At the very beginning, it was a classic love story. When Janice Rude and Prentiss Willson first meet, it was love at first sight, like something straight out of a novel. The two young lovers, still at the university, fell head over heels in love with each other and become engaged. For the lovebirds, the future looked bright. Until something tragic happens that tears the couple apart, separating the two lovers and causing them to break off their engagement. Fortunately, she noticed this and they ended up exchanging looks during her work. It was love at first sight. Their early morning glances in the cafeteria were the beginning of a beautiful love story.
Fifty years later, a new discovery leads them to cross paths once again. But this time things will turn out to be very, very different. As fate would have it, their paths crossed again during a reunion event at their old university. The years had changed them both, but the spark between them remained. Rekindling their love, they decided to give their romance a second chance, proving that true love can endure even the greatest of obstacles.
A classic love story
Janice Rude and Prentiss Willson were classic lovebirds. The two teenagers fell in love at first sight while studying at Occidental College in Los Angeles, California. At the time, Janice was studying biology and was in her second year, she was one year ahead of Prentiss. The young man was only a first year student, he was still new to university life when he met Janice’s gaze.
It was impossible for him to look away after that. At the time, they did not know the ordeal they would face together. Despite the challenges ahead, their love blossomed. They spent countless hours studying together, exploring the vibrant city of Los Angeles, and making memories that would shape their lives. Little did they know, their enduring bond would carry them through life’s toughest tests.
Another era
Janice Rude bumped into Willson Prentiss in the campus cafeteria in 1962. She worked there and Willson came there for lunch. As soon as they met, in the blink of an eye, an instant connection was established between them. They both knew it was love at first sight. But at the time, the two young people were so reserved and shy that they couldn’t even look each other in the eye without blushing.
That was about to change and their story was about to be born. Their chance encounter in the campus cafeteria marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. Over time, their shyness melted away, replaced by a deep and enduring connection. Little did they realize that this serendipitous meeting would be the start of a love story for the ages.
Lessons from a father
Janice Rude was born and raised in Reno, Nevada and came from a humble background. Her father, whom she holds dear, taught her early on that it was important to work hard in life to be successful. A lesson Janice followed throughout her life. Janice’s father had always supported her entry into college, though he had never forced it either. Janice wanted to be successful in life and for her that meant getting a degree. So she enrolled in Occidental College to take a course in biology.
Janice’s determination and her father’s unwavering support drove her to pursue her dreams. She juggled part-time work at the campus cafeteria while excelling in her biology studies. Her hard work paid off when she earned scholarships that helped ease the financial burden on her family. With each passing day at Occidental College, Janice’s passion for biology grew stronger, and her connection with Prentiss deepened. They both understood the value of education and the sacrifices it entailed. Together, they faced the challenges of university life, forging a bond that would endure the tests of time and circumstance.
Prentiss Willson
Prentiss Willson came from a more privileged family than Janice. At Occidental College he had joined the Kappa Sigma fraternity. While the young man already saw a great future for himself, falling in love was definitely not part of it. Prentiss’ parents had always pushed him and they expected a lot from him. He studied law and eventually became the president of his fraternity.
For Prentiss, everything is already planned. Prentiss had a clear path ahead, shaped by the expectations of his family and his pursuit of a successful career in law. Love was not in his plans, but destiny had a different script. When he crossed paths with Janice at Occidental College, his carefully laid out future would take an unexpected turn, forever intertwining his life with hers.
As president of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, Willson Prentiss was already making a name for himself, in a good way. When a black student attempted to join the fraternity, the fellowship’s national leadership would refuse based on skin color. Prentiss, opposed to such evidence of racism, decided to take matters into his own hands. Through his leadership, the fraternity decided to leave the national leadership of the fraternities and became independent.
Prentiss’s courageous stand against racism within his fraternity showcased his character and leadership. His actions not only made a lasting impact on the fraternity but also demonstrated his commitment to justice and equality, qualities that would later resonate in his relationship with Janice. Eventually, the first black student, named Gene Grigsby, was admitted there.
Unexpected encounter
Janice Rude could count on her father’s help to pay part of her school fees. She would work for the rest in the cafeteria. This work made her come to school very early and Prentiss noticed her. Prentiss soon began getting up very early so he could be one of the first in the cafeteria, just to see Janice. With each passing day, their connection grew stronger, transcending the boundaries of shyness.
