Gulf War Penpals Married after Facebook Encounter - 19 Years Later!

Yes, I realize that I've been posting a lot about weddings & marriage for the last few posts. What can I say? They tug at my heartstrings and are wonderful.

This one is no exception. It's almost unbelievable...but it's true and amazing. You couldn't write such a tale:

Nearly two decades ago, when she was just 13, Jaime Benefit wrote a letter addressed to “Any Soldier” serving in the Persian Gulf War to express her support for the troops. Her letter found its way to Pfc. Jeremy Clayton, then 19, of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. After becoming pen pals for a while, the two stopped writing. But Benefit always wondered what happened to Clayton, and this year, she found him on Facebook. They met in March and fell in love, and on July 15, they were married. “It was fate that I got her letter,” said Clayton, as was “her finding me 19 years later.” (from the Week)

> Read More about the Happy Couple. (NY Daily News)

Aww...I'd even go see that romantic comedy. And get this - "

The Internet may have brought the newlyweds together, but they still rely on good old pen and paper to keep their bond strong.

"She writes me notes every morning and puts them in my lunch," he said.

Happy Couple Celebrates 70th Wedding Anniversary

A love that has endured for seventy years:

Helen and Curtis Howland got hitched on Jan. 7, 1939 in Wayland. They first met at a roller rink in Marlborough. "We've been going around together ever since," said Helen.

Nine children, 21 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren later, this bride and groom are still going strong. "I just keep saying we made it another year, dear," said Helen. "Want to try for another one?"

The happy couple says compromise makes a marriage last -- and spending time with family. "You don't see many who can make it to 70," said Helen and Curtis' daughter Maralyn McGillivray. "They live a long life, but to make it 70 years ... is amazing."

> Read more and watch a short video of the happy couple here

* Hat tip to happytweets for the story

"Love" by John Lennon

This was one of the first songs I remember listening to somewhere in my pre-teens and being completely mesmerized. Covered in goose-bumps, I played it over and over.

There is something about the song's combination of beautiful words, soft piano melody, emotional singing and haunting thoughts of John's lost life (and love) that make this a sublime classic.

Close your eyes and listen:


(The song fades in so be patient...)