Maretta Ross and Fred Ross, once teenagers from competing high schools in South Georgia, shared a memorable homecoming dance that would resonate through the years, eventually bringing them back together in a full-circle moment.
Never give up on love,” Maretta Ross told WALB. “Because you just never know.”
Reflecting on their youth, Maretta Ross recalled their brief romance, filled with moments at church picnics, visits to her grandmother’s home, and the excitement of homecoming events.
Then their relationship ended, and life went on.
Maretta Ross relocated after marrying young and stayed married to her spouse for three decades. During their time apart, she and Fred Ross pursued independent careers and raised their own families.
Maretta Ross remembered feeling lost and unsure of her future after her marriage ended.
However, Fred Ross, a Camilla native, said he never forgot her. Maretta Ross revealed that her former partner discovered her on Facebook and got in touch with her almost 40 years after they had lost contact.
She said she, however, contacted someone who knew him well, his longtime friend Todd West, before she gave him her phone number.
“I reached out to Todd, and I said, ‘Should I give him my number? What is he like now? I don’t know him anymore,’” she said.
Maretta Ross said that an hour or so after West’s assurance, Fred Ross called.
High school graduate’s diploma held back after doing a split on stage during the ceremony
Then their relationship ended, and life went on.
That single message resulted in hours of conversations. According to Maretta Ross, their conversations “never really stopped.”
From that point on, the connection seemed effortless.
Maretta Ross explained that she had been divorced for roughly six years at that time and had no intention of getting married again.
“I had been married my whole adult life,” she said.
But as the two started talking, she said, “It just kind of was easy.”
When he got back in touch with Maretta Ross, Fred Ross claimed he had been “waiting for the right one” and felt he had found what he was searching for.
But as the two started talking, she said, “It just kind of was easy.”
When he got back in touch with Maretta Ross, Fred Ross claimed he had been “waiting for the right one” and felt he had found what he was searching for.
Maretta Ross said it was pleasant when they eventually got back in touch in person.
“It was wonderful,” she said. “We just talked and talked and talked and talked just really got to know one another once again.”
According to the couple, they will commemorate their nearly three-year marriage in July.
Maretta Ross expressed her hope that their story will inspire others to persevere.
She also talked about the lessons she picked up along the way, such as how to break bad habits from her first marriage.
“Allowing someone to help lead,” she said. “I was so strong-minded… I’ve had to humble myself a little bit and be a partner.”
Another piece of advice she gave was to be patient.
“Good things come to those who wait,” she said.
She also reminded the next generation to treat others with respect.
She continued, “Be kind to everyone because you don’t know when you’ll see them again.”
Source: Face2Face Africa
