I started working at Wal-Mart on April 8, 2005. A few days later I met this most handsome, charming man, Julius who made me feel very welcome. A few weeks later I was purchasing some bedding plants in lawn and garden and talking to Betty about a specific plant, then Pat came over and finally Mary joined us. Mary is the sweetest, gentlest person as are the other ladies there. Little did I know that love was budding amongst the spring flowers.
I heard from a "source" that when it was Mary's birthday and the "gang" was taking her out on her birthday, they invited Julius. He accepted and the "seed of love was planted". They had been working in different depts.. and how they both wound up in Lawn and Garden I don't know but any way they knew each other well. They met last year and started dating in the summer. Their friendship grew as the flowers they tended did. Then it blossomed into love.
The good news flew around the store to their friends faster than bad news does, we were all so happy! The local paper picked up on it and followed it through. from the first interview of the happy couple, to the march through the store.
Jules had a bout with his blood pressure and wound up in the hospital. It scared him and he thought about his life. As soon as he was out of the hospital and back at work, he bought an engagement ring, (yes at Wal-Mart!) He was leaving the store with his purchase and I had to inspect his packages and I saw the ring. It is gorgeous and picked with love! Well needless to say that we all waited anxiously for her to come into work so we could oh and ah and congratulate the couple and that we did from the front door to the time clock. We were all so happy for the both of them.
Since it all started at Wal-Mart, it was suggested that the wedding should be at Wal-Mart. Permission was granted by the District Manager and Wal-Mart Corporate.
"The Day Came" It dawned sunny and we all prayed it wouldn't be too hot. Well it was stifeling! I was getting out of my car and who was hanging balloons from the out door greenhouse? Jules himself. I hollered over and he greeted me. I said "hey the groom shouldn't be here working! He laughed his laugh and continued to hang the balloons. All day long the PA system at the store announced the wedding , time and place and everyone coming in the door was asking questions. One lady said to me," Oh your the lady who's picture was in the paper, your getting married today, why are you working?" "I said no it's not me , it's my friend Mary" We both had a good laugh.
I had several occassions to watch the happy couple leave the store holding hands and by the time they hit the lobby their arms were around each other. What a wonderfully beautiful site!
Two o'clock came I ran back to the time clock, ( if what I was doing was considered running) punched out and headed for the outdoor greenhouse the back way. Well, the place was packed! I worked my way through the crowd before the wedding party got there and it was Hot! The canopy had hanging baskets of Mums, and Spider plants, on the floor were more Mums, the place looked beautiful! The music started and the bride appeared in a gorgeous periwinkle blue dress , with bead work on it, she had a tiny spray of beads in her hair and her bouquet was white roses with a circle of blue carnations. The look on the grooms face? Indescribable ! The groom wore a matching white rose in his lapel.
All the Wal-Mart Associates wore their designated dept vests, Mgrs. were there along with assistant Mgrs that had been transferred to other stores. Many of the customers also attended .It was wonderful. There wasn't a dry eye anywhere to be seen
On September 03,2005 at 2PM Mary Kucharski 81, and Julius Kendrick 78, became Mr. and Mrs. The couple will honeymoon in Mexico and reside locally. They happy couple walked through Wal-Mart to the applause of Associates and customers and left for the reception.
Congratulations my fellow Associates and friends, may you marriage be blessed with nothing but happiness and good health!