In those stolen moments, they found a love that would stand the test of time. Their early morning encounters in the cafeteria were like a secret rendezvous, a world of their own amidst the bustling college life. With each glance, they discovered an unspoken language of affection that deepened their connection. Shyness gave way to silent understanding, and their hearts danced in harmony, foreshadowing the enduring love story that awaited them.
Love at first sight
Over time, their love evolved. Little by little, they started to chat and have real conversations. Prentiss remembers those cafeteria interviews as « love at first sight. » Every day he got up early, just so Janice would see him in the cafeteria. “I think it was just fate. I even remember the first time I laid eyes on Janice,” says Prentiss.
Both ended up loving these short meetings at the cafeteria line, so much so that Janice would get worried when she didn’t see Prentiss. Their daily encounters in the cafeteria became the highlight of their college lives. Prentiss’s dedication to being there early was a testament to his love for Janice. Their bond grew stronger with each passing day, and the cafeteria became a place where their hearts truly connected.
Morning meetings
Prentiss explains that he used to go to the cafeteria « every day, at six in the morning, just to see her and have our little chat of the day. » For her part, Janice was also looking forward to these daily meetings. Janice woke up every morning hoping to run into Prentiss. When she got to the cafeteria, she was quick to hang up her bag and check her day shift.
Her favorite job was the cereal bar, where she was sure to run into Prentiss. Their dedication to these early morning rendezvous displayed the depth of their affection. Prentiss cherished those moments when they could chat, even if only briefly, before the hustle and bustle of the day began. Janice eagerly anticipated her shifts at the cereal bar, where her heart would skip a beat upon seeing Prentiss waiting. In those moments, the world faded away, and it was just the two of them, lost in their budding love.
An ideal life
Even though Prentiss was only a first year, he was made for the college life. He studied law, became president of his fraternity and participated in physical activities. Before his morning lessons, he always went for a run. After his jog, he would go to the cafeteria to have breakfast, knowing Janice would be there. Usually, Prentiss arrived in the cafeteria first, eager to be served by Janice.
Yet, even after several weeks, they still had not exchanged their first names. Their connection continued to deepen, even without knowing each other’s names. Their unspoken bond spoke volumes, and the anticipation of their daily encounters added a special charm to their budding romance, making every moment in the cafeteria feel like a page from a love story.
No chance
Even though the two young people were clearly drawn to each other, Prentiss feared that he didn’t stand a chance with Janice. “I actually didn’t think I would have a chance with her. » « She was a year older than me and she was so beautiful,” he recalls. But what Prentiss didn’t know was that Janice was also falling in love.
She waited impatiently each morning, just to see Prentiss and, perhaps, exchange a few words, if either of them could muster the courage. Their self-doubt and hesitation were like parallel currents, both flowing toward the same destination of love. Little did they realize that the beauty they saw in each other was reciprocated. With each passing day, their hearts beat in synchrony, and the courage to express their feelings grew stronger, like a whisper in the wind that carried the promise of a love story waiting to unfold.
What is his name?
One day, three and a half weeks after their first meeting, Prentiss finally learned her name: Janice Rude. A name he would never forget. He hoped that one day she too would learn his name. That day finally arrived, she learned his name: Prentiss Willson, a name she had heard in the papers before. She knew his name following the controversy caused by his fraternity after leaving the national fraternity leadership in order to allow a black student to join them.
The exchange of names marked a significant milestone in their relationship, as their identities became intertwined with their blossoming love. Their connection deepened, fueled by admiration and the shared values that had brought them together, setting the stage for a remarkable journey ahead. As their love story unfolded, Janice and Prentiss discovered that their names were just the beginning; their hearts and souls intertwined, forging a bond that transcended mere words. With each passing day, their love grew stronger, and they embarked on a remarkable journey together, facing life’s challenges hand in hand, and building a future founded on the unbreakable connection they had forged.
Thanksgiving dinner
Every year, Occidental College hosted a pre-Thanksgiving dinner for all students. It was a great way for them to celebrate this holiday together and to get to know each other better before the holidays when most of the students would be going home. Janice was very excited about this dinner, knowing that he would be there, probably standing in line in the cafeteria.
She began her work, excited as usual. But this time, something was wrong. He did not come.Janice’s heart sank as she noticed Prentiss’s absence at the pre-Thanksgiving dinner. She couldn’t help but worry about what might have kept him away. Was it a sudden change in his routine or something more serious? The cafeteria felt emptier that day, and her concern for him grew with each passing moment, casting a shadow over the otherwise joyous occasion.
