Valentine's Day, 1970. A day that would alter my life forever

[MikeB]

My good friend since grade school, Bob, had asked me if I'd like to go on
a double date with him and his girlfriend Debbie, and Debbie's friend
Marianne. All 3 of them worked together part time at Arlen's.
We all were 17 at the time, juniors in HS, but the girls attended a different
school than Bob and I attended.
I said sure. I had seen Marianne at a party we were at a week earlier.
Both of us had attended the party with groups of friends, but neither of us attended as a couple/date. Bob introduced his co-workers to our group of friends, and Marianne just had a captivating smile and gleam in her eyes.
I was mesmerized. I clumsily stumbled thru that encounter.
I had mentioned to Bob afterwards that I thought maybe I'll ask her out someday. By the next day, Bob had arranged this date, which happened to fall on the next Saturday -Valentine's Day, 1970.
Specifics of the date allude me, but I remember only one thing:
This was the girl for me. I just knew it. She took my breath away.
I had a few dates prior to this that I don't recall ever getting close to
the feeling I got being around this beautiful person. I was just glad that
she accepted my requests for future dates.

So, life went on. We eventually got married 2 years later (Jan. of 1972),
had 3 children, who also gave us 4 grandchildren, and spent a good life together for the next 49 years. There were plenty of ups and downs along
the way, but damn if I can recall any bad moments that would last more than the day was long.
Every Valentine's day, Marianne would give me a card.
Everyone of those cards listed the anniversary year of our first date.

Life got interrupted on the way to the 50th year.
Sept. of 2021, Marianne was diagnosed with a brain mass on her right temple region. A larger mass was noted on her left lung.
Cancer.
Damn. The diagnosis, given straight out, no dilly-dallying around it,
took my breath away. Not at all like my first introduction to Marianne.
We spent our 50th anniversary in a day hospital, Mare undergoing chemo
treatments.
On Valentine's day 2022, I didn't have time to get her a card,
and she couldn't get one for me, as she was in the hospital.
This was our 52nd first date anniversary.
She had mentioned to me her sorrow for not getting me a card. I cried.
I regret not getting her that card. I should've made the time to get it.
The love of my life.
She succumbed to Adenocarcinoma(2 different mutant types) 10 months later.
Oct.31, 2022.
Happy Valentine's Day in heaven Marianne.
Love you always.
(Special thanks to Bob Richardson, Atlanta)

[Aerovette]

[Bill]

Damn. I think I have some dust in my eyes. Beautifully written.

[Rikki Z-06]

[GTOguy]

Touringmike, you are one of the most fortunate and blessed people I know of. To have been blessed with the true love of your life and to have lived your life as you did, I can't think of anything better. Remember the good times, and thank you for sharing.

[regancc]

Beautiful story...thanks for sharing.

[Budman]

[m and t's77]

[zeek]

You are very blessed to have had such a wonderful lady in your life all those many years. So sorry for your loss....

[JRD77VET]

I'm going to divide the story into two parts. The first parts was fantastic that you literally met the girls of your dreams and had a truly amazing life

The last part broke my heart. Until you meet her again

[outrunm]

Thank you for sharing this touching and beautiful tribute. You will be reunited again.

[04 commemorative]

Beautiful and so so sorry

[ricks327]

Thanks for sharing your story, I'm certain it was difficult to compose but your strong heart came through loud and clear.