I Commit Myself To You!

After dinner at Capones in West Hollywood, the waiter brought two more glasses of Merlot. Michael toasted to Ira's new business venture, freelance marketing and creative direction "clink". As the wine glasses began to empty, Ira noticed something shinny at the bottom, "what's this?" Michael smiled, "I think we are overdue for a commitment ceremony, what do you think?" "I think you are absolutely right."

A wedding band was in each of the glasses. "I already found the Rabbi," Michael chuckled. The fact that a Catholic got a Rabbi for a Gay commitment ceremony boggled Ira's mind. Of course, he was Jewish and loved Christmas, so they were evenly matched.

After meeting with the Rabbi, and setting the date, lots of plans had to be made. Nothing made Ira happier than planning a celebration. Although this was not a legal marriage, it was much more real than his marriage to Phyllis.

Finally, the day arrived and it was perfect, a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The setting was at a friends estate on Mount Olympus, with an incredible view of the city. Michael had another surprise up his sleeve. When they came out and walked towards the Chuppah, Rebecca Stone was holding up one of the corners of the Tallis on a canopy pole. Ira started to cry and didn't stop until he crushed the glass with his right foot. Another surprise was that the Reformed Jewish Movement recognized their union as a marriage explained the Rabbi as she signed a Ketubah.

Now it was party time. On the top of the cake were two teddy bears in matching tuxes (this was before you could buy two grooms or brides). Three layers of heaven. Feeding each other cake and kissing to clanking wine glasses made this day even more joyous. Ira and Michael felt love and support. They would remember this day, always.

I'm Not Back!

Michael was not sure he wanted to go back to Skokie for Ira's tenth reunion, however, after much coaxing and bribery about staying at the Hotel Orrington in Evanston, he conceded. It was all worth it. Their room and view of Lake Michigan was amazing. They arrived a few days early to enjoy the city.

Rebecca Stone wanted her boys to stay with them on their trip home, however, she understood why they wanted to stay in a hotel. It was one thing for Jacob to be under the same roof in California, and another in his home. Instead, they all met at the Art Institute on Thursday morning, had lunch at the Artist's Snack Shop on Michigan Avenue. Dinner at the Conrad Hilton, and a live production of Cats at the Shubert Theatre. It was a wonderful day and enjoyed by all.

Friday night was the Niles North Class of '74 reunion at the Skokie Hilton. A lot of Ira's classmates asked Michael who he was. The first few times, he joked and said, "Your class president," but he soon tired of that and would simply say "I'm Ira's partner." The "Where are alumni now" section of the reunion booklet listed them as "Longtime Companions even though Ira had given "Life Partners" on the information form sent in with the $100.00 registration fee.

When they gave the award for the person who changed the most, Ira won by a landslide. He was taller, slimmer, and Gay. Everyone was pretty accepting of him and Michael. All the ladies made sure that their dance cards were full. In fact, one of Ira's former classmates who was on the prowl for his next ex-wife, asked one of the gals to dance, and she replied "Ira and I have the next couple." He stared at her for the longest time, trying to figure out why. Ira walked over and said, "If you want to get a girl to dance, just tell her your Gay." They both chuckled, but he ended up using that suggestion, successfully.

Michael and Ira were so tired, they decided to sleep late on Saturday. While on a walk around the Northwestern University, they saw Phyllis. Before they knew what was happening, she crossed the street and in a foul tone said, "So, your back, and you brought your girl with you." No response was needed, they simply turned around and walked away. "I see she hasn't mellowed any," Michael said sarcastically. "I hadn't noticed," Ira said with a grin.

Mount Olympus!

Ira was excited to be one of the creative directors to work on the 1984 Olympics' campaign. He had now idea how exciting until 14 Eastern Bloc countries and allies, including the Soviet Union, Cuba and East Germany refused to participate in the 1984 Olympics. Even though the USSR announced its intentions on May 8, 1984, citing security concerns and claiming that "chauvinistic sentiments and an anti-Soviet hysteria were being whipped up in the United States, Ira saw it as revenge for the boycott of the 1980 Moscow Games, enforced by President Jimmy Carter, in response to the 1979 Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan.

Ira and Michael had many passionate discussions about all the political drama. And there was so much going on with 140 participating Nations, 6,829 athletes, 221 events in 23 sports all at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum between July 28th and August 12th.

Ira would not have been able to continue living peacefully with Michael had he not brought him to meet President Ronald Reagan when he officially opened the Games. It was an incredible moment that passed in 15 seconds, but had a lifelong memory.

