Tag Archives: Short story by Linda Claire Groshans

Plans for the Summer of 2021. By Linda Claire Groshans 

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Have you ever been on an endless hold on the telephone while listening to a horrid music tape constantly punctuated by messages that tell you to continue waiting? Have you ever been in a waiting room somewhere for much longer than you anticipated?  

A medical waiting room during CoVid times – notice the isolation and the numbers that you were assigned.

My life is still on hold. I have received dose 1 of the Moderna vaccine so I am on my way to being protected but my children have not received their vaccines. I would love to plan trips to see my children but that is complicated by the Covid-19 pandemic. My daughter, son-in-law and grandson live in Bavaria, Germany. I am not sure of the exact travel restrictions that Germany currently imposes on Americans. I am not sure if I would have to quarantine for 2 weeks upon arriving in their small village. Would I pose a potential risk to the people that I love the most by visiting with them after doing international travel? Still, I yearn to see them. My son is young and lives in San Francisco, CA. He is not vaccinated and that is unlikely to happen soon. 

So, I sit in this waiting room of sorts. I am so happy that I have received my vaccine, but I really need all the people I love to receive theirs too.  

My plans for this summer of 2021 are therefore restricted. When I think of ways that I might still have fun, I do think about my close infinity with the Great Lakes. Perhaps I will rent a beach house for the week on Lake Huron.  The beach walking would do me good. It might be fun to invite a friend or two to stay with me in the cottage. The activities would include picnics, beach walking, rock collecting, photography, campfires and drives along scenic by-ways. 

At home, I adore gardening. I look forward to tending my flower garden beds. I plan to retain my title as the Zinnia queen. I already have purchased the seeds (zinnias do not re-seed). I might venture off to the plant nursery to purchase a new rose bush as my way to show an affinity to my friends in Portland, OR. Portland is well known as the city of roses. In fact, from the police cars, the city buildings, and even the  storm sewers, everything in the City is marked by a rose emblem. Oh, the roses do thrive in the beautiful climate of Portland.   

my little back yard garden at my tiny house
The front zinnia garden at my tiny house in Ann Arbor

I have another summer hobby that most folks would find rather archaic. I like doing laundry and hanging it outside to dry. I didn’t always have this passion. I attended a class through Osher on the history of laundry. There was something in all of the class photos and discussions that made me become extremely interested in laundry.  I also am very conscious of environmental concerns and this is one of the ways that I give myself a lower carbon footprint. 

My clothes rack at my tiny house

I will take walks. I adore festivals, concerts, theater and museums but it has always been nature walks that take my fancy. I always take along my camera. I walk around all of Ann Arbor’s parks. We have so many to be very proud of. I will spend time with friends (those who have been vaccinated) and will drink a great deal of iced tea. My doctor gave me a new medicine that works perfectly but does not give me the allowance of holding any alcoholic beverage including my beloved wine. It is ok. I think it actually helped me to lose weight and I probably end up with more energy. 

I will find a way to be with nature. I will be in a beautiful place, but it is still my waiting room. I still wait for Covid-19 to be no longer with us. I wait for everyone close and in far off locations to receive their vaccines. 

So, this summer, I still wait.  

Red Hood – a 1996 short fairy tale by Linda Claire Groshans

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My name is Red Hood. Okay, you probably remember me as Little Red Riding Hood, but that name is no longer fitting because I am now 42 years old.

I have recently completed years of therapy to help me cope with the traumatic childhood incident involving the so-called Big Bad Wolf—whose trickery nearly cost me my life. Those years of therapy, along with my husband’s understanding, have given me the strength I needed to speak publicly about how my life has turned out.

I’m sure you know my dreadful case. There are countless books printed about the nightmare event of my childhood. Sadly, I have made no money from any of these publications and have instead been 100 percent exploited. I find it deeply repulsive that illustrated children’s storybooks exist about this event. How horrifying is that? A lawyer is currently working on my behalf to rightfully secure some of the proceeds from the books and movies that monetized my trauma while leaving me to struggle financially.

Money is rather sparse these days, which is why I’ve agreed to write this article. At last, I will receive some financial compensation. I am also under contract for an upcoming docudrama, in which my husband will be featured as well.

I remain an object of curiosity. People always want to know what became of me. So let me offer you a glimpse into my current life.

I am now a middle-aged woman, and I still live in the woods. My legal name was officially changed from Little Red Riding Hood to Red Hood on my twentieth birthday. In her will, my grandmother left me her small cottage. Before moving in, I hired a security company to install high-tech security systems and cameras. I take no chances.

You may recognize the familiar illustrations of me at age ten, with blonde curls and a red hooded cloak. I grew into a fairly attractive woman. My hair has dulled over the years, so I use professional products to dye it a youthful golden blonde. I’m of average height. My wardrobe includes many colors, though I admit I still have a weakness for the color that shares my name: red.

I no longer wear a cape—it’s a terribly impractical garment. My favorite piece of clothing is a red hoodie with a front zipper and deep pockets. Appearance has always mattered to me. I pay attention to what suits me best, and I’ve discovered that my legs look especially nice in heels. I hate to admit it, but I’ve indulged in the purchase of many pairs of striking red high heels. You might say I’ve perfected the art of walking in them. My husband claims this is pure vanity, but he smiles and winks whenever I show him a new pair.

I had several relationships, but marriage never crossed my mind until I met someone who truly understood childhood trauma. My husband is the brother of my close friend Gretel. His name is Hansel. Hansel and I are both proud of ourselves for overcoming deeply painful experiences. Like my story, Hansel and Gretel’s lives have also been turned into storybooks.

Hansel appreciates my decorating style. He wanted nothing to do with a home that resembled a stereotypical gingerbread house. Recently, we had a photographer take a portrait of us in our cozy cottage. Hansel looks handsome in his lederhosen, and I look lovely in a form-fitting red dress paired with my red heels.

But appearances only matter so much. What truly defines us is the advocacy work Hansel and I support. As victims of crime and as children whose lives were exploited for profit, we are deeply involved in legal efforts to protect other children. Hansel holds a law degree, and his firm specializes in—and actively tries—these cases. You may have seen his firm’s advertisements on television: the ones celebrating victories on behalf of Jack (also known as Jack of Beanstalk fame) and Pinocchio, who is, in fact, a real boy.

