“Happy Anniversary to the two of you, Don. Quite an accomplishment these days to stay together through thick and thin for 44 years! Hope you have a wonderful relaxing weekend in Tahoe. ” Belgie

Met her Tue May 13, ’69 at Spangdahlem O Club, 3rd lady I’d even spoken to in Germany. I said, “Are all you women here as beautiful?” Was my “Top Gun” short but cute hero days. Those 2 said “Wait till you see the next one!” Dorly walked thru the door. “DAH!!!” Soon even dumbo me actually realized, but not at the time, when finally May ’70 she was the most beautiful lady ever even bothered to talk to me let alone accept a dinner date. But was in a bad marriage some good friends helped us get her out and off to Carson City May 25, ’71 and married. Next day went down to Mather AFB and a DOD card to take her home. I tell all yes is 44 years of wonderful days but nights can be pure hell just proves real love gets us through to another day and year of life together. Good things don’t end long as you work at it as one. Just  aware  of  that  realized  I was  probably  as  bright  as I thought I was  when all I knew  were  combat  fresh and  glad  to just be  alive . Learn real quick to temper  own judgments along  with  others  around  you  doing  the  same. Some  did  drop off  the  deep end. If  fortunate  there’s  a  hand  to grab on to help you to one  more  day at a time.  She became alI I’d  a need  for since .  Try my  own damndest  to be  the  same.

While  chatting  with Mark Meade  Baillie I sent  him the  family  portrait  by  Leslie  Lew.  Never been seen online I think. Was  Balkans/ Russia  trip in   summer  ‘1 0  so bit  dated. Also under International Exhibitions  on that  Celebrity Constellation  cruise  ’10. Her  1st  small Kabuki screen  II.

http://www.leslielew.com/portraits.html