Michigan High School Sweethearts Reconnect after 73 years

This is our new favorite story - and it's based right here in Michigan. The story of Bill Hassinger and Joanne Blakkan from Muskegon. Michigan High School Sweethearts who reconnect after 73 years. 

Bill and Linda met on the school bus in Muskegon back in the 1940's - they still joke about who made the first move. "She picked up the bus first, and I'd find her on the bus, so I guess that was me," Hassinger smiled and admitted.

https://fox59.com/news/national-world/high-school-sweethearts-reconnect-after-73-years/

They dated in High School (North Muskegon) and even went to Senior Prom...but after high school she went Michigan State while he stayed in school (two years younger) - then they went their own way like many couple do after high school.

After High School Bill got married, three month later he was drafted into the Korean War - then came home to join the Michigan State Police and raise a family. Joanne also got married and had three children while working in the medical field. For SEVENTY THREE years their paths never crossed, until 2022 when these Michigan sweethearts reconnect after 73 years.

Joanne's daughter Linda was helping her do some research on the computer to connect with former classmates that she'd lost track of, and came across Bill's name. They researched it a bit further and and saw his wife had passed away the year before...she reached out Bill (after realizing he lived about 80 miles north in Manistee) and now they're connected spending time together on weekends.

“We just really went back to where we were in high school as far as feelings go,” Blakkan said.  Spending weekends together and playing “A lot of cards — cribbage, gin, and we work puzzles. We walk every other day, and she does her exercises, and we go out to dinner maybe once a week, and the rest of the time, just enjoy each other’s company,” Hassinger said.

What a great story here in Michigan. True love after all those years. 

Leave it to social media to remind you about your singleness. With "We’re engaged!" and "Celebrating X years together," posts, it seems like everyone you know is coupled up. But not everyone wants commitment or a relationship with someone. Some people prefer being single. And no, that doesn't mean that someone who prefers to be single is bad at relationships. There’s actually research that shows people are waiting longer to settle down or commit to someone.

Many people choose the single life for various reasons. Maybe you’re happy living it up as a single person or trying to find your internal happiness until you meet the right person. Either way, there are perks to being single.

Most couples figure out issues together or may even rely on their partner to take care of things. Meanwhile, single people are challenged to be more responsible for themselves. This not only builds your character, but it puts you in charge of your own well-being.

Being single can also put you in a great position career-wise. For instance, you’re free to pursue your career choices without having to consider another person. You don’t have to take into account what your partner thinks you should or shouldn’t do. Some research even suggests that single people value meaningful work even more than married people do.

It’s often said that once you’re in a relationship, you gain weight. Men's Health magazine reported that, on average, couples gain about 17 pounds within one year of finding love. ABC reported that newly married women in their early 20s gained 24 pounds in the first five years of marriage. They also said that newly married men gained 30 pounds in the same age group. Is this what happens when you trade in your morning Saturday walks for "staying in bed just a little longer" with your babe?

Check out some of the top reasons people love being single below.

You can dance to your own music when it comes to scheduling. Single people can create a routine that works for them. This includes consistent meal times, bedtimes, and events. You never have to consider your partner's schedule. You can even pick up more hobbies, like weekly trivia or a class you've been wanting to try. For better or worse, your time is your own.

If you're single, chances are that you don't have to worry about spending money on anyone else but yourself. You can keep your money for yourself and use it for a solo vacation or a rainy day fund. Not to mention, you no longer have the financial obligation of buying someone a nice gift for birthdays, and couple-y holidays like Valentine's Day, Sweetest Day, or Date-a-versaries.

Single people get more freedom. Without the obligation of another person in your life, you'll have more time for activities. One of the many perks of being single is just having space and time to focus on yourself and emotional needs. You even get a chance to know yourself better during the added free time. Use your time the way you want.

Married folks can go ahead and sit this one out for sure. The benefit of running to the dance floor to vibe out to Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" hit, is for those who are single. If you've been to a wedding chances are that this song was used to get all the unmarried or single ladies to the dance floor. Let's be honest, it was your moment to shine in all your singleness.

Single people don't have to deal with the phrase, "Let me try some" while eyes are glaring at their plate. That's right, you don't have to share a thing. Another food benefit of being single is taking advantage of not conforming to someone else's habits or preferences. You can try a new diet or completely indulge without the extra commentary or worrying about someone else's needs. You don't have to worry about if the food you like is off-putting to your partner.

Watch what you want, when you want without the worry. Many couples like to watch a new TV series or movie together. But Heaven forbid you tune in without your partner. That's one way to start an argument. So, if you're single go ahead and binge that new Marvel series without looking over your shoulder. Also, you don't have to sit through shows or movies that you don't care for, because your partner wants to. Watch what you want!