Sadly, we did not prevail in the highly publicized trial on behalf of Peter Pan. Hansel hopes to appeal the decision. These cases have severely depleted our limited financial resources—but the work is vital.

That is why we ask for your help.

First, please stop telling children about our misfortunes as though they are harmless bedtime entertainment. We are real people with real pain.

Second, we urge you to donate to the Red Hood Foundation. Your contribution is tax-deductible and will help us continue to litigate and win cases that protect children. For every $500 donation, you will receive a red hoodie from us. For a $100 donation, you will receive a red coffee mug featuring our photograph.

Show that you care about children. Donate generously.

After all, we are fighting for every child’s chance to live happily ever after. We long for a world free of monsters—whether they are wolves in disguise, giants who smell the blood of Englishmen, or witches who lure children with candy so they can eat them.

Help us stop these atrocities.

Thank you for your support.

Disclaimer: Only 10% of donated funds will be used to purchase fashion items such as my red hoodies.

An Out of This World Date by Linda Claire Groshans – surprise…it is a mostly true story of a dating experience I had after my divorce!

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Photo was taken 20 years ago when this experience happened!

I had been using an online dating site long enough to know how to protect my identity. Before meeting anyone in person, I always asked for the man’s phone number and never gave him mine unless I was extremely interested after a successful date. I used only my first name. I never shared my home address or place of work. I was prepared. I was secure.

So when a gentleman on the dating site sent me a message saying he had read my profile and seen my photo—and hoped we might get to know one another—I was flattered and a little surprised. He mentioned that he noticed I was a teacher and said he was sure I had a lot I could teach him. I found the comment slightly suggestive, but also clever and witty.

I had been asked out plenty of times before, but this man seemed exceptional. He was beyond handsome—perfect, really. Picture a Greek god and you’ll have a fairly accurate idea of his appearance. He was impeccably groomed, and in his profile photo he wore a striking black shirt and black tie. I suppose you could say I was smitten.

We arranged to meet at Panera for coffee. He was a complete gentleman.

“Hello, Linda,” he said, his voice deeply masculine and romantic. “I recognized you instantly from your photo.”

“Hello, Harlan,” I replied. Yes—his name was Harlan, and I liked it immediately.

“May I get you a coffee drink or anything else?” he asked.

I requested a vanilla latte, and he suggested I wait for him at a nearby café table. As I sat down, I used my compact mirror to make sure I looked my absolute best. This man was amazing. There was an aura around him—people smiled at him, nodded as he passed. Magnetic, I thought to myself.

Still, I reminded myself, I was his date. I was the focus of this meeting. I couldn’t wait to learn why he had invited me and what he wanted to know about me.

He returned, sat close, and handed me my drink.
“Careful,” he said. “There’s a warning label on the cup.”

“A warning label?” I asked.

“Yes,” he said, pointing to the tiny print explaining that the contents might be hot.

I was even more impressed. How attentive. How thoughtful.

After a few quiet moments of gazing into his mesmerizing eyes, I asked him what he wanted to know about me.

“I am ready to scan any information you would like to provide,” he said. “It will be useful for my knowledge base.”

His voice was silky—like a late-night radio host on Pillow Talk. I realized he could say absolutely anything and it would sound like the most fascinating conversation of my life.

I giggled and began. “Well, I live in a nice home not far from here. I have two cats.”

I was about to continue when he reached across the table and took my hand.

“Tell me about cats,” he said.

“Oh—my cats?” I asked, making a mental note that this man must be a serious cat lover.

He nodded affirmatively, so I told him about them: one black, one orange. “Halloween colors,” I said.

“Do you have pets?” I asked.

Still holding my hand, he said that physical contact helped him learn more about me. I felt flattered again. His hand was warm and steady, his gaze intense.

“Affirmative,” he said.

I blinked. “What?”

“Affirmative. I do have pets,” he clarified.

“Cats?” I asked.

“Yes,” he said carefully, “they are… a sort of cat.”

“What color are your cats?” I asked.

He hesitated, visibly thrown off. “I don’t know how to answer that question.”

“I just wondered what color they are,” I persisted.

“I must explain,” he said. “I do not perceive color the same way you do.”

“Oh,” I smiled. “You’re colorblind.”

I decided that even the perfect man could have one small imperfection.

The rest of the conversation was odd—strange pauses, unusual phrasing—but I didn’t care. I was in love with Harlan. Oddness seemed trivial. Perhaps he was just nervous, I told myself.

After about an hour, we agreed to end the date with hopes of meeting again soon.

Outside the café, he asked if he could kiss me. I was surprised—this wasn’t something I usually did on a first date, especially not at the entrance of a Panera—but I couldn’t wait for him to kiss me.

He leaned in and whispered, “Now you will understand me.”

Oh, I wanted to understand him. I wanted to elope that very day.

We kissed.

My feet felt as if they lifted off the pavement. Swirls of color surrounded me. Warmth spread through my entire being. I felt safe, adored, and deeply desired.

When I blinked, I saw him clearly: Harlan was a creature who slightly resembled a tabby cat—large, gentle, loyal. And somehow, this made perfect sense.

He broke the kiss and looked sad. Holding both my hands, he gazed into my eyes. I understood then that we would not have another date. He would not be on planet Earth much longer.

I read his thoughts easily. He was grateful. He loved me. He had learned from me. He promised to wish me only the best. And though he had to leave, he wanted me to know that my information about cats had been very useful.

When I blinked again, he was gone.

I have never had a kiss like that since.

Now, I only bother to look at dating profiles of exceptionally gorgeous men dressed entirely in black—especially those who are eager to learn.

Tell me a story about wallpaper!

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I encourage you to take a moment to share photos or memories of wallpaper that once claimed precious wall real estate in your homes. It’s such a fun topic—and almost everyone seems to have a story to tell.

Wallpaper actually began as a luxury, created in medieval times as a substitute for costly wall tapestries. By the 18th and 19th centuries, printing advances made wallpaper more affordable and accessible across social classes. It reached peak popularity during the Victorian era—though unfortunately, this was also when many wallpapers contained arsenic. Yikes. Because people didn’t yet understand the dangers, the resulting illnesses were often blamed on “bad air.”

I’ve been using Google search within my Google Photos albums to track down pieces of our own family wallpaper history, and it’s been a surprisingly delightful trip down memory lane. I hope you’ll share photos too! Tell me about the wallpaper you loved… or the patterns you couldn’t wait to see disappear.

