Fred and Georgianna Haderman

This is a story about a 37 year old love affair. Two people who met one night, took a walk on the beach, and never left each others' side thereafter.

Each had previous marriages. Each had experienced full careers, families, and friends prior to meeting. They walked into the same place at the same time. Open to whatever life would send them.

She sat in the lounge after a long day at work, and he walked through the door after his equally long day. He approached her and asked her if she was single. Timing.

They began their journey together. He was an executive with P.G.&E. Close to retirement after a life commitment to the company. She was an artist, a mother, and a creative soul. Together they bought a shop called Posies in San Luis Obispo and eventually opened a wonderful store in the Village of Arroyo Grande named, Old World Charm.

She showed him a world where he could be creative, passionate, and expressive. He showed her a world where she would be safe, supported, and free to create whatever her heart desired.

Every day they made an effort to express their love for each other. Anyone who ever went into their store saw it. And at home there was nightly candlelight, her gourmet dinners, and classical music as they dreamed about exploring Europe together. Which they finally did.

Fred W. Haderman Jr. wasn't the kind of guy Georgianna Martines thought she'd ever marry. But he won her heart purely through his acts of love. He wrote her daily love notes, and even after the first week, he knew she was the one.

Years later, she was able to prove her love for him as well. Fred was a Vietnam veteran and had developed cancer & Parkinson's. For the last 15 years, Georgianna's been his devoted caregiver. She set everything aside and committed her time to every need he had. The gratitude between them was immense. Through tears, and triumphs there wasn't a day that went by they didn't thank each other for their love.

August of this year, Fred's oncologist called me to tell me his PSA numbers had increased. It was time for hospice.

Mom and I are Virgos. My birthday is September 7, and hers the 11th. On the 9th of September of this year, I did my daily check-in with my parents, only to find mom laying on the bed, not well. She went in for a 4-hour surgery due to a brain bleed. After pathology, Dr. Kissel, my new dear friend, informed me she had Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, and she had a 50% chance of a reoccurrence. But she went home September 24th, and I had both of these loving souls together for a short time. We played classical music and expressed all of our love � Dr. Kissel gave me that precious time.

On October 24th of this year, our beloved Papa Fred passed. In his home, in the same room where his love dove slept in a neighboring bed. The blessing was, neither knew of the other's situation. So through this process, neither had an awareness of the other's suffering. There was only love in that room.

Fred's wife, my beloved mother passed away on November 2 of this year. Nine days after papa. In her quiet home, in her room filled with all of her artistic beautiful things. Her garden right out her window, and all of the souls who passed before her, surrounding her to take her on her journey. She passed at 3 a.m., and I heard a voice sing to me, which woke me right as she passed. If you ever doubted a soul's energy, I'm here to say I heard it, felt it, and was able to say goodbye at 3 a.m. when it left.

Fred was born in Benicia, CA. His mother and father are both laid to rest there. I'm bringing him home to Benicia this week, November 19th. Georgianna was born and raised in Avila Beach. She is the daughter of George and Georgia Martines. At some point I will return her to her home in Avila and the sea she loved so much. For now she will stay with me and the second blessing part of her ashes will be with her husband in Benicia.

Needless to say, my parents were my soulmates, my world, and my example of what love truly means.

May this inspire you to never settle. Find your person. Find your love story. It is possible. The universe is working in your favor, let it guide you. Goodbye for now Mom & Papa. Katie and I thank you and hold you in our hearts always. Your daughter, Ginger.