Barb (Kaminska) Wilde graduated from Spencerport’s E.J. Wilson High School in 1977. She had dated Tim Howard through most of high school. “He was my first love,” said Barb. The couple went to prom together, and Tim even gave Barb a promise ring.
As many young loves go, the relationship ended towards the end of their high school career. “I was devastated,” Barb recalled. She went to stay with her aunt in Buffalo to help get over the heartbreak. Barb ended up moving to Buffalo after high school, eventually got married, and had a family. Barb’s marriage ended in 1993, but she stayed in Buffalo, where she had built her life.
Barb often thought about her first love, Tim, wondering where he was and what had happened in his life over the years since they were high school sweethearts. “I always thought about Tim on his birthday. I never forgot his birthday,” she said.
Barb began looking for Tim on Facebook in May of 2020. She found him, and they began communicating. It turns out Tim had never married. The two began messaging through Facebook. Eventually, it led to daily phone calls and then meeting up for coffee. “He still makes me laugh,” Barb said, reflecting on when they reconnected. “He is the same person.”
Barb and Tim spent Christmas Eve at her daughter’s house. Tim presented an engagement ring and proposed to his high school sweetheart from 45 years ago. Barb said, “yes,” and they are planning to marry within a few years after Tim retires. First loves are often the ones we never forget. For Barb and Tim, their young love endured despite 45 years apart.
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