Father’s approval led to 65 happy years

We’ve had a busy month — so far, and it will probably remain so. And there are a couple of memorable events taking place.

I suppose today, Father’s Day, would be considered as a potential memory maker, and I know that the recent wedding of our granddaughter Kelsey Foley, just last week, was a memorable event. It was a beautiful wedding, (her first) and she was a beautiful bride. Her bridegroom, James Risner seems a perfect match for Kelsey.

Some 65 years ago, on the 28th of June, your favorite columnist, and his “Favorite Wife” were married in Sacred Heart Church, Salt Lake City, Utah. It’s a commemoration that few have the opportunity to celebrate, and, unless the winds of fate throw a wrench into the machinery in the next two weeks, it will be a day we will welcome, and celebrate.

We had a great time at Kelsey and James’ wedding, and it brought back that time, over half a century ago, when Sharon and I took our vows.

Our courtship and engagement weren’t without a few stumbling blocks.

First, as I have mentioned before, Sharon is of Lebanese descent. Her grandparents, both maternal and fraternal, were immigrants from the “Old Country” and they hoped that their offspring would marry from within the Lebanese-syrian community in the area.

Sharon’s dad, Alfred Lupus, was born in Liverpool, England, while his parents were immigrating from Lebanon. Her mom, Isabelle George, was born in Salt Lake City.

After we began dating, (having met each other while planning a dance party for our church’s youth group) Sharon’s parents made it pretty obvious that they hoped she would “keep looking.”

In the process, she dated a few guys that met the Lebanese qualifications. Seems “Celtic” didn’t fit the bill.

And it wasn’t all rosy on the Mcclellan side of the fence, for my dad, Mack, a son of Utah pioneer stock and Latter-day Saints (Mormon) knew he wasn’t going to like my choice.

Well, it took only about 30 minutes for him to accept Sharon, and he loved her from then on until his passing in 1961.

We began dating in December of 1956. In fact, I recall the movie I took her to that evening — “You Can’t Run Away From It”, starring June Allyson and Jack Lemmon. I even remember what she wore — she was beautiful, and I admit for me it was truly love at first sight.

I think we had been dating for about a month when I told Sharon that I was going to marry her.

Frankly, I don’t think she was as excited with the prospect as I was.

We dated until October of 1957 and then we went shopping for an engagement ring. We found one Sharon liked —for the exorbitant price of $275.

It was then I began to worry about how to break the news to her parents.

Her dad, Al, was a burly, stern man who, although possessing a good sense of humor, was a tough sell when it came to Sharon’s choice in husband material.

I didn’t exactly have a dream job, I worked on home construction, which should have helped endear me to Al, since he was a union carpenter and was the construction superintendent on large construction projects around Northern Utah.

Sharon’s mom was a sweetheart, and she was a bit more tolerant of the new potential son-in-law.

I recall the night I proposed. I had the ring in my pocket, and Sharon and I were in the TV room, when I got down on my knee, and popped the question. Since we already had the ring, she knew it was coming, it was just a question of when.

After her acceptance and a kiss, I had to confront the dragon — I knew it might not be particularly pleasant, but we took each other’s hands and went into the dining room where the family were seated around the table.

I think Al smelled a rat — it was only me.

I cleared my throat, and nervously said: “Mr. Lupus, I would like to marry Sharon, if I can get your approval.”

The words just sort of lay there like a dead fish for a few minutes, while it sunk in. He eyed me up and down, then spoke: “How do you plan on supporting her?” I reviewed my current job, and tried to assure him that I would take care of his daughter.

And by the way, Al, it’s been a pleasure.

And, all you fathers out there, have a fun and blessed day today!