Valentine's Day, 1970. A day that would alter my life forever
02-14-2023, 02:18 PM
#1
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Valentine's Day, 1970. A day that would alter my life forever
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) 8 months later.
Oct.31, 2022.
She fought the good fight for 13 months "God has a plan for me"
Complained? sure, about pain. Never about why her.
Happy Valentine's Day in heaven Marianne.
Love you always.
(Special thanks to Bob Richardson, Atlanta)
I have a thread over in C3 General, under "What's the story behind your C3 sticky".
It's towards the end of the thread posts. It goes more into detail about our Corvette journeys.
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) 8 months later.
Oct.31, 2022.
She fought the good fight for 13 months "God has a plan for me"
Complained? sure, about pain. Never about why her.
Happy Valentine's Day in heaven Marianne.
Love you always.
(Special thanks to Bob Richardson, Atlanta)
I have a thread over in C3 General, under "What's the story behind your C3 sticky".
It's towards the end of the thread posts. It goes more into detail about our Corvette journeys.
02-14-2023, 08:47 PM
#2
Team Owner
Mike, at first I thought you were gonna say Marianne had passed away years earlier. But still, I’m very sorry you lost her when you did. 
But don’t fret about the Valentines card. Just remember the 50 plus years you had with her. You both lived such a wonderful life together and raised a loving family.
Geez, I’m in tears for you.
Bless You Mike
But don’t fret about the Valentines card. Just remember the 50 plus years you had with her. You both lived such a wonderful life together and raised a loving family.
Geez, I’m in tears for you.
Bless You Mike
02-15-2023, 11:44 AM
#3
Team Owner
Mike, at first I thought you were gonna say Marianne had passed away years earlier. But still, I’m very sorry you lost her when you did.
But don’t fret about the Valentines card. Just remember the 50 plus years you had with her. You both lived such a wonderful life together and raised a loving family.
Geez, I’m in tears for you.
Bless You Mike
But don’t fret about the Valentines card. Just remember the 50 plus years you had with her. You both lived such a wonderful life together and raised a loving family.
Geez, I’m in tears for you.
Bless You Mike
Mike, all I can say is
02-17-2023, 08:50 PM
#5
Race Director
Member Since: Apr 2017
Location: Hickory NC
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2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '17-‘18-'19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Condolences, Mike, on the loss of your partner of over half a century. So glad that you all were able to make one more day trip, although shorter than usual, in "her" yellow Corvette. Prayers for you and your family.
Last edited by Route99; 02-17-2023 at 08:51 PM. Reason: typo
02-19-2023, 07:09 AM
#6
Team Owner
Member Since: Jun 2005
Location: Northern, VA
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St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
I am sorry for the loss of your wife.
A long time ago, I got one of those free USA Today papers at a hotel. I saved an editorial from it by Michael Gartner describing his son's passing. His good friend at NBC News, Tim Russert, the journalist, called him to describe the boy he had also known. He said,
"“If God had said to you, ‘I’m going to give you a big, cheerful, wonderful boy for 17 years and then take him away...you would have made that deal.” And Gartner concluded, "He (Russert) was right, of course. We just didn’t know that was the deal."
You both had the joy of your life together since 1970. I think that was a blessing to both of you. I know from what you wrote you both thought it was a good deal. And much more.
A long time ago, I got one of those free USA Today papers at a hotel. I saved an editorial from it by Michael Gartner describing his son's passing. His good friend at NBC News, Tim Russert, the journalist, called him to describe the boy he had also known. He said,
"“If God had said to you, ‘I’m going to give you a big, cheerful, wonderful boy for 17 years and then take him away...you would have made that deal.” And Gartner concluded, "He (Russert) was right, of course. We just didn’t know that was the deal."
You both had the joy of your life together since 1970. I think that was a blessing to both of you. I know from what you wrote you both thought it was a good deal. And much more.
