My Beloved Ingrid

Recalling how this shy cowboy met the love of his life

- Don Brestler

After working as a cowboy and horse wrangler for four years, at the age of 22, I decided to return to school to complete Grade 12—so I re-enrolled at my old high school in Calgary. Being self-conscious about my age, I always sat near the back of the classroom. To obtain all the necessary credits, I had to take Grade 10 math and that classroom was right next to my homeroom, so I was the first one there every day. I’d watch the kids filing to their desks and there was one beautiful girl who caught my attention. With much anticipation, I’d look forward to seeing her coming into the room every day. She was very trim and had long, straight brown hair. She didn’t look around much, and was all business as she walked straight to her desk at the front of the room and sat down. I thought she appeared to be quite snooty.