Turkey Surprise!

When Ira and Michael invited Rebecca Stone for Thanksgiving, nothing was further from their minds than her bringing Ira's Father for a visit, although refusing a ride from the airport should have been the first clue.

They rushed to the door after the bell rang. There they were, "We're here," Rebecca said with her arms open for hugs. Michael rushed up for the first hug and guided her in the house. After a long pause, "Hi Son," Jacob offered, "you look well." "You too Dad."
After a what seemed like an eternity, "Can I come in?" "Sorry, of course. You and Mom are going to be in the second bedroom on the left ... Let me take your bag." 'I got it, thanks." and Ira's Dad carried it into the guest bedroom.

"Pictures don't do your home justice," Rebecca gushed. She caught Jacob rolling his eyes and shot him "the look," everyone caught it, especially Jacob. "You guys did really well for your selves." "Thanks Dad ... so how was your trip?" Ira thought it would be best to keep conversation superficial and small.

After a day of traveling, the Stones retired about 10:00 p.m. (that was midnight Chicago time). In the morning, Jacob joined the others in the kitchen. The smell of fresh brewed coffee, French Toast made from home made bread, fresh squeezed orange juice and scrambled eggs put a huge smile on his face. "Now this is what I call breakfast, how come you don't make this at home Becca?" "Our Boys made you this feast, not me." He got a sheepish grin on his face and replied "I guess that's why I don't get this at home." It was the most playful Ira had seen his Dad in years.

Michael had printed up Google Maps to LA Art and Auto Museums so that the Stones could enjoy the day while he and Ira prepared for Thanksgiving dinner. Upon their return, the home spelled of sage, rosemary and thyme. Jacob noticed the table was set for eight. "Who's coming for dinner?" "A few friends, really nice people." Shortly after, Paul, Cathy, Pam, and Stu came in clucking. "Wow, everything smells great." "Glad I starved all day for this." "I'll diet tomorrow." "I'm moving in."

After the introductions, Michael brought out a tray of hors d'ourves and Chardonnay with toasts to the holiday season. By the end of dinner, everyone groaned from too much food, and yet, they all had room for coffee and home made pumpkin pie.

That evening was as perfect as they come, in fact, the entire weekend was perfect and would become a yearly tradition.

We're Valley Boys!

With 6 weeks left on their lease, Ira and Michael frantically search for their new home. Naturally they wanted to stay on the "West Side," but their budget had "Valley" written all over it.

Ira always told his clients, "you have your choice of 3 options: Quick, Brilliant, and Cheap. You can have a great promo and make a tight deadline, but it won't be cheap." He never dreamed that one day a realtor would throw those words back to him, except the 3 options were Location, Move-in Condition, and Affordability.

Their checklist was simple, and yet seemed unattainable: 3 bedroom, 2 bath with great traffic flow and move-in condition, in a nice Gay friendly neighborhood that was in move-in condition for a great price. That is until 3-weeks before they needed to move.

Their agent called and said he wanted them to see a house in Van Nuys. Reluctantly, Ira and Michael went over the hill. And there it was, the perfect house. A mid-sixties California Ranch with a cottage look in a great neighborhood and within budget. As soon as they walked through the front door and saw the huge living room, dinning room and fireplace with huge patio doors leading to a well landscaped back yard, they knew they were home.

The home offered everything they were looking for. Plus, the sellers were very motivated since they needed to move into their new condo in 3-weeks. As the Jews say, it was bashert (meant to be).

Ira was like a runaway train, hitting stores like they were passenger platforms, barely stopping long enough before the doors closed moving to the next station. Those 3-weeks moved so fast that it was a blur. Finally, move in day came. Ira and Michael had coordinated deliveries and installations like a Mozart concerto. At the end of the day, they collapsed before they could even put the sheets on the bed.

The next morning a truck had arrived with a very large box. It took two men and a huge dolly to bring it in the house. Ira didn't have a clue as to it's contents. It was like Hanukkah in August. As they carefully removed the corrugated casing, their eyes widened. Rebecca had sent her mother's mahogany drum table with a tooled leather top. Inside there was a small box, the Mezuzah that guarded the entrance of Ira's grandmother's home.

They held each other tightly. Nothing could be more perfect for their new life than family heirlooms sent with love.

California Here We Come!

Ira and Michael were finally ready for their big move to Los Angeles after six months of preparation. In addition to arranging employment and closing up their apartment, they attended nearly 35 memorial services for friends that had died from AIDS between Autumn of '82 and Spring of '83.

