…a love story

Charlie and Sue's love saga is one unlike any other. This tale commences in 1989, when both Charlie and Sue were students at Rodgers Middle School, nestled in the suburban enclave of West Irondequoit, NY, just on the outskirts of Rochester. Remarkably, it was here that their paths intertwined, given that Charlie's mother happened to be the school's librarian.

The first glimpse Sue had of Charlie's remarkable talents was in 1991, during a piano performance at the school's talent show. While Sue was undoubtedly captivated, it wasn't until 1996 that their love story truly commenced its enchanting journey.

Navigating the landscape of adolescence, Charlie and Sue found themselves in a whirlwind romance during their junior year of high school, a landmark year for any young heart. Their love blazed passionately, kindling the flames of each other's first true love. Their connection blossomed through the exchange of heartfelt letters brimming with affection, shared hikes through the woodlands, and mutual celebrations of academic successes. Charlie's sweet gestures, such as leaving flowers delicately in Sue's locker and clandestine piano serenades in the auditorium, painted the canvas of their romance. These moments were when they would not only steal kisses but also map out the contours of their shared future.

The crescendo of their courtship occurred in 1998 when they graced the Junior Prom as a couple. A year later, their bond grew even stronger as Charlie led Sue to the majestic High Peaks of New York. A truly epic adventure, they conquered four peaks in a single day, etching their connection deeper into the mountainside.

As the sands of time flowed, Sue's yearning to explore the world beckoned her. Armed with a photography degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology, she embarked on a journey to San Diego, CA, seeking to sculpt a new life. Despite the physical distance, Charlie and Sue maintained their connection through letters, gifts, and conversations that explored their evolving love lives. In jest, Charlie mentioned marriage as an option if neither found their perfect match.

In a fateful twist, July of 2022 saw Charlie persuading Sue to return to their roots in Rochester, NY. Their aim was to reunite and rekindle the embers of their epic 1999 hiking escapade. The days spent together forged a connection on a profound spiritual plane, eclipsing any prior bond. Recreating a photograph from their past atop Wright Mountain, Charlie voiced his sentiment in a moment of vulnerability: "I wouldn't date you again; I would marry you." Sue, with a blend of surprise and affection, responded with a simple "Okay."

Their path forward was paved with compromise. A bi-coastal arrangement emerged, with Sue dividing her time between the East and West Coasts as she managed her business, Benedictine. Simultaneously, Charlie endeavored to establish his musical endeavors across California, Oregon, and Washington State. The challenges were immense, but their shared commitment and enduring love fueled their determination.

As this epic romance continues to unfold, one can only wonder where Charlie and Sue's extraordinary journey will lead them next. -Charlie with help from ChatGPT