By james art 
For Francis Austin and Steel McGonegal, their love story began as a childhood sweetie, but it took decades to reach its full circle.
Virginia Beach, Washington – Love has a way to find its way back, regardless of time or distance.
For Francis Austin and Steel McGonegal, their love story began as a childhood sweetie, but it took decades to reach its full circle.
Now the Virginia Beach couple is celebrating their commitment again to each other – on Valentine’s Day.
Fran and Steel met for the first time in 1947 when they were students in elementary school. Even then, Fran knew there was something special about Steele.
“As a 6-year-old, I thought this boy was sweet. You know, I think I’ll marry him when I grew up,” Fran recalls.
Their children’s relationship has intensified over the years. From school dances to the first crushes, Fran and Steel spent most of their early years next to each other.
“Just dancing with him made my heart tremble,” Fran said. “I knew even more, then it was the man I had to get married when I was 13 years old.”
Despite their deep connection, life led them in different directions. Steel continued to study physics at Virginia Tech while Fran pursued a career in nurses at Norfolk General. Over time, they lost a touch, building separate lives without expectation to ever connect again.
It was until fate intervened.
In 1999, Fran and Steele ended up at their high school at Norview High School. After 40 years from each other, they locked their eyes again. The emotions from that moment remain fresh in Steele’s heart.
For Fran to see Steele again after all these years it was like overwriting a love she had never forgotten.
“I’ve never forgotten it all this time. I really thought I would never see it again,” she said. “Steel Eugene McGonegal … I never forgot him. He was really in my heart. He was in my soul.”
After that collection, Fran and Steele were inseparable, spending the last 24 years together. Now, at 83, they are ready to celebrate their love again with a ceremony in terms of reporting.
The special event will be held at Commonwealth Senior Living at King’s Grant House, surrounded by family and friends.
“All this time, we still feel the same love we were experiencing when we were our 30s,” Fran said.
As they prepare to confirm their love again, they also have words of wisdom for other couples touring the journey of love and relationships.
“I think we just love each other,” Fran said. “Sometimes you have to put this other person in front of you or what interests you.”
Their story is proof that love, regardless of time or distance, always finds a way.