May 1st came with ambivalence. Once the car was packed (just enough room for clothes and other essentials), Ira and Michael met Rebecca for breakfast at Desiree in Downtown Skokie. Letting go of her boys was the tough for her, but they needed to move on with their lives. All they had in Chicago was family drama and disapproval.

"As soon as we get settled, we'll fly you out for an extended holiday." while Ira was hugging his Mom so tightly she could barely breath. Michael took his turn and kissed her on the cheek softly, "we'll call you at our rest stops along the way." Rebecca just stared as they got in their car and left, unable to cry anymore tears.

Ira called his Mom when he and Michael stopped in Des Moines, Denver, Las Vegas and finally arriving in Los Angeles. They were pretty tired by the end of their trip. The car was coughing as they pulled into a West Hollywood gas station as if to say, "I'm done!" Even the map mangled and torn beyond usability. So they did what other Gay couples did on Sunday morning, the went to the French Quarter restaurant on Santa Monica Boulevard.

Over breakfast they looked at "Apartments for Rent" in Frontiers Magazine (a local Gay rag), and noticed a furnished guest house for sublet only a few blocks away on Romaine Street. "I'll call," Michael announced and within 2 hours they were signing a three month lease. Although very small with few amenities, the guest house was clean and in a safe area which made Rebecca Stone relieved.

The boys would have a few months to get settled and familiarize themselves with the city. Michael was reporting to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center the next day and Ira had was starting at Leo Burnett, USA. The 4 day vacation was over.

Are You Staying Or Leaving?

Ira was in Detroit for a creative meeting with Ford. He took Michael with him as he usually did on work related travel. But on this trip, when the couple was enjoying a drink at the Adam's Apple on West Warren Avenue, they were spotted by a close friend of Phyllis'. "Hello Ira, who's your friend?" "Michael, this is Phyllis' friend Paula Gray. Paula, this is Michael Davis."

After she left, Michael asked "Are you OK?" "Paula isn't happy unless she is stirring-up shit. I'm sure she can't wait to call Phyllis." "But this is a Gay bar, what was she doing here?" "I'm not sure." He became pre-occupied with how she found him. This was a "man's" bar. Does Phyllis suspect? Did she pre-arrange this with Paula? Michael held his hand and just listened.

When they got back to the Hilton, Ira stopped at the front desk to see if there were any messages, and sure enough, Paula had called. The note read "Phyllis said you were in town. I'll catch up with you later." Ira just sighed and led the way to their room. "Maybe this is for the best, I can't keep living a lie, it's not fair to any of us, but especially Phyllis. I"m going to tell her when we get home."

The next morning the phone rang at 5:00 a.m., it was Phyllis. she was drunk and enraged. "How could you do this to me you fagot?" were among the many vulgar comments she shouted into the phone.

Ira hoped that the house was in one piece by the time he got home, and upon arrival, everything seemed okay. He had just opened the door and notices several suitcases sitting off to the side. Phyllis was on the stairs, sloshing her drink. "Are you staying or leaving?" she asked. "We need to talk... ," but before he could complete another word, she screamed, "get the fuck out of my house queer!" followed by her tossing her drink and cutting Ira on the forehead. "I said GET OUT!"

Ira felt the blood rolling down the right side of his face, looked at his bloody hand and walked to the kitchen to grab a paper towel. Phyllis ran to the knife drawer, pulled out the largest knife and shook it at him. "Don't think I won't do it. And what court would convict me after what you did to me." Ira quietly turned around, opened the front door, grabbed his suitcases and left and never went back. When Ira arrived at Michael's apartment, he was welcomed in with, "it's OK, your home now."

Phyllis' calls were relentless. They became more angry and surreal with each passing day. She even told Ira that she had slept with his father, a real man. Ira just wanted out. He gave her everything, there were no contest to any of the charges of infidelity.

Finally after six months the ordeal was finally over. Jacob had no use for either of them anymore. He was ashamed and disappointed. Even his wife couldn't soften his heart where their son was concerned. She would meet with her boys secretly, but all of this drama began taking it's tole on her. Ira thought it would be best if they just moved to California. "I'll call you every week when he's not home," Ira assured his Mom, "it's better this way." None of them really believed that to be true.

AIDS The Gay Plague

News across America - An alarming increase in the reports Kaposi's Sarcoma and Pneumocystis in gay men was announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There was a big difference for Ira between reading about AIDS in the news and having his art director, Steve Johnson die from it on the weekend of August 29, 1981. The were more than co-workers, he was like a brother to Ira.

