Life-Long Love & An Announcement

Hello Friends,

No, this is not a baby announcement--not exactly. It's the announcement of a story "baby", born out of inspiration of true stories of life-long love.

This is email is a little different than my usual online dating theme. This week December 3rd and 7th both commemorate clusters of grief and joy in my personal life rich with meaning of loss, fulfillment of promises, and legacies passed on. It's about the fruit of life-long love.

December 3rd marks the 15th anniversary of my grandfather Joseph Thinnes's, passing into eternal life after 99 years of brilliance, hilarity, charity, and a 60+ year commitment to my grandmother, his soulmate, Dorothy.

December 3 also marks the 4th anniversary of my first and only marriage to my soulmate and love of my life, Colin Grassman. We celebrate with awe and wonder that we could find each other after years of each of us often feeling hopeless and alone.

Colin's father Curtis Grassman's birthday is December 7. We had the privilege of celebrating his 80th birthday and our 1st wedding anniversary in December of 2022. He passed away after a fulfilling life with his 56-year long soulmate, Marilyn in August of 2023.

Among his many accomplishments and passions, my father-in-law Curt loved history. He could cite obscure facts and dates with ease and a grin.

His birthday December 7, as you may know, is also Pearl Harbor Day, when the traumatic bombing brought the United States into the mix of World War II.

Circle back to my grandfather who volunteered at the age of 35 to join the army during WWII and was stationed in London, England when my mother, Nancy, was just a toddler. While he was there, Nancy's mother (Dorothy) showed her photos and letters so that Nancy still felt close to him.

My mother and I have written a children's story based on her father's letter to her, a story he made up about her imaginary friends Gee and Gug having an astounding adventure with Nancy's father around London, England. It is beautifully illustrated by a close friend of mine who has chosen to remain anonymous.