Linda Claire, Kathryn, Edward Klotz “Bones”, Madalyn Klotz and Mary Ann in March 1960 at the Klotz home on North Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI.
I colorized this photo and enhanced it, but in my memory it should have more gold tones. What a lovely and elegant 60’s style entry way to 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor, MI The pocket door on the left side was the doorway to the kitchen.
The dining room at 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor, MI – photo from the mid 1960’s.
This photo shows the wallpaper in the dining room at 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor, MI. My Heritage dates this photo with 86% accuracy as 1977. Pictured are: Robert Hess, Tim Whitmer, Madalyn Klotz and ? (this does not look like Aunt Babe to me???)
This photo is estimated as 1975. The Dining Room of 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor. The door wall leads out to the enclosed back porch.
I am dating this wonderful photo of Dad at about 1990. He is seated in his study at 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor, MI . I adored this wallpaper and the study. This was also the location for our piano.

When Mike was in college at the University of Michigan, he rented an apartment near the Law Quad on Oakland Avenue. Honestly, I don’t think anyone could ever top the creative use of wallpaper in that place. It was boldly expressive and always sparked conversation.

I’m still a little distraught that I can’t find the photo I took of the living room ceiling—it was covered with a huge quilted star that was absolutely unforgettable. The image below is from the entryway of that apartment, but the ceiling is the one I wish I could show you!

The front hall to Mike’s apartment on Oakland Ave., Ann Arbor. This wallpaper design was carried through into the living room and was really quite remarkable.

The wallpaper story that immediately comes to mind for me is Mike and I trying to remove a Winnie-the-Pooh wall border in the house at 2725 Yost Blvd. It must have been super-glued to the wall. We were so determined to get the job finished before our exchange student arrived that we worked ourselves into total exhaustion. Somewhere along the way, fatigue turned into slap-happy delirium, and the whole miserable task became oddly hilarious in retrospect.

Words that hurt – a short story by Linda Claire Groshans

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This is a fictional writing exercise.

This is a fictional scenario involving a man named RR, a psychiatrist by profession, who is in the early stages of a new, healthy romantic relationship with a woman named Lydia. Although RR’s professional life centers on mental health, insight, and care, he is not Lydia’s doctor and does not relate to her in a clinical role. Their relationship is grounded instead in mutual affection, respect, and emotional safety.

Lydia carries emotional scars from her past. She has previously been involved in two significant relationships marked by verbal abuse, where her intelligence and worth were repeatedly questioned and diminished. Those experiences left lasting wounds, particularly around how she hears and interprets words spoken about her.

When an ex-partner unexpectedly contacts Lydia again and demeans her intelligence, the old injuries are reopened. The contact is brief, but its impact is sharp and destabilizing—because it echoes a familiar pattern of cruelty she has worked hard to outgrow.

RR responds not as a psychiatrist analyzing a patient, but as a lover who sees, understands, and deeply cares for her. His awareness of psychology informs his empathy, but his words come from intimacy, protectiveness, and love—not diagnosis or authority. He writes to Lydia to steady her, to counter the old narrative with truth, and to remind her that the voice that wounded her does not get to define her.

The email becomes an act of reassurance and re-anchoring: an affirmation that she is intelligent, resilient, and worthy of tenderness—and that she is no longer alone in facing echoes from her past.

Blue skies ahead

Blue Skies Ahead

My dear Lydia,

I wish with everything in me that you never had to feel this kind of hurt again—because you’ve already carried more than your share. Knowing what you’ve endured before makes me ache all the more when someone reaches back into your life and tries to diminish you, especially by attacking your intelligence. That particular wound cuts deep, and it’s not accidental. It’s a familiar tactic of people who feel threatened by light they cannot control.

Please hear this clearly: nothing that was said to you today is a reflection of who you are. It is only a reflection of the limitations of the person who said it.

You are intelligent in ways that go far beyond cleverness or credentials. You are perceptive, thoughtful, emotionally literate, and deeply curious about the world. Those qualities don’t shout; they endure. And they cannot be taken from you by someone who once needed to belittle you in order to feel tall.

I know words have hurt you before. Repeatedly. When that happens, the nervous system learns to brace itself, as if every sharp sentence confirms an old lie. But I want to offer you a different frame—not as a psychiatrist, not as anyone analyzing you, but as the man who loves you. Words only have the power we grant them, and today’s words do not deserve a permanent place in your heart. They were never truth. They were noise.

There really are blue skies ahead. I believe that—not as a slogan, but as a promise life keeps when we stop mistaking cruelty for insight. You are doing something profoundly brave: choosing health after harm. That takes more intelligence than most people ever muster.

I am so proud of you. I miss you more than I can reasonably explain—like CRAZY, actually. If you want to fly out and meet me, we could make that happen. Truly. The thought of seeing your smile, that sweet dimple that gives you away every time, makes me laugh out loud.

Before you sleep, imagine this: I’m kissing that happy face goodnight and reminding you that you are safe now. I’m here. You don’t need harsh voices in your life anymore—inside or out. What happened today doesn’t undo your growth; it highlights it. You didn’t collapse. You noticed the pain, and you reached for connection instead of silence. That matters.

We can talk about this as much or as little as you need. I know the words wounded you. But if you’re willing, let’s turn them into something else—not armor, but strength that stays soft. That’s your gift, Lydia: you don’t harden; you deepen.

Sleep well, brave heart.
I love you.

RR

Spring of 2020 – by Linda Claire Hess Groshans

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Spring of 2020 

The Spring of 2020 sprung full of sorrow and fear. In January of 2020, we had heard stories of a terrible virus. The virus was named Covid-19 because it had been discovered in the year 2019. This virus made the news by January, but it had not yet really changed our lives in the state of Michigan. But the clock was ticking, and the virus was ruthless. 

By March of 2020 there were the earliest signs of Spring but also the fear of a new life reality. The virus was now proclaimed to be a pandemic. It was here to stay for an unspecified time. I have always spent a lot of my time doing genealogy. I had studied a relative’s life who had died during the 1917/18 pandemic. I also knew that these pandemics appear around every 100 years. The horror of realizing that a pandemic would be a part of my life reality was devastating. I was more worried for my family than myself. But it was all a grave concern. I have several health conditions that put me at more risk for serious disease. One of those health concerns was obesity. I made choices to use the time of the pandemic as a time to rid myself of excess weight. I planned to walk daily. I walked off pound after pound. I walked miles every day either rain or shine.  

