“Met My Old Lover At The Grocery Store…” …and yes, it’s true.

Growing up in Peoria, Illinois, Jill Anderson – later Jill Gruelich – lived a relatively normal life of a teen in the ’60s and early ’70s.  She graduated from Woodruff High School in 1969, where she had dated a nice boy who loved to play the guitar.  She went onto attend Western Illinois University, then married out of college and began life as a teacher.  But a chance meeting on Christmas Eve with that boy from high school changed her life – and changed Christmas music history for the better.

That’s because, that boy was Dan Fogelberg.

Dan first wrote the song about their meeting in a grocery store on Christmas Eve in 1980, and the song, “Same Old Lang Syne,” has gone onto become one of the most talked about “is it or isn’t it” relationships in history.  After Dan died, Jill confirmed – IT IS REAL – with a few subtle embellishments.

The song has stood the test of time…

And for those who have gone onto document their story, the bittersweet tune still means so much.

If you’re a fan of the songs reflective nature, know you’re not alone.  And, know that the song has shaped the hearts of many during the holiday season through the years.

And maybe, JUST MAYBE, know that if you’ve had an experience similar to Dan or Jill, maybe it’s time to share your story before it’s too late.