Since Steve didn't have any family to speak of, Ira made all of the arrangements. He wrote the obituary, picked up the ashes from the crematorium, and organized the memorial service.

At least 100 of Steve's chosen family and friends showed up at the MCC Church in New Town. There was one familiar face, Ira's NIU room mate Michael Davis. Without thinking, he ran up to him and wrapped his arms around him in a tight hug. It took a moment, but Michael responded in kind. He asked, "Did you do all of this for Steve?" Tears started to roll down Ira's cheek and all he could do was nod.

After the service, the two went to the Melrose on Broadway to catch-up with a cup of coffee. So much had happened since they last saw each other. Michael was a physical therapist at Lutheran General Hospital, and Ira was a creative director for the auto group at J. Walter Thompson. They talked about everything except the white elephant in the room, Ira's wedding band.

Finally, as they were leaving the coffee shop, Michael asked if they could get together again. Ira lowered his head, "I want to, but...". "Your married, I understand. But can't we be friends?" Ira reached out and hugged Michael whispering in his ear, "but, I want more." The couple kissed on Broadway and Melrose, in front of God and everyone.

They both knew that this moment was the beginning of a lifelong love affair.

For Better Or Worse!

Phyllis was like a daughter to Jacob Stone. Only Rebecca understood that she was used to validate Ira to her husband. She loved her too, but was sure that marriage was not the best solution for her son. She knew he was special, and often told her husband that their son had the "Blue Gene." Whether he understood his wife or not, he simply ignored the comment and reveled in the battle won.

The Stones paid for a simple wedding and gave the young couple a small frame house in Rogers Park to start their future together. Although it needed a lot of work, Jacob and Ira transformed the fixer-upper into a perfect cottage for a young family.

Everything was picture perfect on the outside, but inside, Ira became anxious and distant. Phyllis was so happy planning the wedding, she was oblivious to Ira's anxiety.

The night before their wedding, Ira's friends gave him a bachelor party that he would never remember. It is hard to remember anything with three Long Island Ice Teas in your system. But everyone else would never forget the Groom's vulgar, drunken stupor. Comments that would never be repeated.

Phyllis spent the night at the Stone's home with an old fashion slumber party. Rebecca and the bridesmaids played parlor games till midnight. The next morning, hair, nails and dresses were on the agenda. When Phyllis was dressed, she was simply glowing. Rebecca got lost in the moment and began to think everything was going to be fine. But it wasn't really. November 4th arrived with a huge headache for Ira. It took 12 cups of coffee, his father, and the groomsmen to get him back together again. No one spoke of the night before, especially not Jacob.

When Ira saw his bride at Congregation Bnai Emmunah, all doubts and anxiety seemed to pass, if only for a while.

Will You Marry Me?

Phyllis Lane was an only child who lost her father when she was a Freshman at Evanston High School. She did not have a great relationship with her mother and it became worse in the Summer of 1979 when she remarried. Phyllis' stepfather thought it was ridiculous to pay for a girl to go to school, so she was forced to leave NIU before her Senior year.

Ira asked Phyllis to move in with him at his Lincoln Park apartment. It was conveniently located to DePaul University while he was attending for his MBA in Integrated Marketing Communications. She didn't have to think twice. Before he could utter the words, "I think we should live to...," she was unpacking her belongings.

Jacob and Rebecca offered to pay Phyllis' tuition so that she could finish her Bachelors Degree, however, she was content with secretarial work and living with Ira.

Her tough extrovert personality was a great camouflage for her insecurity. No matter how much Ira and his family and friends showed love and support, she was always the girl that just wasn't good enough. Jacob thought by being a strong father figure in her life would eventually reverse the battle scars of her youth, but Rebecca knew that was not a cure-all for the hurts she had endured. Ira seemed to be oblivious, however, he felt even more pressure to suck-it-up and be the fix-it man. His father often said, "men have to take care of their women, you have to take charge and be strong for her."

Ira worked very hard to finish his MBA in 12 months so that he could provide for Phyllis. With degree in hand, he did what was expected, he proposed to Phyllis. With one question, "will you marry me?," he made his parents, his family and friends all very happy. Phyllis even relaxed immediately and seemed more secure than ever before.

Ira wondered why he wasn't happy when everyone else was. What did they know that he didn't ... or did they?

Ira's Homecoming Queen!

