When Howard Foster and Myra Clark first met and began dating in the late 1960s, they shared a deep and special connection. Living in Columbus, Ohio, they often spent hours on the phone, talking late into the night, finding joy in each other’s company. The love between them was undeniable; however, the world around them wasn’t as accepting. During that time, interracial relationships were met with hostility, and the couple found themselves subjected to the judgment and scrutiny of society.

For Howard, facing racism was an all-too-familiar experience. He felt the weight of societal prejudice not only in his daily life but also in the way people reacted to his relationship with Myra. Being seen together often attracted uncomfortable stares and critical comments, a constant reminder of the barriers imposed on them by the society of the time. As much as Howard cared for Myra, he couldn’t ignore the prejudice they encountered, especially knowing how it might impact her life and happiness. He wanted her to be free of the negativity that followed them, and he feared that society’s disapproval would eventually wear her down. The decision weighed heavily on him, but he ultimately chose to end their relationship, believing that it was the best way to protect her from the same injustices he had to endure.

Though they parted ways, their love for each other lingered. Even as decades passed, neither could forget the other or the happiness they once shared. Life took them in different directions, and they moved forward with a sense of loss that neither could quite put to rest. For forty years, they lived separate lives, each carrying memories of the time they had together, never expecting that their paths would cross again.

Then, one day in 2013, fate brought them together in the most unexpected way. While at a local park, they saw each other again, and it was as though time had simply paused since their last goodbye. For Howard, seeing Myra again felt like a dream he’d never imagined would come true. Sitting across from each other at a picnic table, they held hands, reconnecting as if no time had passed at all. Both knew this was their second chance, and Howard was determined not to let her go again.

The love between them was rekindled, undiminished by the years apart. Having shared a history marked by both joy and hardship, they embraced the opportunity to build a life together, free from the restrictions that had once separated them. They were both in their 60s now, and the world around them had changed, making their reunion not only possible but also more accepted. As Howard later shared, he wasn’t about to make the mistake of walking away from her again. The years they’d missed together only strengthened their bond, and now, nothing would come between them.

Their journey had been marked by many challenges. Howard’s experiences with discrimination didn’t end with his relationship with Myra. After graduating from Columbus West High School, he encountered prejudice in college, where his professors graded him poorly despite his hard work. No matter how well he performed on assignments, he would often receive a “D,” simply because of the color of his skin. This injustice deeply affected him and reinforced his concerns about the obstacles Myra might face if they stayed together.

Howard’s decision to end the relationship back then was born from a desire to shield Myra from the prejudice he endured. He feared she would eventually grow weary of the constant scrutiny and criticism. “Society wasn’t going to let us be together and she be happy,” he recalled. “Her happiness was the most important thing.” Their parting was heart-wrenching. As they walked away from each other, they both turned back for one last look, a bittersweet moment that held a lingering hope. In her heart, Myra had a feeling that they might one day meet again, though she could never have known when or how.

Their reunion in 2013 was nothing short of miraculous. Thanks to a mutual friend, the two were brought back together, and their love story took on a new chapter. They cherished every moment, making up for lost time. In 2015, after being reunited for two years, they finally married, promising never to be separated again. Their bond grew stronger with each passing day, and the joy they felt in each other’s company was evident to everyone around them. Howard expressed their renewed happiness, saying, “We enjoy each other; we really enjoy each other. I walked away once; I was not going to walk away again.”

Their story is a testament to the enduring power of love, which triumphed over prejudice and time. Howard and Myra’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience needed to overcome adversity, and the importance of standing up against racism and prejudice. Their love prevailed, even in the face of societal constraints, and eventually, they were able to live the life they had once dreamed of.

Reflecting on their journey, it’s heartbreaking to realize how much happiness was delayed because of the narrow-mindedness of others. Their story highlights a fundamental truth: everyone deserves the freedom to love whom they choose without fear of discrimination or judgment. As a society, it’s our responsibility to create an environment where love and happiness are embraced, regardless of race or background. Howard and Myra’s reunion shows that love can withstand even the longest separations and the hardest trials, and their enduring bond is a celebration of the joy that can flourish when barriers are broken down.