In the summer of 1967, two teenagers from completely opposite kinds of upbringing met in Columbia City, Indiana. They both worked at the local Kroger grocery store. She worked as a cashier, and he worked as a night stocker. She was sixteen, and he was seventeen.
This infatuation grew into a love stronger than the worst storms and more passionate than the words of Shakespeare. The first storm they endured as newlyweds was Paul being drafted and sent to Vietnam for fourteen months. Their journey was one of commitment and determination. Their love for each other and for Christ drew them together during all the difficult times. A time did come when they nearly divorced. How they dealt with the hurt and heartache is an inspiring lesson.
Paul was a brilliant businessman and ended his career as a senior vice president with Kroger. That journey wasn't without its struggles. He made a vow to Carol in the first year of their marriage that he would see that she had everything she ever dreamed or imagined. He kept that vow even on the last day of his life.