My fear level was high. I watched the news stories, and they were not good. Our nation was not prepared for this event. Our nation’s leader denied the science and denied the revered Dr. Fauci. I was in despair. My sense of terror was growing as my understanding of the implications to the future of humanity became more informed thru the science stories that I consumed by watching hours of TV news.  

On March 10, 2020 I went for a preparation shopping trip. I was going to shop like the preppers who plan for the end of the world. I wanted to buy enough to sustain myself for several months. You see at that time I still thought the pandemic would not last more than that. I did something that is hard to do when you live in a tiny house, I hoarded. I packed a grocery cart with over $300.00 worth of food, cleaning supplies, and paper products. I had big jumbo bags of rice, pounds of potatoes and cans of soup. I only have a tiny kitchen, so my closets had to become mini pantries. I had to use my laundry soap bottles as door stops, and a rather odd look began to emerge in my tiny dwelling. As I personally started to shed some weight, my tiny home suffered from an over stocking.  

The Governor of Michigan issued a “Stay Home and Stay Safe” proclamation in the spring of 2020. I decided then that I would wait out the pandemic in the safe bubble of my little house. I live alone, so this was an incredibly significant decision that began to change many of my priorities. I am a social creature, so this was foreign to me. 

One of the first good things that happened was the advent of Zoom meetings. I zoomed. I zoomed and zoomed. I zoomed with my family in Germany and in San Francisco. I zoomed with family in St. Louis Missouri, I zoomed with family in Atlanta Georgia and in Fargo North Dakota. Oddly enough, I was also zooming with family in Ann Arbor Michigan even though we lived just a few miles from each other.  

Still, during all the despair in the world, there was a change in our seasons. Spring finally was arriving by April and May of 2020. On my morning walks, I saw signs of crocus and other spring flowers. I spent a great deal of time engaging in my other hobby of photography and especially macro photography. I posted photos to my friends on social media. I posted photos on google maps and other places. 

I had many phone calls with friends. I also started a writing campaign to our state lawmakers. My social awareness had accelerated and there was clearly action to be taken. 

In May of 2020, I sadly realized that because of Covid and my isolation I would not be making my annual trip to the flower nursery. I adore flower gardens. I sat at my computer and ordered flower seeds on Amazon Prime. So strange. It was all so strange. I ordered zinnia seeds. By the end of summer in 2020, I had a new title in the neighborhood and on social media. I was now called the Zinnia Queen because my yard exploded with these flowers in every inch of soil available to them.  

By May of 2020, I was not sure how much longer I could endure. My weight was still going down. All the walking and gardening was good for me. I also am very called to be socially active. I became very disquieted by stories coming from meat packing plants across our country, especially Iowa. I saw the working conditions for employees of these plants where they worked in horrid conditions during this global pandemic. I made a choice to be fully vegan and then I lost still more weight.  

In the spring of 2020, I took a class on cartography and made a map. I made a map of a fantasy city/state land that showed my Covid-19 experiences. By this time, I also sadly had begun to hear stories of the souls who had perished. People who I had known. Life was fearful. And yet, in my morning walks, I studied and photographed flowers. I zoomed with friends. I stopped hoarding food when I realized how easy it was to order it on-line. I engaged in learning more about the issues of racial injustices. I put my efforts into joining writing campaigns and classes as I made not just a change in my weight but in my understanding of our culture and of white privilege. I yearned for change in politics, racial equality, economics, and a million other concerns. 

Looking back, the biggest thing that was happening was the change that I was undergoing. I was a socially conscious, active liberal, a vegan Zinnia Queen. I was more in love with my loved ones even though I was not able to share time in person with them. I met new people in on-line forums. Life was moving forward. The Spring was causing a metamorphosis.  

It is now approaching the spring of 2021. I just had my Covid 19 vaccine. I have more hope. I will forever be changed. This Spring, the lessons of 2020 will be very present as I prepare to finally step outside my tiny home and into the world. I still hope to keep my Zinnia Queen title. I yearn for healing. I yearn for all people to have the opportunity to be vaccinated. I know that I will leave this experience more aware, and thankfully still alive. I have sprung into a resolve to keep the lessons of the dark year we call 2020. 

My family’s reading journey through time

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Celebrating Reading! Linda Claire 2023
My maternal grandparents both were highly educated. Henrietta was a graduate of the Chicago School of Music and George was a graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in Engineering. This photo is c1919. I believe that this photo is from the farm house in Benton Harbor, MI. My father told me that Henrietta made a condition of her move from the city to the farm was the promise that she could have her piano. Henrietta could easily read Latin and Hebrew texts.

One of the gifts that our family has continued to pass down through the generations is a love of reading and storytelling. I have compiled a precious photo collection in this blog. I selected photos that focus on books and reading with the hopes that they will help demonstrate how reading is often a way that knowledge is passed from one generation to the next. Parents reading to children and families reading together are powerful reminders of the quality level of joy that we get when we read together. When I look at these photos, I also experience a bond that I feel spanning the decades. As always, I hope that my blogs help open up our memories and generate our anecdotes and stories about these captured moments. I hope this blog provides a snapshot of my beloved family members at various stages of life, sharing a common activity that bonds them.

