An Unexpected Kindness Gave Me an Unforgettable Memory
“I’m getting married,” I told my travel agent.This was back in 1977 when the only way to book flights was through a travel agent. Our agent had an office on the first floor of our office building. Back then I traveled all the time.
I Didn’t Have $400
“Congratulations,” he said. “Where are you going for your honeymoon?”“I can’t afford a $400 engagement ring. There are no plans for a honeymoon,” I said.“You’ve got to have a honeymoon. You only get married once. You are going to have a honeymoon.”“I hear you. But I don’t have the money for a honeymoon.”“You got some time, right?” he asked.“Sure.”
Surprise Bank Trip
He whisked me out of his office, and before I knew it, we were in his car. He drove me down the street to the local C&S Bank Branch. We walked into the bank, and he took me right to a lending officer friend of his.He said, “This is Charlie Paparelli. He is a client and a friend of mine. He is getting married in a month and needs money for a honeymoon. About $2,000 should do it.”The banker replied, “I’m happy to help, but I don’t know this young man. Does he have the collateral for the loan?”“Don’t worry about his collateral. I’ll guarantee the loan. Give him a 90-day note,” he instructed.
San Francisco to Hawaii
Kathy and I were married on May 21, 1977, in Denver, Colorado. That night we flew to San Francisco and stayed at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf. We then flew to the big Island of Hawaii and stayed three nights.Next we went to Maui where we stayed three nights in the brand new Intercontinental Hotel. Finally we traveled to Hilo for a one nighter and then back to Denver. What an amazing honeymoon.I rolled that note four times, then finally paid it off. Never missed the money but sure do have life-long memories of our wonderful honeymoon.
Kindness Lasts Forever
Thanks to the kindness of this man, he stepped into my life without being asked. He knew how important a honeymoon would be to a young man and his new bride. I don’t know what happened to him, but I’ll never forget him.