Manon and I shared an 8th grade class in Oswego in 1944-1945, Manon was ny first "puppy love", I was 12 years old at the time and Manon was a few months older. She was beautiful beyond words, with her curly black hair and startling blue eyes. I fell madly in love with her, but given our ages, I could do nothing about it. Our stay in Fort Ontario came to an end in January 1946 and we parted ways for many years. I never stopped thinking about her, however, and missed my chance to meet with her again in 1994, when Manon attended the 50th reunion commemorating our arrival in the U.S. 17 years later, I was shocked and deeply saddended when I heard that Manon had tragically left us at the premature age of 79. But it's gratifying to know that she lived a largely happy life, despite losing both former husbands. I have often fantasized about what might have come to pass if we had stayed in contact. Manon was that special a person.


I am now 84 and happily married,  with a beauriful daughter and her 3 children, but I still think often of that gorgeous girl with black hair and blue eyes. You, her f
survivors. must treasure your memories of her.