Dear Abby: Queen and her gallant knight have shared lifetime of love

DEAR ABBY: At this time of year I have seen letters in your column from couples describing how they met. I hope you will print ours.

During a study break one evening in April 1937, I walked to Bruckner Boulevard Park in the Bronx to sit on a bench. A cyclist whizzed through the center walkway, then stopped and slowly backed up to where I was sitting.

"Hello," he said. I responded. "Who are you?" he asked. "I'm Queen Elizabeth the First," I told him without batting an eye. "Well," he replied, "I'm Sir Walter Raleigh - unfortunately, I don't have a coat to place at your feet." Then he sat down beside me. We talked, we laughed, and he walked me home.

Four years later, Ben and I eloped. That was April 3, 1941.

This year we will celebrate our 71st anniversary and have accumulated three daughters, nine grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and another on the way.

We have shared our tears, our joys, our failures and our successes. We have enjoyed every moment. Now in our 90s, we are financially secure, have a caring family and many beautiful memories. Ben, however, has not as yet placed his coat at my feet.

- Bella in New York

DEAR BELLA: No - he took you on a lifetime magic carpet ride instead. May you enjoy many more years of happiness together.