All around Eskaton we find stories of love. From couples who have been married over 60 years to people who recently met and fell in love, here are two stories that will touch your heart.
Lloyd and Sharon
Eskaton Village Placerville residents Lloyd and Sharon first met in 1951 during their freshman year at Jamestown College in North Dakota. Lloyd asked Sharon to ride with him to see the little town of Jamestown. They became sweethearts from 1951 until 1953, but Sharon and Lloyd eventually married different partners.
For 50 years, they were living 4 blocks away with each other in Portland, but never knew it. Through classmate.com, Sharon sent Lloyd a message. Lloyd had to pay 25 cents to answer her email. After talking on the phone, Lloyd drove to Wisconsin to see Sharon. They married in 2002 in Idaho. Lloyd said, “Every night, I give her a kiss and we pray together thanking the Lord that I met her.”
Charles and Tomiko
Charles, a U.S. serviceman in Tokyo, met Tamiko while she was working at Misawa Air Force Base. When Charles was discharged, he had to go home to Ohio. After 10 days back in Ohio, he wanted to see Tamiko again. He had to find a way to get back to Tokyo. Charles said his love for Tamiko is so powerful that distance cannot be a barrier.
His sister gave him $400. He made money by driving a rental car from Ohio to San Francisco. He finally earned enough to take a boat from California to Tokyo.
Tamiko and Charles got married in 1953 for $8. Neither had a job, but luckily an Air Force captain helped them find work. They traveled together to places such as the Philippines, Okinawa, Guam and Hawaii. They have two children born in Japan.
“We spent most of our time on our 10 acres in Ohio. We raised chickens and ducks. We did a lot of gardening too,” said Tamiko. When they retired, they moved to their 10 acre land in Pollock Pines, California where they were active in wood working and craft making.
Now living at Eskaton Village Placerville, they say the secret to a long and happy relationship is no fighting. Charles said, “I can’t remember if we ever had a fight.” On special occasions, Charles gave Tamiko gifts. He added, “Tamiko took care of me and she took care of everything!”
