I remember being invited to the Calendar Dance that has been held for a number of years at Ukrainian Assumption Church. I was pleasantly surprised to see all the tables decorated for the 4 seasons and songs to accompany each of the months. There was one year when Mr. and Mrs. Massopust along with their son, Anton dressed in Civil War garb to get into the spirit of the month they were representing. There was another time at the dance when Mrs. Massopust wore this beautiful outfit which originally, she had bought to go to a wedding reception. I remember when I complemented her on her attire, she told me she was not going to let that dress go to waste. Besides the good company and good food, I loved when the Massopust family got up to dance to a couple of fast dances and I joined in with them. My favorite part of the evening when it came to music was to see Mr. and Mrs. Massopust dancing to Elvis Presley’s version of “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.” Sometimes they would spoil me when returning from their visits at Culvers Lake and bring me back a couple of pieces of Dales Fried Chicken. When I offered to pay them for it, they refused my money. I loved how Mr. Massopust would address his wife by calling her Marcy. Katherine would show me pictures she took of her parents when they vacationed in Cape May, Wildwood, and from day trips to the Great Swamp. They were so relaxed and happy, and I love to see couples who have been married for decades enjoy each other’s company. There are 2 stories in my mind that Katherine told me. One how she and her mother got up very early to take pictures of the sunrise down the Waterfront. The other stunning picture took of her father fishing in Sunset Beach, Cape May. It’s a very unique shot. 

One of adventures that Katherine and I had was trying to find the gravesite of Marcus Spring in Alpine Cemetery. Her father knew where the grave was and told us where exactly in the cemetery where to find it. We followed the directions and we still couldn’t find it, but I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the magnificent monument that said Massopust on it which were his ancestors who served in the civil war. Another pleasant discovery, I have a penchant to always look at buildings, especially when they are older. One building caught my eye, it had the name of Massopust on top of the façade. I asked Mr. Massopust about it and he was telling me the Massopusts had businesses in town a long time ago. 

I also like when they had their famous picnics in the backyard. Mr. Massopust loved to use the grill and the smoker to make his famous ribs, hamburgers, and chicken. Anton made lemonade and Mrs. Massopust made potato salad. Mr. Massopust always liked people to critique his ribs as if he was a contestant on Iron Chef. He was one of a kind and I was fortunate enough to be one of the attendees when Joanie, Mrs. Massopust’s sister threw a party for their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2014. One of the souvenirs was a bottle of water with the label of Mr. and Mrs. Massopust on it. I still have that bottle and believe it or not it still has water in it. To me, it was one of the nicest souvenirs I ever kept.

I remember when Mrs. Massopust was telling a story of when she decided she wanted to marry him and told her mother. “But mom, I love him.” Her voice changed as she told the story back to that young girl in love. Her face lit up. It was like as she remembered that moment as she went back in time. 

Mr. Massopust told the story of how he was an event and talking to an older man who told him that he better not let that girl get away. When he told that story, his expression also changed. They had a lot in common being educators, and having a goal, and being on the same page. 

I’m not saying they always had smooth sailing, but sometimes you have to ride through tough times. And it’s how you react to those tough times that tells how strong a marriage you have. There are other stories that can be told about Mr. and Mrs. Massopust on their many trips by Katherine and Anton. 

Thank God there are so many great memories that Mrs. Massopust, Katherine, and Anton have to cherish. 

As for myself, I am grateful that they graciously welcomed me to share some of those moments and memories with them. C.M.