03-10-2023, 11:23 PM
#8
Heel & Toe
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my deepest condolences Mike... i hope you are doing ok
im younger than you by id guess 15 years...
my wife and i are still doing good and although older now, still able to enjoy life pretty good ...
but reading your post allows me to know time will pass and there is a path and purpose to all our lives..
take good care of yours, please....
G
im younger than you by id guess 15 years...
my wife and i are still doing good and although older now, still able to enjoy life pretty good ...
but reading your post allows me to know time will pass and there is a path and purpose to all our lives..
take good care of yours, please....
G
03-17-2023, 03:02 PM
#9
I'm very sorry for your loss Mike - I'm glad you had many great years together.
03-18-2023, 10:30 AM
#11
Racer
Condolences to you and your family. Beautiful story and tribute 
.
.
03-18-2023, 07:28 PM
#12
Le Mans Master
Just read your beautiful story with you and your wife. The ending has made me shed a tear because the life you shared with your beautiful wife is amazing. Most people would do anything to have a life like you did with her and also someone that shared your passion for Corvettes. May God take your pain away and that she will always be in your heart.
03-20-2023, 09:44 AM
#13
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Thank you all for the kind words.
Approaching the 5 month mark, it's still a rough road to travel alone.
Approaching the 5 month mark, it's still a rough road to travel alone.
03-24-2023, 11:24 AM
#14
Instructor
Mike, I just want to say I am very sorry for the loss of your beautiful bride. Although we have never met, we do have the love of Corvettes in common as well as the date of October 31st. You see, our son Caleb died on 10-31-2018. Please know that I am currently in the process of praying for you and the family. Marianne was right, God does have a plan for each of us and I pray that He covers you in Peace and comfort when remembering the past 50 years with your love.
03-24-2023, 02:16 PM
#15
Mike my friend .
I’m sooo sorry for your your lost.
I don’t know what else to say but I cried reading your story. That’s one of a kind love story and I wish you the best. Your a GREAT MAN.
I’m sooo sorry for your your lost.
I don’t know what else to say but I cried reading your story. That’s one of a kind love story and I wish you the best. Your a GREAT MAN.
03-28-2023, 10:46 AM
#17
Marianne
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) 8 months later.
Oct.31, 2022.
She fought the good fight for 13 months "God has a plan for me"
Complained? sure, about pain. Never about why her.
Happy Valentine's Day in heaven Marianne
Love you always.
(Special thanks to Bob Richardson, Atlanta)
I have a thread over in C3 General, under "What's the story behind your C3 sticky".
It's towards the end of the thread posts. It goes more into detail about our Corvette journeys.
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) 8 months later.
Oct.31, 2022.
She fought the good fight for 13 months "God has a plan for me"
Complained? sure, about pain. Never about why her.
Happy Valentine's Day in heaven Marianne
Love you always.
(Special thanks to Bob Richardson, Atlanta)
I have a thread over in C3 General, under "What's the story behind your C3 sticky".
It's towards the end of the thread posts. It goes more into detail about our Corvette journeys.
03-29-2023, 06:44 PM
#18
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Location: Rochester NY
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-‘19-'20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Mike, that's a very touching tribute, and I'm sorry for your loss. Our Corvette experience, like life in general, is at its best when we have a special someone to share it with. Every day is a "bonus day" and it sounds like you made the best of what came at you both, for over 50 years. Take comfort in knowing that - from all you have told us and reading between the lines - YOU made HER life just as happy in return - you can't do more than that. I'm sure she is still in you and with you every moment.
03-29-2023, 08:46 PM
#19
Team Owner
Thread Starter
You all are such great comfort to me.
Doesn't take away from the greif at this point yet, but thank you so much
for the kind words.
Doesn't take away from the greif at this point yet, but thank you so much
for the kind words.
04-01-2023, 11:05 PM
#20
Melting Slicks
Cannot imagine the depth of your loss, but what a love you have shared with us. An inspiration to us all.