This is a photo of my paternal grandfather reading. I have estimated the age of this photo as 1942.
This is a page from a digital scrapbook that I made several years ago. Mom loved to read to her children and grandchildren. I estimate the photo of my mother as 1943.
Walter Mayer was the husband of my Great Aunt Babe (Helen Grayer Mayer). Stories of Walter always included references to his kind and gentle nature. Reading an actual newspaper was very much a part of our daily lives. I believe this photo was taken at 1517 Harbrooke Ave., Ann Arbor, MI. I estimate the date of the photo to be from 1954.
This is a photo of Aunt Babe reading to me and my sister Mary Ann. We were at our home of 1517 Harbrooke Ave., Ann Arbor, MI. I estimate the date of this photo as 1956. Aunt Babe has her hair in pin curls. Sections of the hair were twisted up and held in place with a metal clip. If women wore their pin curls outside the home, they put on a fashion scarf or a bonnet. The title of this book is “Peter Goes to School.”
This is one of my favorite photos of my father, Robert Lawrence Hess. He is reading us a Golden Book on safety. Golden Books have very much stayed popular since their debut in 1942 (12 years before I was born.) I estimate the photo date is 1956.
I loved sitting in my Grandmother’s lap while she read, sang songs and told stories. This photo appears to have been taken at our home at 1517 Harbrooke Ave., Ann Arbor, MI. I estimate the photo date to be 1956/57.
This is a photo of my father – Robert Lawrence Hess. I estimate the date to be 1956. My father’s brilliant career meant that much of this time was spent in reading and writing technical papers.
Every fall our photos were taken for school. This is my sister Mary Ann. A common photo prop for school photos were books.
I estimate that this photo is from 1959. My mother served for many years as a Sunday School teacher at Bethlehem Church in Ann Arbor. This is a photo of her reading to her students.
This is my photo from 1960. The book was just a photo prop supplied by the professional photographer, but I had already become an avid reader. As a young girl, I had very blonde hair with very dark brown eyes. My hair is now white…but LOL…I still have very brown eyes!
This photo is from an estimated date of 1962 – taken in front of our home at 1517 Harbrooke, Ann Arbor, MI. Slater’s book store was located on State Street in Ann Arbor and was one of the exciting highlights of our childhood. Our family friend Winnie Martin worked in the children’s section and would always greet us and guide us to treasures to be found in the store. The children’s section was located at the very rear of the store on the main level. I was just exiting this store on 22 November 1963 when the whole city got quiet and grief stricken with the breaking news that President Kennedy had been shot. I remember just standing on State Street as the world seemed to move into a slow motion reel with all the grown ups and students beginning to cry.
Grandma Pet often gave us books as gifts. This is one of the books that she selected for me. I valued everything from her so much. I estimate this book was a gift to me in 1962.
I estimate the date of this to be March 1962. Mary Ann was quite the good pianist and our family loved Winnie the Pooh books. In fact, Dad read every book in the Pooh series out loud as bedtime stories for us.
One of the all time favorite photos of cuteness. Not exactly reading but it looks like cowgirl Khaki decided to take an impromptu nap while writing out Valentine cards. Adorable. I estimate the date of this photo is 1965.
Every time I see his smile, it floods me with memories. Bones and Madalyn played such an important part of our family life.
Amy is getting treated to a story read to her by Aunt Marie.
I can see Amy has the book Corduroy in her reading pile – one of our favorites. I estimate this photo to be from 1984.
A photo of our dear family friend Winnie Martin with Kristy and Amy. I estimate the date of this photo is 1985.
I look so happy and I was so happy reading to me niece Kristy and my daughter Amy. I estimate this photo date as 1985.
Amy was an early reader and a devoted reader. To this day, Amy is still always checking out a find from the library. The tradition is being passed on to her son who reads every day – I am so proud! I estimate this photo date as 1987. This was taken at our home at 609 S. 1st Street, Ann Arbor, MI.
I am sure that Bones was as happy as a clam watching Kristy and Amy reading. This photo was taken at 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor, MI. I estimate the date to be 1987.
What a fun photo of Amy. I estimate the photo date to be 1988. The photo was taken in the Living Room at 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor, MI.
It looks like Amy is just starting a new read…I estimate this photo to be from 1989. This photo was taken in the kitchen of 609 S. 1st Street, Ann Arbor, MI.
I am guessing that this was a Sunday morning with Jack and Amy sharing the Ann Arbor News. I estimate this photo date as 1990. The photo was taken in the living room of 609 S. 1st Street, Ann Arbor, MI.
Amy in her Penguins hockey jersey – one of her favorites. I estimate this photo to be from 1990. The photo was taken in the living room of 609 S. 1st Street, Ann Arbor, MI. It was popular to put a sort of film over your windows to keep out the cold – you can easily see this on our front window.
This is a photo of Khaki’s baby shower in 1991. It looks like one of her gifts was a storybook.
It looks like Blake is interested in what he can see on the computer desk! I estimate the photo date to be 1992.
Mike is already interested in reading! I estimate this photo is from 1992.
Yes…Mike did have very red hair for a period of time. I love this photo of my children sharing a story together. I estimate this photo is from 1992.
It looks like Blake is also using his storybook to pose some of his toys! 1993.
What a precious photo of the Barnes family reading together- 1993.
Big brother Blake is introducing Kevin to the world of reading. 1997.
Mike is busy reading in the family antique rocking chair. This photo was taken at 549 Lancaster Ct., Saline, MI. I estimated the photo date is 1998.
Mike reading with his sunglasses…I wish I could figure out what book this is? I estimated the date for this photo as 2000.
Kevin at his preschool library. The photo is from 2000.
It looks like Kevin is enjoying an I Spy book. Photo date 2000.
Kevin reading from the computer monitor. Photo date 2000.
Grandpa taking a look at Kevin’s new book. 2004.
Kevin…2004. Is this a book about cars? I like this reading position!
Amy and Drew. 2008. What are they reading? I love this photo!
Amy and Drew got married in a bookstore. 9.10.11
What a wonderful venue for a perfect wedding in NYC. 2011.
This is a photo of the Wiesner home in Portland. I love seeing the cookbooks here. Amy is a fantastic vegan chef. Photo 2017.
Grandma Pet (me) and EJ had fun posing his Star War guys next to the storybook. 2018.
Seriously, I love this photo for 100 reasons. It is fun to see an Auntie M blanket, a lego toy, The Hobbit book, and Amy and Drew both reading from electronic devices. PERFECT. 2019.
This is a stack of books from a Little Free Library – reading became even more important to me during shelter-in-place CoVid times. 2020.
Sometimes I think of funny poses…this was a fun book. 2020.
Never stop learning…what a goofball outfit. 2020.
I like this fairy – she lives on my front porch. 2020.

A great photo of Khaki at her Ann Arbor home – by a bookshelf in Kevin’s room. 2021.
I like this interactive book. 2021.
I got a new bookcase and am getting ready to load it up. 2022.
It is fun to use photoshop!
Mike in a German bookstore. 2023.

Our family’s tables and gatherings – a view through the years.

