now a four-year college, and graduated in 1958. He accepted a job with the A.C. Nielson Co. and moved his family to Evanston, Ill., while he received training.

The Harrells then relocated to Cincinnati for four years before moving to Louisville, Ky., for 18 months. More adventures were in store for the family.

"Skip commuted to New York City for 10-1/2 years, and we lived in Westfield, N.J.," Yolanda said. "He ran the Cherry Hill, N.J., office 5-1/2 years, and then headed the Westport, Conn., office for eight years prior to retirement.

"During a number of those busy years, I taught school. Then, I was a stay-at-home mom and was active in church and did volunteer work. Later, I was a tour guide in Philadelphia and worked as a substitute teacher in Connecticut.

"Our lives were always busy, but we made time for each other and were always doing fun things with our children, Michael and Julie."

The Harrells chose Seneca as their retirement home. For 16 years, the couple lived in a home on Lake Keowee that was complete with its own dock and pontoon boat. But all was not well with Yolanda's health, and in December 2002, Yolanda traveled to North Carolina's Duke University Medical Center to have a mitral and aortic valve replacement.

"But the doctors suggested that I wait until spring to have the surgery. In February 2003, we packed our suitcases and headed to Anna Maria Island, Fla., for a month-long vacation," Yolanda said. "A few days after we arrived, however, I had congestive heart failure and had emergency surgery at Blake Medical in Bradenton, Fla. I spent 17 days in ICU, 11 days in a coma and a total of 31 days in the hospital. Skip was with me constantly."

Realizing that Yolanda needed his love more than ever during her hospitalization, Skip purchased a Hallmark card that featured a poem by Linda Lee Elrod. Skip read and re-read the poem to his comatose wife.

Somehow, the words Skip spoke made the transition to Yolanda's heart.

"Skip lovingly read the card to me until I woke up and during my recovery," Yolanda said. "Somehow, I became stronger. I read the card occasionally today and still cry every time. I will always treasure it."

Yolanda and Skip moved to The French Quarter at The Oaks in Orangeburg four years ago. They are involved with activities there and have made many friends. The couple enjoys outings sponsored by The Oaks and participates in games of mahjong.

Now that Yolanda's health has improved, the couple is once again enjoying romantic excursions. Skip says he still doesn't mind carrying suitcases for his valentine.

Cheryl and Gary  Schurlknight

February has an extra special meaning for Cheryl and Gary Schu

rlknight of Cordova. The couple celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary on Feb. 3.

Cheryl and Gary met at Edisto High School. Cheryl said Gary kept asking her for a date until she finally accepted, and they have been inseparable ever since.

"I was in 10th grade, and he was a senior when he began pestering me for a date," Cheryl laughed. "I admit I was interested in the good-looking guy, but wasn't sure he was serious about going out with me. He invited me to his senior prom, and more dates followed."

Cheryl said they went on double dates for a while, often to Piggy Park for burgers and barbecue or the movies. They would also go skiing on Lake Marion.

"One of our most favorite things to do was ride up and down 'the strip' and talk to friends," she said. "It was a favorite pastime for couples on weekends.

"As we continued to date, the more convinced I became that Gary was the one for me."

On Valentine's Day, 1973, Cheryl received her first box of chocolates. The red heart-shaped box was adorned with a pleated silk ruffle and a single white rose.

"I thought it was the most bea.jpgul box of candy I had ever seen," Cheryl said. "When all the candy was gone, I packed the box away with some of my special things.

"I guess I'm sentimental, because I like to save stuff such as old cards and pictures, but the candy box is very special to me."

After Cheryl and Gary tied the knot, the couple became the parents of three sons -- Lee, Dain and Cameron. The family moved a few times before settling into a country home surrounded by nature.

"Having three boys of our own reminded me of my three brothers," Cheryl said. "I had lots of experience growing up with activities such as ball games and deer hunting, and those activities continued when our boys were growing up.

"I expect the fun and games will keep going now that we have grandchildren. We enjoy family gatherings, taking vacations together and going out chasing dogs."

Some of Cheryl and Gary's most memorable vacations have brought them much laughter and family togetherness, Cheryl said.

"Our vacations are usually planned, but we sometimes like to take uncharted road trips on the

weekends," she said. "We travel the back roads in our motor home and go wherever the path leads us. We have had an overnight stay in a Wal-Mart parking lot and other exciting adventures."

Cheryl and Gary spend more time together than most married couples do. Gary is the owner of Edisto Heating and Cooling, and Cheryl is the office manager.

They get along so well, and enjoy each other's company so much, Cheryl said a short time apart is noticed.

"Gary has a wonderful presence, and if he is gone from the shop more than an hour or so, I start to missing him," she said.

Cheryl said she believes God meant for Gary to marry her and lead her on life's journey.

"I am grateful for all the blessings I have received over the years as Gary's wife," she said. "I don't know any secret formula for a happy marriage, but I believe good communication is essential, along with respect for one another.

"I like the Bible verse that reminds us that love is patient and love kind. I believe that with patience, a marriage will endure the test of time."

T&D Features Writer Sonja Gleaton can be reached by e-mail at sgleaton@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5540. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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