A True Love Story–James and Julia

Many tales authors write are actually inspired by real life.  This story inspires me everyday.

Menaleus  lived in Greece.  He had dark hair and flashing dark eyes.  His gift was the flute; his playing moved people.  He had a brother and four sisters.  His brother moved away, so when their father and mother died, Menaleus became responsible for his sisters.  He decided to put aside studying music at the university in Athens to go to America so he could earn enough money to send to  his sisters.  He went to New York City where dreams are made and not just on Broadway.

Julia's father was a farmer in Austria.  He owned six farms.  When she was 17,  she went on a holiday to America with her fine clothes, jewelry, and fur coats.  While she was in New York, war broke out and she couldn't go home.  She ended up staying with an uncle and his family.  To earn her keep, she worked in his restaurant. 

Everyday for lunch, Menaleus, I mean James (as they changed it at Ellis Island) came into the restaurant to order a modest meal.  He was a young apprentice in the fur industry, but he sent most of his money to his sisters.  The little window between the dining room and the kitchen would open and the most beautiful, delicate face with pale blue eyes would look out and hand the waiter the tray.  There began an unusual courtship of shy smiles and gazes. 

James approached the owner of the restaurant.  He wanted to court the girl in the window.  Her uncle said no.  He had unmarried daughters.  But James would not stop asking, until he finally got her uncle to allow them to meet. They each spoke a little English.  James asked to marry her.  Her uncle said James could have her but only if she left with the clothes on her back.  She would have no dowry, and he would keep her fine clothes, jewelry, and furs as compensation for giving her a home.

Julia was angry, but James was overjoyed.  All he cared about was marrying her.  He didn't care about her money.  He wanted her.  Even though, Julia was furious with her uncle who would not even pay for a wedding, she went with James.  They were married in a little Greek church called St. Nicholas and lived very happily.

(Note of interest:  Many years later, their Greek church would be flattened when the World Trade Center fell.)

How do I know so much about James and Julia?  They were my grandparents.  Do you have a true love story that inspires you?  Tell us.

–Susan 

Susan Hanniford Crowley

Filed under: romance, Susan Hanniford Crowley