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Here I am dining in a highchair at 1517 Harbrooke, Ann Arbor, MI – c1956

I think we all could agree that I adore taking nostalgic visits through the old family photos. To be honest, I also ADORE food and have so many cherished memories of family gatherings for meals. Dinners at our kitchen tables, at the Elks Club, at Howard Johnson’s, Bill Knapps, The University of Michigan Union, and hundreds of other venues. Also, picnics at the park and visits to ice cream parlors. And, let’s not forget the many birthday cakes that have delighted us.

I have many family members that are gifted cooks/chefs/bakers. Personally, I lack skills in this area. In fact, my father who would never say a bad thing about me answered a question I posed to him in the most clever way. I asked him to tell me if I was a good cook. I was goading him. But…like usual he came up with a PERFECT answer that still has me smiling. He looked at me lovingly and said, “Well, I don’t think you would be known for your cooking.” (My Dad was amazing!)

I decided that it would be fun to write this post using photos of some of the meals, kitchens, or tables that were photo documented by my family. My secret hope is that these photos, put together as a collection, will serve as a storytelling tool and enable my family members to share anecdotes and narratives about the family history of dining together.

There are not many photos that show our food…just us eating. I so wish that I had a photo of Grandma Pet’s niffles and her french fries. I would love a photo of Madalyn’s shrimp bowls and Aunt Babe’s pan fried fish dinners. Still, this collection should be fun.

To all the good cooks in my family (past and present) I thank you. Enjoy

Photo 1 -my estimated date is 1917

Aunt Babe enjoying watermelon with friends. Bonus points if you can tell me where they are in the photo!

Photo 2 – my estimated date is 1953

This photo of Mary Ann may be from the kitchen in the 1860 Carlisle, Bethlehem, PA. The other possibility is 1517 Harbrooke, Ann Arbor, MI. I included this photo in this blog because it shows off the kitchen of the home and cuz Mary Ann looks so sweet.

Photo 3 – March 18, 1954

This is Gretchen Hess, with Mary Ann, and “Bones” Edward Charles Klotz. It sure looks like they are celebrating Mary Ann’s 2nd birthday at the Elks Club on Main Street in Ann Arbor, MI. I’m not sure what was on the menu, but we all remember the bread/cracker basket served with every dinner!

Photo 4 – February 11, 1955

I am fascinated by the photos of cakes from this era. Wow! This photo shows Mary Ann helping out while I have a meltdown on my own 1st birthday. Note the Bunnykins cup at the front edge of the photo.

Photo 5- March 18, 1955

Mary Ann celebrates her 3rd birthday with a super deluxe cake! This highchair stayed in the family for a long time! Our mother always dressed us so beautifully. This dress probably had a “stick out” slip inside – they were scratchy.

Photo 6 – I estimated the date to be 1959

Mom made fantastic decorations for our birthday parties. This was our dining room table at 1517 Harbrooke Ave., Ann Arbor, MI.

Photo 7 – I believe this is from 18 March 1960

This photo of what appears to be Mary Ann’s birthday was taken in the home of Madalyn and Bones. 522 North Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI. We had so many fantastic dinners there in their very tiny formal dining room. The red shoes were hand-me-downs and later fit our Patty Play Pal dolls.

Photo 8 – photo from 27 Nov 1958

Happy Birthday Khaki! This cute photo is from the home of Grandma Pet at 520 N. Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI. We had many fantastic dinners here. Mary Ann and I often wore matching dresses. I look rather serious in this photo, Mary Ann looks surprised, and Khaki looks HAPPY. Maybe you can spot the old fashion radio and the little brown teapot shaped creamers.

Photo 9 – this photo is from 27 Nov 1960

Khaki has little train candle holders on her birthday cake that were reused often in the Hess family. I am not sure how she scored 2 birthday cakes? This photo is from the dining room at 1517 Harbrooke, Ann Arbor, MI. Notice that Aunt Babe is wearing an apron. It was considered quite normal to bring an apron to a party.

Photo 10 – this photo is from 11 Feb 1962

This photo is from one of my most beloved birthday parties. My father made a little wooden pull-string bear for each child attending the event.

Photo 11 – This photo is from 18 Mar 1962.

Mary Ann is being treated to one of Mom’s amazing German Chocolate Cakes. This photo was taken in the dining room at 1517 Harbrooke Ave., Ann Arbor, MI

Photo 12 – I am estimating this photo was taken in 1963

What a fancy table. Where do you think we are? My mother was so beautiful!. I loved my Grandma Pet so much. You can see her seated at the end of the table. Grandma Pet died at age 79 in 1965,

Photo 13 – I estimate this photo is from 27 Nov 1963

This photo has been digitally enhanced. This is one of my favorite family photos. Mom is such a beauty. You can see that once again, Mary Ann and I are wearing matching dresses. I had a permanent to make my hair curl at the ends whlle Mary Ann had naturally curly hair. This photo was taken at our home at 1517 Harbrooke Ave., Ann Arbor, MI

Photo 14 – I estimate that this photo date is 1964.

This is a photo of our home at 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. So many dinners and conversations happened in this space that included family members from 4 generations. The double oven was considered quite fancy for this time period.

Photo 15 – I estimate this photo date is 1964.

This is another photo of the kitchen at 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor, MI. From this view you can see into the Mud Room hallway and the door to the garaged. To one side of the garage door were one of the sets of stairs to the basement and on the other side of the door was a short hallway to the screened in back porch.

Photo 16 – I estimate this photo date is 1965

In my defense, the white cat eyed glasses were popular! What a great photo of us enjoying dinner with Natalie and Ed White with their children. I am not sure of the photo location.

Photo 17 – This photo is from 15 Oct 1964.

Mom and Dad hosted a 25th wedding anniversary for Bones and Madalyn. My mom is standing at the table with Bones and my Aunty Ginny is seated. This photo was taken at 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor, MI. Madayln and Bones were married on 15 Oct. 1939.

Photo 18 – This photo is from 15 Oct 1964.

Another photo of the Silver Anniversary party for Madalyn and Bones. Grandma Pet is seated in the orange chair on the right side of the photo. The photo is from 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor, MI.

Photo 19 – I estimated that this photo is from November 1965.

This is a photo of a cookie decorating party for birthday girl Khaki. The photo location was 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor, MI. The ping pong table is hiding the shuffle board marks that were a part of the floor. The big blackboard was a very popular household item.

Photo 20 – I estimated the date for the photo to be 1965.

Photo 21 – I estimated this photo date to be summer of 1966.

This breakfast photo of Mary Ann, Linda Claire (me) and Gretchen Hess was taken at Camp Michigania.

