Today’s Valentine’s post is a sweet surprise from my intern Sam’s father to his wife Ollie… I had the chance to meet them when they stopped into the studio one day before setting out for a date night at Beretta and Bar Tartine. Hipster parents no less! Add to it that they are looking fabulous in their mid-sixties, having raised six children and, after over 25 years of marriage, remain absolutely enchanted with one another. From battling a very rare cancer to experiencing the miracles of having children when the odds were against them, their tale is filled with miracles both big and small. Well, if they don’t deserve a Valentine’s toast then I don’t know who would…
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from Rich Bassin:
I met Ollie when she and her ex-husband were looking for a house together – in 1976. She met me when I was beet red, swollen, and balding. I was going through chemotherapy. I didn’t even have eyebrows! So, she may not have fallen in love with me at first sight but I sure did. I put her name in my heart’s file cabinet and opened it years later and there she was…
The secret to our success is sharing the best life has to give with each other. And sheltering each other from life’s torments. Traveling across the country or across the street for a walk or dinner has always been about us being together. I am grateful for all the wonderful things life has granted me but mostly for giving me someone I am still so in love with.
On children we stand by our motto: if one is great, six are better! And all of them did not originate from our 25 year marriage together; we blended in a few from our prior separate and lost years, and then contributed a couple from our own mischievous makings. They have kept us young and tighten our bond; self defense mostly! We get our endorphins now in part just watching them intermingle and astound us with stories they share about their adventures unknown to us heretofore, and best left unrecorded.
Now if they could just create a few of their own children our work would be done; almost done. Okay, so its never done, but it is a goal of ours.
And for those of you who are faced with the prospect of a second marriage, let me tell you I can’t see how it could be any better. Happy Valentines to you and my family, but mostly to my wife Ollie. I am still mesmerized and smitten by you.
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The sweetest story of them all!
I rarely like skyping with my own parents…but while away at college &the traveling with Sam I would never pass up an opportunity to be a part of this absolutely gorgeous and even more ridicilous clan of misfits. Its no doubt the endless love and bond of these two that have inspired all their chilren to be just as amazing. <3
I absolutely adore this family!!
Rich your awesome.
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