A bold decision
Determined to understand where Prentiss was and if anything had happened to him, she left her job and went to find a friend of hers. She learned from this friend that he had left early to join his family. But Janice still longed to see Prentiss. In an impulse, which was very unexpected of her, she found his address and then wondered if she should set out to see him.
Janice’s heartache and longing for Prentiss drove her to take a bold step. She found his address, her curiosity and love urging her on. With a sense of determination, she contemplated whether to visit him, wondering if he felt the same way. The prospect of seeing him again filled her with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty, her emotions swirling like a whirlwind of love and hope.
Go for it
After a short thought, Janice Rude ran to her car and hurried to see Prentiss. Even though he lived in Santa Maria, about 160 kilometers from Occidental College, nothing could stop her. Janice got in her car and drove for three long hours, just to see Prentiss. She hummed the tunes from the radio all the way, delighted that she was going to see him.
But when she got to his door she froze. Standing at Prentiss’s doorstep, Janice’s heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She took a deep breath, her hand trembling as she reached for the doorbell. The moment had finally come to see the man who had captured her heart, but the anticipation of his reaction left her momentarily frozen, wondering if he would be as thrilled to see her as she was to see him.
The fateful moment
Janice Rude froze in the doorway. She realized how crazy she was, going all the way to see someone she had only chatted with in the cafeteria, without ever calling him before! And his family? What if they weren’t home? Her mind was raging when she decided to take the plunge. Janice knocked on the door. Her heart stopped when she saw the door open. It was none other than the man she was madly in love with, Prentiss Willson.
He was shocked to see her, but also overjoyed. As the door opened, time seemed to stand still for a moment. Janice’s heart pounded with uncertainty, but when she saw Prentiss’s surprised yet delighted expression, her anxiety melted away. They stood there, gazing at each other, words failing them in that magical moment of reunion. The love that had grown silently in the cafeteria now shone brightly in their eyes, reaffirming that sometimes, taking a bold leap of faith is worth the risk for the chance at true love.
Meet the Willsons
Nothing could have made Prentiss Willson happier than seeing his love at first sight on his doorstep. When she knocked on the door, he was sitting on the couch, reading a book. He was just thinking about her and how he missed their daily cafeteria encounters. To Janice’s delight, she received a very warm welcome from Prentiss. Better yet, she was invited to join the family for their Thanksgiving dinner.
Everything seemed to be going well. Prentiss’s invitation to join his family for Thanksgiving was a heartwarming surprise for Janice. The warmth of his family’s embrace, the delicious aromas from the kitchen, and the love in the air made it a Thanksgiving to remember. As they sat around the table, their hearts filled with gratitude for the unexpected twist of fate that had brought them together. It was a day of joy, laughter, and the beginning of a beautiful chapter in their love story.
Thanksgiving dinner
An immediate connection had formed between Prentiss’ parents and Janice. Prentiss Willson explains that his mother was delighted from their first meeting, just like he was. Janice felt relieved: her daring action had paid off. Thanksgiving dinner was indeed a pivotal moment in their relationship, only, they didn’t know it yet. Janice Rude returned to campus after dinner, then Prentiss joined her a few days later.
It was from there that everything changed. The immediate bond between Janice and Prentiss’s parents signaled a harmonious beginning to their relationship. Little did they know, the Thanksgiving dinner was the catalyst for a new chapter in their love story. When Prentiss joined Janice on campus, their connection deepened, and their love grew stronger with each passing day. It was the start of a journey filled with love, challenges, and endless possibilities that would change their lives forever.
Gathered
Everything changed after the Thanksgiving vacation. Once Janice Rude and Prentiss Willson returned to campus, they were no longer just chatting for a few moments in the cafeteria. A real relationship was born. The two young people quickly became inseparable and it was obvious to everyone around them that they looked very similar. They were meant to be together, and when they were, they were happy, as if nothing could separate them.
Their love, once hidden in the cafeteria’s stolen glances and whispers, now flourished openly for all to see. Janice and Prentiss’s bond grew stronger with each passing day, radiating a happiness that was contagious to those around them. It was clear that destiny had brought them together, and nothing could tear them apart. Their love story had only just begun, and it was a tale of love, devotion, and an unbreakable connection that would stand the test of time.
Proposal
Prentiss Willson gathered some courage and knelt down to propose to Janice. They had only known each other for a few months, and most of the time, they hadn’t talked much. It had taken weeks of meeting in the cafeteria before they managed to exchange a simple shy « Hello ». And now they were going to get married. They couldn’t be happier. However, their happiness would not last long. Prentiss’s proposal marked a turning point in their whirlwind romance.