Jacob didn't have to worry about Michael being his son's room mate at NIU because he left and continued his Pre-Med at the University of Chicago. That being said, Ira still followed his father's suggestion of getting a small single off-campus apartment.

The Stones had scoped-out and located the apartment during a summer weekend. It was clean and furnished which satisfied Rebecca. It was fairly close to campus, and that was good enough for Ira. And well, no room mates was all that Jacob really cared about.

Once settled in his new digs, Ira felt a little disconnected from his friends and so he ended-up studying at the library and going to more events than in his first three years combined.

It was so typical for Ira to watch sporting events through his camera lens, and the Homecoming Game at NIU was no exception. Later, when reviewing his prints, Ira noticed a girl wrapped in a parka. Who was this Homecoming Queen?

A week or so later, while waiting to meet with his career counselor, she passed Ira in the hall and dropped her books. Naturally, Ira moved-in quickly to assist. Their eyes connected and it was magic! "Hi." "Thanks, I am so clumsy, my name is Phyllis Lane," she said softly. "Glad to help. I'm Ira Stone," and so it began.

When Ira asked if he could bring Phyllis home for Thanksgiving, nobody hesitated, especially Jacob. Upon their arrival, Ira's Dad was actually very charming. He gave Phyllis his arm and whisked her into the house. Ira offered his arm to his Mom. Rebecca took it with a broad smile and they followed right behind.

Although, Ira and Phyllis had developed a physical relationship, in the Stone home, they were both virgins. Phyllis stayed in Ira's room, and Ira slept on the sleeper sofa in his Dad's office. That first night, Ira quietly went to his room and carefully opened the door which released a long, irritating squeak. Rebecca's quick arrival startled Ira, but seeing his Mom with her arms crossed and "the look" made him turn around and go back to bed.

The Thanksgiving dinner of 1978 was by far the most tasty. They ate until everyone groaned and could not take another bite.

When Ira and Phyllis were leaving, Jacob put his arm around his son and softly said, "don't mess this up, she's a keeper!" Turning and seeing his Girl and his Mom exchanging hugs drove the message home clearly. Ira knew what was expected. The decision had been made. There was no room for disappointment.

I'm Not Gay, I'm Just Your Room Mate!

Jacob and Rebecca helped Ira pack up his 1956 Mercedes 190 SL the morning he was leaving for his Junior year at NIU. Goodbyes were always tough for his Mom, so Ira gave her a big bear hug with "only 12 weeks to Thanksgiving." "Let him go, Becca," Jacob said impatiently as he slapped his son on the shoulder and walked back in the house.

Ira got in his car, so stuffed that it had stretch marks. He pulled away slowly and waved farewell to his Mom.

The trip seemed longer than usual. He thought about Michael. He had not heard from him all summer and was looking forward to catching up. While he was driving, Rose Royce's "Car Wash" and the Eagles "Hotel California" blasted over the radio on WLS.

Ira got excited when he arrived at the NIU campus. He stopped by his dormitory, put on the parking brakes and unloaded the duffle bags, and boxes curbside. He glanced up at the building and then glanced down at all his stuff and sighed. He had a duffle bag on each arm and hand carried the two boxes up to the second floor. Walking down the hall there were lots of hellos from friends. He entered room 222 (not the TV series), and dropped off his gear. Ira ran down to the car to park it in the lot, and Michael was arriving upon his return. "How was your summer?" he asked. Michael just looked down. "My parents are getting divorced," he finally replied. "Sorry, are you OK?" Michael didn't answer but Ira though it was time take him to DeKalb's East Lincoln Highway for a drink.

Both wearing jeans and leather jackets, hopped into Ira's car and drove into town. Over a brew, Michael gave some sorted details. He really hated leaving his younger sister, but his parents insisted and told him it was best. The pair clinked their mugs and toasted to new beginnings.

Time seemed to fly by, before he knew it, Ira was going home for Thanksgiving. He asked his Mom if it was okay to bring Michael, and of course it was. Nothing made Rebecca happier than cooking lots of food.

When they arrived in Skokie the day before Thanksgiving, Jacob gave them a very cool reception. Rebecca had set up a cot in Ira's room for Michael. While unpacking, Ira overheard his father saying, "They look like a couple of fairies." Ira felt very uncomfortable, but his Mom saved the weekend with her demonstrative hospitality. Ira really enjoyed the holiday. She had the capacity to love unconditionally. That weekend, Michael became her second son. When it came time to leave, she packed up lots of leftovers so her boys would not go hungry.

