Reunions
High school sweethearts lose touch only to reunite and marry 50 yrs later
After spending decades apart - Barb and Cliff fell in love with each other again and said "I do." Their story is heart-melting. 🥰
Megan Bennett
04.04.23

High school is a crazy time for many people, with lots of highs and lows throughout the 4 years spent there.

Some people find their best friends for life, while others find their one true love.

Youtube - TMJ4 News
Source:
Youtube - TMJ4 News

For Barb and Cliff Hohlstein, they found both in each other.

The two attended the same high school and got to know each other throughout their time there, they eventually began to date in their senior year.

After they graduated, the pair dated for a little while longer until Cliff joined the army and Barb went to college.

Youtube - TMJ4 News
Source:
Youtube - TMJ4 News

They grew apart as often happens to young lovers when life gets in the way, but they never forgot about each other.

Barb became a school teacher and devoted most of her adult life to leading the education of the students in her care.

Cliff, meanwhile, finished his time in the army before he married a woman and had 2 daughters with her.

Youtube - TMJ4 News
Source:
Youtube - TMJ4 News

Throughout the years, their high school hosted many reunions and Cliff attended them all.

It wasn’t until 1999 that Barb was able to attend one too; it was their 50th.

Barb spotted Cliff immediately as soon as she arrived, but Cliff didn’t recognize Barb right away.

Youtube - TMJ4 News
Source:
Youtube - TMJ4 News

As a teen, Barb had thick wavy brown hair, but by her 70’s she had cut it shorter and let her gray come through.

As soon as he recognized his old love though, Cliff fell head over heels, just as strongly as he had when they were young.

And Barb wasn’t far behind, they quickly exchanged numbers and began to date.

Youtube - TMJ4 News
Source:
Youtube - TMJ4 News

The pair dated for a few months before Cliff popped the question and the two got married in the year 2000.

Both of the pair claim it was like no time had passed at all, they still felt like teenagers and had the same strong passion for each other.

Though both of them are now in their 80’s, Barb and Cliff love to play videogames, Wii Bowling specifically, and they love to laugh together.

Youtube - TMJ4 News
Source:
Youtube - TMJ4 News

They reside in an independent living retirement community and have many friends they enjoy getting together with.

When asked what the key to a happy relationship was, Barb said told TMJ4 News, “Be friends.”

Cliff replied, “Yes dear.” and the two chuckled together.

Youtube - TMJ4 News
Source:
Youtube - TMJ4 News

The pair have now known each other for many years, and been married for over 20.

While Barb does not have any of her own children, Cliff’s 2 daughters have welcomed her into the family with loving arms.

Though she didn’t get to see the girls grow up. she now gets to watch her and Cliff’s grandkids as they make their way through life’s early stages.

Youtube - TMJ4 News
Source:
Youtube - TMJ4 News

This pair proves that, even if life may get in the way for a while, true love will always prevail.

50 years, 1 war, and 1 serendipitous moment later, and these two were able to find each other again and rekindle their romance.

They even celebrated their wedding anniversary with a Wii Bowling tournament and a candlelit dinner.

Youtube - TMJ4 News
Source:
Youtube - TMJ4 News

See the love that Barb and Cliff have for each other in the video below!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

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