Photo 22 – I estimate this photo to be from 1966.

Photo 23 – I estimate this photo to be from Spring 1966.

Where are we?

Photo 24 – I estimate this photo date to be 1968

What was the event? Where are we? Uncle Bob, Barb, Mary Ann, Madalyn, Betsy, Aunt Ginny, Khaki, Aunt Babe.

Photo 25 – This photo is from Oct. 1964.

Mom and Madalyn are chaperones for a party. This is the kitchen at 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor, MI. That little black and white TV was certainly well utilized during dinner and meal preparations.

Photo 26 – I estimate this photo was taken in 1969.

I believe this was taken in Germany. Mom went on a European trip with Aunt Ginny and Aunt Ginny’s sister.

Photo 27 – This photo was from 1970

This is a photo of Dad in a hotel room – from my European tour with him in 1970.

Photo 28 – This photo is from 1970.

A photo of me and Dad at a dinner in a European castle. This was a fancy work event for him.

Photo 29 – I estimate this photo to be from October 1972.

I love everything about this photo! Can you see my knit vest- I adored it. Khaki is holding Mutti. This was a time for Bundt cakes to be very popular. Mom is also wearing a popular polyester jacket.

Photo 30 – This photo is from the summer of 1972.

Dad is at a work event.

Photo 31 – I estimate this photo to be from 1974.

It looks like a Christmas dinner…If I was taking the photo, where is my chair? LOL.

Photo 32 – I estimate this photo is from 1975

The best dress I ever owned! I made a romatic dinner for Jack and served it on a card table by the fireplace. Knowing me, Mom probably cooked…???

Photo 33 – I estimate this photo to be from Christmas 1975.

Are those Mary Ann’s snowflakes? So pretty. Mary Ann, Uncle Bob, Aunt Babe, Aunt Ginny, Robert Hess.

Photo 34 – This photo is from 13 Aug 1977.

Our wedding reception was held at our home at 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor, MI.

Photo 35 – I estimated the photo date to be 1979.

Probably Christmas dinner at 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor, MI

Photo 36 – I estimate the photo date is 1979

What are we eating? It looks like my plate is clean. This photo is from the kitchen at 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor, MI.

Photo 37 – This photo is from 1980.

From Bone’s 70th birthday party at his house at 522 N. Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI.

Photo 38 – This photo is from Sept. 1982.

What’s to eat? I love this photo of Amy wearing a shirt decorated by Khaki and sitting in what looks to be my old highchair. I think this photo was taken at 609 S. 1st Street, Ann Arbor, MI.

Photo 39 – This photo is estimated to be from 1982.

Amy helps her Grandpa eat his dinner. This photo was taken in the kitchen at 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor, MI.

Photo 40 – photo date is estimated to be 1982

I love being Amy’s mom. This photo was taken at 609 S. 1st Street, Ann Arbor, MI

Photo 41 – I estimate this photo is from 1982.

Punch bowls and ice rings used to be a party staple. This is a photo of Aunt Ginny hosting a party at her home on Coronada in Ann Arbor.

Photo 42 – I estimate this photo is from 3 Jul 1989.

I believe that Mom made this amazing Cookie Monster Cake for Amy’s birthday

Photo 43 – I am estimating that this photo is from February 1983

The Valentine heart makes me think this is a cake for one of Amy’s parents. The photo location is the dining room at 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor, MI.

Photo 44 – My date estimated is 1985.

We are at the kitchen table at 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor. I am not sure what we are eating. Could it be hand made chicken pot pie?

Photo 45 – 3 Dec 1986

This was the year that Amy requested a 1/2 birthday party. She was 5.5 years old. Grandma set up this whole wonderful event with flair. The photo location is the kitchen at 2629 Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor, MI.

Photo 46 – Easter breakfast c1987

Easter breakfast at Bethlehem Church always included easter eggs and donuts/coffee cake.

Photo 47 – My photo estimate is April 1987.

This looks like a birthday party for Kristy on Ardmoor.

Photo 48 – December 1989

Amy feeding her cousin Charlie in the kitchen at Danbury Lane, Ann Arbor. Do you remember our phone number? Normandy 663-2795.

Photo 49 -This photo is from 1989.

Mom would always entertain her grandchildren by making little books with them. This is page 19 of a book.

Photo 50 – I estimate this is from 1989.

Easter breakfast at Bethlehem Church

Photo 51 – Photo date estimated is 1991

Photo 52 – 1992

Where are we?

Photo 53 – December 1992

This was a banquet room at Weber’s Inn for a celebration of Bob and Gretchen’s anniversary.

Photo 54- 1992

I believe this photo is from 5431 Pratt Road, Ann Arbor, MI

Photo 55 – April 1993

I believe this was from a restaurant called Leutheuser’s.

Photo 56 – 8 Jan 1994

Bob, Jack and Charlie on Ardmoor.

Photo 57 – I believe this photo was from 1998.

We were celebrating Amy’s birthday and I think the restaurant was called Kales’ waterfall.

Photo 58 – 10 May 2000

It looks like a Thanksgiving dinner on Aberdeen.

Photo 59 – estimated to be from 2001

Was this Thanksgiving? We are all at a beautiful table on Ardmoor.

Photo 60 – photo estimated to be 2007

Where was this photo taken?

Photo 61 – photo estimate 2008

Cottage at East Coast Shores Resort on Lake Huon in Oscoda. We were usually up there on or near to Kevin’s birthday.

Photo 62- photo estimated 2008

At Mac’s seafood in Saline, MI

Photo 63 – photo estimated as 2008 or 2009

In my kitchen at 2725 Yost Blvd. – This was a gathering for Dad’s birthday

Photo 65 – photo estimated as 2008 or 2009

A birthday cake for Dad at my house on 2725 Yost Blvd.

Photo 66 – photo estimated to be 2015

I had to add this photo – Grandma’s dishes. I found this old flier many years after it was produced.

Photo 67 – photo date is estimated to be 2016

Dad’s kitchen table at the Brecon condo – 549 Lancaster

Photo 68 – estimated to be from 2016

Amy and Drew’s dining room table in Seattle WA

Photo 69 – photo estimated to be from 2019

Kevin’s MSU graduation party on Aberdeen

Photo 70 – photo from 2022 – dinner for one at 2502 Pittsfield Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI

Photo 71 – Christmas dinner 2022

Christmas dinner on Aberdeen

My favorite things by Linda Claire Groshans

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Favorite things- people, places, experiences described by the feeling they evoke.

