Chance meetings occur every day, everywhere . . . even at Family RV Association conventions.
By Joy Halkyard, F474790
July/August 2025
Who would have thought that after 39 years, I would be reunited with my maid of honor at an RV rally? Certainly not me! But that happened at Family RV Association’s 110th International Convention & RV Expo in Perry, Georgia, this past March.
Beth and I met in Virginia while attending Radford College (now Radford University) in 1974. We both were home economics education majors and soon became sorority sisters in Alpha Delta Pi. I married a week after graduation in June 1978, and Beth was my maid of honor; Beth married in December 1979, and I served as her matron of honor.
Joy married shortly after college graduation in 1978, and Beth served as her maid of honor. The following year, the roles were reversed for Beth’s wedding.
We kept in touch for many years, but after our children came along, life happened, and we drifted apart. I knew that Beth and her husband had RVed for many years before we did, but our paths hadn’t crossed until that fateful day in Perry.
As it happens, my husband, Terry, and I were walking into the morning seminar about Cummins engines. At the same time, Beth noticed me and said to her husband, David, “I think I just saw Joy walking down the hall!” He replied, “No way.” Determined, Beth decided to follow me into the room and ask if I was indeed Joy. She told David that if she was mistaken, she would blame it on old age.
Well, it was me. Beth called my name, and I turned around, instantly recognizing her. We both started to cry, overwhelmed by the unexpected reunion. We spent the rest of the convention catching up and promising to keep in touch and visit.
Our encounter at the RV event in Perry was a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and the unexpected moments life can bring. When we reconnected, it felt like no time had passed at all, and we were able to rekindle our old friendship.
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