On the way back to NIU, Michael said, "Your father knows." "Knows what?" "I'm Gay." Ira gripped the steering wheel tightly. He tried to think of something to say. "You are too, right?" Michael asked. "I'm not Gay, I'm just your room mate," Ira blurted out. "Do you want me to move?" was Michael's next question. Ira felt bad, but he couldn't get any words out.

They were silent the rest of the trip, and did not talk about it the rest of the year, but that question remained silently on Ira's mind.

Carter Peanuts!

Ira voted in his first presidential election after Nixon's Watergate debacle. He supported Democrat Jimmy Carter, former Governor of Georgia who was elected President in the 1976.

Coming from a Democratic family, the choice was simple - comply or feel the wrath of Stone! Not only did his family declare themselves "Democrats," but his father's brother, Uncle Joshua, was an elected Illinois State Representative. His son, Cousin David, had been working in campaign offices since he was 5 years old. So as you can see, the only logical presidential candidate was Jimmy Carter.

During one of the Democratic rallies, Ira met a 16 year old "braniac" named Michael Davis who was an event volunteer. He looked more mature than his age. He also came from a Democratic family like Ira, so they had a little in common. Their courses of study couldn't be more different. Ira was majoring in marketing and minoring in computer science, while Michael was in pre-med. Differences aside, they still developed a nice friendship.

At the end of Ira's Sophomore year at Northern Illinois University, Ira's dorm room mate, Isaac, announce he was transferring to MIT. Michael agreed to room with Ira the following year.

Jacob was not keen on Ira's choice of a new room mate, there was something about him, he just couldn't figure it out. He preferred Isaac, thought he was a good influence on his son. Rebecca, as always, dismissed her husband's "gut feelings."

In later years, Michael and Jacob did not see eye-to-eye on most things.

New Look, New Car!

Ira shot up 6 inches and lost 25 pounds the summer before his Freshman year at NIU. His appearance and confidence changed dramatically. By the time he came home for Winter Break, Jacob and Rebecca hardly recognized their son. He was lean and had a beard and handlebar mustache.

It was a great holiday for the Stones. Ira felt like a celebrity at get-togethers with friends and family. Jacob had never been so proud of his son, he was now a self assured man lots going for him: smarts, looks, and popularity.

Ira discussed various career paths with his Dad. Jacob expressed his hope that his son would join him in the family business. Previously in office machines, Sun Office had recently jumped into the computer age with Wang Laboratories business computer line. Ira decided to major in marketing and minor in computer graphics. An MBA would be useful for any business.

Once back at school, Ira focused on his studies with little time for socializing. His first semester grades were very promising, A's across the board. Naturally, the Stones had to reward their son for such accomplishments.

When Ira came home for Spring Break, there was a White 1956 Mercedes 190 SL with black leather interior and black convertible top in the driveway in cherry condition. It had a big red bow tied on it. Jacob and Rebecca came out of the house with the key and gave it to Ira. "What's this?" he asked. "We are so proud of you." Rebecca answered. "And it's a great chick magnet to boot!" Jacob whispered with a grin.

Ira would remember this moment for the rest of his life.

So This Is What a Penguin Feels Like!

Ira Stone and Fran Stein both belonged to the Glee Club, but had never dated. About 2 months before the Senior Prom, Ira asked Fran out on a date and set up her friend Barb Cohen with his friend Ed Goodman, Ed and Ira had been friends since Ira's Bar Mitzvah. The foursome continued to double every weekend including Senior Prom.

The girls went shopping together for their formals and the boys went to Tuxedo Junction to rent their first tuxes. Everything looked great on Ed cause he was slim, but everything that Ira tried on made him feel like an over-stuffed penguin. Finally, he settled on a dark blue tux.

The night before Prom, the boys picked-up the tuxes and corsages. They talked about taking the girls to the Indiana Dunes that weekend. A great make-out place to be sure, after all, wasn't that what Prom was really about.

Rebecca Stone let her son borrow her 1972 Chevelle Malibu for the special weekend. Ira first picked up Ed and then they picked up the girls at Fran's house. Ira could not believe his eyes when Fran came into the living room. He didn't even notice Ed and Barb. Fran had died her hair blond, wore a beautiful gown and topped it of with a fur stole. She looked like a movie star. He was so proud that she was going to Prom with him.

When the foursome walked into the Knickerbocker Hotel, all eyes followed them. This time, they weren't nerds, they were classmates.

That summer, both couples broke up, but Ira continued his friendship with all.