NORTH MUSKEGON, Mich. — Whether it's the torn booth of a restaurant, the creaky recliners of a movie theater or a stool at the counter of the local bar — love stories begin with a place to sit.
Joanne Blakkan and Bill Hassinger know this firsthand. The love story they share, starting in 1947, begins with a shared seat.
"We live in a rural area. And we were being bused into North Muskegon for school," said Bill. "It just happened that we were on the same bus."
The pair, two grades apart, became acquainted and starting sitting together. Soon, a romance formed.
“I was attracted to him ‘cause he was a good looking guy," said Joanne.
“She was a Majorette. She was very attractive," smiled Bill.
“We were pretty much a couple through my senior year and his sophomore year," said Joanne. “In those days, we called it going steady."
But in the bus trip of this love story, they both got off at the next stop.
Joanne, to college at Michigan State.
“That first term, I would come home occasionally and weekends and we'd see each other. But then we kind of just went our separate ways after that," said Joanne.
Bill, to serve his country, then his state as Lieutenant Colonel of the Michigan State Police.
“After a year or so she was gone," said Bill.
"I started dating the man who eventually became my husband and he started dating another woman in high school and married her," explained Joanne.
Eventually, children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren were gained. Lifelong loves were lost.
“Bill was married for 68 years and I was married for 37 before he had a heart attack," Joanne said.
Both have seen over 90 years of life, but neither could see what happened next coming.
“I was not interested in dating at all. Not at all," laughed Joanne.
Joanne was looking up old classmates, planning a class reunion. Then, Bill's name came up.
Her daughter, Linda, was there for the discovery.
"I found out that he was living up in Manistee. And Linda convinced me to drop him a note. I was very hesitant about it. But she convinced me I should do that.”
"She thought maybe we could get together and reminisce. And I jumped at that opportunity," said Bill.
"Immediately, I went back to feeling about him the same way I did when I we were in high school. It just, it just happened very quickly," smiled Joanne.
Two great-grandparents started a new life together, 77 years after they didn't.
"We just know we want to be together," said Joanne. "It's just been really nice."
All those years ago, they shared a bus seat. Now, holding hands, they share their lives on a love seat.
"It's a miracle that we got back together," smiled Joanne.
"God's will," Bill agreed.
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