Children/Grandchildren: Pride, Joy, Purpose, Love, Hope for their future, Protective, Fun, Calming, Life with more Meaning

Family: Unconditional Love, Pride, Joy, Truly Me, Gentleness, Tender Feelings, Belonging

Jamaica: Freedom, Happiness, Fun

Zoos: Exploration, Fascination, Happiness

Flowers & Botanical Gardens: Uplifting, Sense of beauty and awe, Inspiring, Breath taking, Joy.

Computer: Proud of myself, What I understand, I feel smart

Writing: Pride, Joy, Purposeful, Intense, Memorable, Memory keeper in Preservation efforts

Woods: Content, Peaceful, Wonder, Imagination

Movies: Sad, Happy, Entertained, Excited

Friends: Loved, Mad, Silly, Happy, Feminine, Needed, Open, Glad to have a place to share

Great Lakes: Awe, Motivated, Peaceful, Fun

Vacations: Happy, Childlike, Highlighted

Phone Calls: Closeness, Purpose, Thought Provoking, Talking with Khaki every morning is completely Joyful

Books and Magazines: Dreams

Falling in Love- a short story by Linda Claire Groshans

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My sister Mary Ann came to me with an idea just before my 18th birthday. My birthday gift from her would be a completely arranged blind date. All I had to do was be willing. My sister and her boyfriend would arrange for this blind date to be a double date to the circus that was playing in the Metro area. According to their plan, I would not meet my date until he arrived at my home on my eighteenth birthday.  

I am now embarrassed to admit that my questions about my blind date were about as shallow as a could be. You see these questions were purely based on his physical appearance and had little to do with his intellect or nature. 

“What does he look like?” I wanted to know. 

“He is tall and very good looking.” my sister explained. 

Now this sounded promising to me. I had just purchased a pair of 3 suede high heels with a metal stud décor, and I was relived to find out he was a tall guy so I could easily wear my new shoes without towering over my date’s head. Looking back at this philosophy and qualifying a date by his height or my shoes seems ridiculous to me now, but at that time it was paramount. 

“How tall?” I asked her. 

She surprised me when she said that he was 6’5” tall. Yep, this could be good because I could easily wear those new high heels. And this was important because I also had a new wool vest and hot pants combination outfit. The hotpants were wool plaid and they matched to my new high heeled shoes.  I am so sorry that no photograph seems to exist of me in this smoking hot outfit.  

Funny the things we choose to remember through the decades, but those hot pants and those shoes were one of my finest “drop the mic” looks. My polished look had also been achieved by wearing curlers to bed the night before so that my long blond hair would wave with body and shine.  

My parents were there to get the door when the doorbell rang on the evening of our date. My sister and her date greeted him into our home. All I had to do was walk down the stairs and meet him in the foyer. Now, as I imagined myself to be somewhat of a super model in the ultimate outfit, I tried to make my descent down the stairs a picture-perfect moment. I wanted to put all my theater and drama training into good use. Everyone was waiting for me at the bottom of the staircase. That also means that everyone was there to see me trip on the last step and make a small falling motion. I did not fall down completely because my blind date caught me as he broke my fall with his arms outstretched. 

When I looked at him, he was smiling down at me. He looked like a Greek god. He was handsome beyond my wildest dreams. He had perfect dark hair and the brownest of eyes. His physique was athletic and trim. And he was certainly tall. Even in my suede heels I only came to his shoulder height. He released me from his arms and warmly joked, “Wow, I guess you really fell for me.”  

The date was perfect. We enjoyed the circus and all the fun things that could accompany such a date including vendor snack foods. I don’t even remember if we did much talking. I had literally fallen in love with him at first sight. I was giddy with joy. Could this possibly be real? 

There were more dates in our future and getting to know him only secured my belief that I was truly in love with the perfect person. 

We were young. I still had college ahead of me and he would join the Air Force. We made it through those years writing long love letters and saving money for long distance calls. Our love flourished. He professed his love for me, and I was absolutely gone on him. I traveled to Andrews Air Force Base and he traveled to my college for visits as often as we could arrange it.  

About 5 years after we met, we planned our wedding. Jack became my husband. We had a magical honeymoon to Stratford, Ontario. We ate in fancy restaurants and attended the Shakespeare theater there. We held hands, kissed, and walked through parks and the city. I was charmed. For years after that honeymoon, we would recall moments of joyfulness that we shared.  

The years progressed and our first child arrived nearly nine years after we had first met.  Our daughter arrived and we became a family of our own. We were such good friends and parents.  

As our daughter grew, I also found a dream job working in management for a large Ann Arbor hotel. My career was going strong and so it seemed a good time for Jack to go to school on the GI bill and complete college too. 

We started to argue. We argued a lot. I don’t even know exactly what those fights were about anymore. We were not perfect, he was not perfect, and I was not perfect.  

19 years after we first met, we had a second child, our son. All of what I wanted was in my happy orbit. My beautiful children, my handsome husband, and a lovely house. I would make sure that the arguing stopped. I made it my career to try and be pleasing and lighthearted when we were together. I tried not to engage when he criticized me. I was sure it would all be fine.   

But it came undone. I just had not noticed that he had become increasingly unhappy. When he told me that the marriage was over it was a complete shock. I was sucker punched, the rug was pulled out from me, I hit a brick wall and the idea of divorce was a surprise to me. How could this have happened to us?  

Later, I would learn that love is not always enough to keep a marriage together. My love was not enough.  

I was terrified about becoming a single mother to a toddler and a teenager. I begged him. I cried and pleaded. And he left me. He left the family home with our children. We divorced.  Before long at all I heard that he had married his co-worker.  

I still loved him. He was married to someone else.  

Years have gone by. There were some new love affairs after my marriage, but I never remarried. When I think of him, I still recall that deep love we once shared so easily and my heart is sad that we did not make it.  I wish him well. I am ok. This February of 2021, I will turn 67 years old. It was 49 years ago that I fell for him. I do not regret that love story. I also no longer regret that he left because I have had a full vibrant life. I just wish that I could still wear those smokin’ hotpants and I do regret having no photo of that youthful woman I once was as my eyes looked up with adoration to that man who stole my heart.