ALAMOSA – Leonard and Evelyn Smith will celebrate their Golden Anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 29.

Theirs is a story of serendipity, attraction and circumstance, along with an enduring love that has grown over more than 50 years, beginning when Leonard went to change a light bulb in Evelyn’s room at Head Start.

They were married on Sept. 28, 1968, at Sacred Heart Catholic church, with Tom and Judy Burbridge as attendants. They will entertain friends Sept. 29 at the Elks Lodge.

Born Maria Evelina Velasquez and raised in San Acacio, Evelyn attended Adams State College and graduated with a teaching degree. She met Leonard when she was in her first year teaching at Head Start.

Leonard needed money in his senior year and took a job as a janitor at the school.

Sparks didn’t fly when the light bulb was changed, but the seed was planted.

Soon after, Leonard became roommates with Eddie Espinoza above the Grove Theater. Eddie and Evelyn had been friends since they were young playmates in San Acacio. She remembered Leonard when she went to the apartment with another friend to play cards. Evelyn didn’t play cards, but she baked some goodies.

The baked goods were rapidly consumed, but the couple still has the light bulb.

Leonard graduated from ASC and taught school in Rye, a career interrupted when he was drafted into the Marine Corps. He never forgot the girl he left behind.

Settled at Alamosa, in the home they still enjoy, Evelyn taught at Head Start and Leonard worked for Winco, hauling gasoline on long trips and distributing oxygen tanks locally. Their only son, Jerry, was born on Feb. 22, 1974.

Time passed, Leonard served on the Alamosa City Council, they bought ACE Hardware, which had been White’s Hardware, and Evelyn retired from Head Start. They sold the store and retired.

They have a good example to follow. Leonard’s grandparents and his parents were married more than 65 years and they are following suit.

Love lights their way.

Captions: Evelyn and Leonard Smith on their wedding day, with attendants Mark and Judy Burbridge/Courtesy photos

Evelyn and Leonard Smith on a recent cruise