“He’s a successful author and journalist,” Kay predicted about the first date her friend Donna Sue had with me. “He’ll likely show up driving a sports car and all decked out fancy like Gentlemen’s Quarterly.”
No one would ever describe me as “fancy.” I’ve lived a rough, vagabond life—cop, Green Beret soldier, combat correspondent, adventurer, Soldier of Fortune, rodeo cowboy, pro boxer. . . Not a good resume for a relationship. After three marriages and three divorces, I vowed never to marry again. Three strikes and you’re out!
My second wife Kathy had a near nervous breakdown after I was reported missing in action while covering the war as a journalist in El Salvador.
I was 53-years-old and back in-country between jobs, having just returned from Operation Desert Storm, the first war in Iraq, when I met Donna Sue at a church Christmas party. Her first husband drowned, her second husband died of cancer.
“I should warn you,” she cautioned, “that I don’t have very good luck with men.”
“I have enough luck for both of us,” I responded. “I’ve been shot and stabbed and I’m still living.”
Normally, I’m not a boastful person. But Donna Sue was tiny and blonde and gorgeous. I was trying to impress her.
“I have either met the most interesting man in the world,” she related to her grown son, Darren, “or the biggest liar in the world.”
I took her out to dinner. I showed up in my pickup truck, not a sports car. Gentlemen’s Quarterly would have kicked me out of its club; I wore jeans, a t-shirt, and hiking boots. Like always. But they were clean.
Donna Sue was apparently impressed. First place I took her was the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain; then we went camping out all over Egypt riding camels; trout fishing in the San Juan River; to Israel; to rodeos where I was steer roping. . .Maybe I finally got it right. That was 20 years ago. . . and still counting.
It sounds like you are mixing romance and adventure.
Morning, James. Like mixing water and oil?
chuck sasser
Indiana Jones ain’t got nuttin’ on this boy…..
Morning, Jim. Things just seem to happen. But God has been very good to me.
chuck
Well, Chuck, you may not be perfect but you’re damn sure not dull! My Sue and I will hit 52 years together this July and I’m wondering where all the time went.
Morning, Jim. Isn’t it a fact, how fast time goes. To you and Sue: Have another great 52.
chuck sasser
Way to go, guy! =)
Morning, Sally. It took me long enough to get it right, don’t you think? Be well and happy, old friend.
chuck sasser
AWESOME! The timing just had to be right for y’all to find each other. Congrats on the 20+ years. Love your love story!!
Chuck, a great romance between you and Donna Sue. God’s timing was just right.
Chuck – this is Guy Grieve on Mull off the west coast of Scotland . Dive fishing for King Scallops and writing inbetween. Miss you badly mate. That journey to Alaska which started with you and your wonderful wife pretty much changed the direction of my life. Sending love to you and your great family.