Despite the brevity of their acquaintance, their love had deepened in a way that transcended time. They embraced their newfound happiness, blissfully unaware of the challenges that lay ahead. Little did they know that life would soon test their love, but their commitment to each other would prove to be unyielding, carrying them through whatever trials awaited them.
Announcement of the engagement
The young engaged couple could not have been happier. They spent more and more time together and got to know each other better. The more they discovered each other, the more they fell in love. Nothing seemed to be able to stand in the way of their happiness… for a while. For a short time, it was just pure bliss. But it all fell apart in January the following year when Janice Rude’s father was involved. In January of the following year, their happiness was abruptly disrupted when Janice’s father became a pivotal figure in their relationship, setting in motion a series of events that would test the strength of their love like never before. As the days turned into weeks, the couple faced one challenge after another, with Janice’s father’s disapproval casting a shadow over their once-joyful romance.
They tried to overcome the obstacles, but the strain on their relationship grew, and doubts began to creep in. The love that had once seemed unbreakable was now facing its toughest trial.
Despite the difficulties, they clung to their love, determined to prove that it could withstand anything. They sought advice from friends and sought solace in each other’s arms, hoping that time would heal the wounds and bring them back to the happiness they had once known.
The father’s ultimatum
Janice Rude’s father was not thrilled that his daughter was getting married so young and especially when she was still working to finish her studies. He then decided to give her an ultimatum and let her decide her future. Janice’s father imposed a cruel dilemma on his daughter: either break up with Prentiss Willson or he would stop paying for her studies. The earth collapsed under Janice’s feet. Suddenly she found herself forced to choose between the two things she loved most in the world. Janice faced an agonizing choice between love and education, torn between her deep affection for Prentiss and her father’s expectations. The ultimatum weighed heavily on her, as she grappled with the decision that would shape her future.
Janice’s heart ached as she confronted the impossible decision. Her dreams of a future with Prentiss and her academic aspirations hung in the balance. She knew that whatever choice she made would have far-reaching consequences on her life and the love she held dear. The pressure from her father, the weight of expectations, and the uncertainty of her decision created a storm of emotions within her. Janice’s struggle to reconcile her love for Prentiss with her desire for education was a defining moment that would shape her journey and test the depths of her resolve.
Major decisions
Janice Rude was shocked by her father’s decision and his interference in her relationship with Willson. Her engagement had already been announced in the local newspaper, but now she was not so sure. The announcement ended with these words: “No date has been set for the wedding,” a phrase that suddenly sounded like a warning. Janice knew she couldn’t afford to complete her education without her father’s financial help.
So what was she going to do? Janice found herself at a crossroads, torn between her love for Prentiss and the practicality of completing her education. The uncertainty of her future and the weight of her decision hung heavy over her, as she grappled with the choices that lay ahead. Janice found herself trapped in a heart-wrenching dilemma. Her love for Prentiss was undeniable, yet her education was equally important. The uncertainty of their future together cast a shadow over their once-bright plans. She grappled with the difficult decision, torn between her love for Prentiss and her need for financial support to complete her education. It was a painful crossroads, and Janice knew that whatever choice she made would have far-reaching consequences.
The mother’s intervention
Janice and Prentiss were both heartbroken at the thought of having to make such a decision. Furthering her education meant a lot to Janice and she was determined to get a degree, but at what cost? She was deeply in love with Prentiss and did not know what to do or who to contact. It was then that her mother stepped in to offer her help.
Despite the challenges, Janice could not imagine that what was a classic love story would soon end in tragedy. Janice and Prentiss found solace in each other’s arms, their love undiminished by the looming dilemma. As Janice’s mother offered her support, they clung to hope, believing that love could conquer any obstacle. Little did they know that the challenges ahead would test the depths of their love, transforming their classic love story into a tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring power of their bond.
Help
Janice Rude’s mother took out a second mortgage on her house, in hopes that she could help pay her daughter’s school fees and keep the couple together. Unfortunately, it was not enough. Forced to choose between leaving school and abandoning her dream of graduating to stay with Prentiss, and breaking up with the love of her life, she ended up choosing the second option.
Unhappy, she decided to break off her engagement and ended her relationship with Prentiss. Janice’s heart ached with the weight of her decision. Breaking off her engagement and ending her relationship with Prentiss was a painful choice, one that left her dreams of education shattered. She had sacrificed her love for the pursuit of her degree, but it was a decision that would haunt her for years to come, as the classic love story took an unexpected and heartbreaking turn.
