The Saratoga Sun -

“How’s the most beautiful woman in all the Valley?”

That was how I would greet Elva Evans whenever I saw her around town. Whenever I’d say that, she’d get a big grin on her face and laugh which, in turn, would bring a smile to my face.

I wasn’t always that way. When I first met Elva, I was in high school. I was at the grocery store with my mom and we were behind Elva at the cash register. Mom, even then already knowing so many people, introduced us.

When I spoke, I thought Elva was going to melt right there in front of me as she began commenting on the deepness of my voice. I qu...