Forcibly separated
“My dad forced us to go our separate ways the following January by refusing to pay for my classes if I kept seeing this boy,” Janice says. She finished her studies in biology at Occidental College, but she never forgot Prentiss. “Prentiss and I should have listened to his mother’s advice to run away. I was starting to worry that Prentiss would be attracted to a smarter woman if I didn’t graduate.
He did not understand my anguish and our paths parted. « The memory of their love haunted Janice as she completed her studies, a bittersweet reminder of the sacrifice she had made. The thought of Prentiss finding someone else weighed heavily on her, even as she pursued her dreams. Their separation left a void that neither of them could truly fill, a painful reminder that sometimes love alone isn’t enough to overcome the challenges life throws their way.
Time flies
The two young adults drifted apart little by little. After Occidental College, Prentiss Willson entered Harvard Law School to become a tax lawyer. He eventually moved to the Bay Area, where he became a brilliant and widely respected lawyer. After graduating in biology, Janice Rude took over the family business. Her family ran a thriving diving board business, so successful that it had joined the USA Diving Association Hall of Fame in Seattle.
Their lives took different paths, with Prentiss excelling in the legal field while Janice assumed a pivotal role in her family’s successful business. Despite the physical distance and divergent career choices, the memories of their love lingered, a testament to the deep connection they had once shared. Time and circumstance had separated them, but the flame of their past love still flickered, awaiting an opportunity to rekindle.
Life goes on
After several years, Janice and Prentiss were both married and their paths had hardly ever crossed. When they saw each other, they saw each other as friends, since both were married. Their old love was like a dream from the past. Without them even realizing it, 47 long years had passed. Janice and Prentiss had both since divorced but neither really thought about the other until a tragedy happened: Their mothers died within months of each other and they finally had one thing in common.
The passage of time had transformed their relationship into one of friendship, their shared past love fading like a distant memory. It had been 47 years, and both had experienced the complexities of life and love. However, the loss of their mothers brought them together once more, a shared sorrow that rekindled their connection and opened a new chapter in their lives.
The reunited couple
Janice’s mother and Prentiss’ mother both kept the journal slip announcing their engagement. “Our mothers understood. Our mothers just knew, and I think we knew too. « Janice’s mother even went so far as to keep an old copy of the slip in her purse. Janice and Prentiss discovered the scraps of newspapers in their mothers’ belongings after their deaths and decided to reunite.
Ironically, both had divorced at the same time in their lives. The discovery of the engagement announcement slips in their mothers’ belongings felt like a sign from the past, a testament to the enduring connection that had once bound them. The timing of their divorces and the shared grief over their mothers’ passing felt like fate intervening in their lives once again. It was as if the universe was giving them a second chance, bringing them back together at a time when they both needed it the most.
Meeting at the university
After finally contacting Janice Rude, after so many years, she agreed to meet Prentiss Willson at a restaurant called the Cliff House in San Francisco. They still remember their reunion years ago on June 20, 2010 and the big unanswered question: « Is the spark still there? » Immediately after seeing Prentiss again, Janice knew the spark was still there, even after 47 long years of separation. From there, the two of them resumed their lives practically where they left off and started dating again.
After six months, the couple became engaged for the second time. Their reunion at the Cliff House in San Francisco in 2010 was a momentous occasion, filled with anticipation and nervous excitement. As soon as they locked eyes, the spark of their past love ignited once more, confirming that their connection was as strong as ever. They embarked on a journey of rediscovery, picking up where they had left off 47 years earlier, and their love bloomed anew. Six months later, they joyously celebrated their engagement for the second time, a testament to the enduring power of their love story.
Happy forever
Even though no wedding date had been set the first time they got engaged, this time around, a wedding was truly going to be celebrated. On August 19, 2012, Janice Rude and Prentiss Willson finally got married in a magnificent ceremony on the campus of Occidental College, surrounded by classmates. “We regret every day we weren’t together,” Janice explains in an interview with Occidental College magazine.
« That’s about 17,500 days … But who cares? » Since that day, they cherish every moment of their life together. Their wedding at Occidental College in 2012 marked a joyous celebration of their enduring love, a testament to the idea that sometimes, love finds its way back, no matter how many days have passed. Janice and Prentiss cherished every moment together, grateful for their second chance at love.
