Loving wife, mother of 3 and 9 grandchildren, Marilyn Ann Collins was the love of my life for 53 years. Hollywood beautiful, independently wealthy, fashion icon, gardening aficionado and interior decorating genius, she was a college graduate, school teacher, accomplished pianist, gourmet cook, seamstress, champion tennis player, golf, tennis and bridge partner who did all of this and worked in my law office 2 days a week for 37 years while taking care of our 3 homes. She died June 7, 2011 at age 73, but is still with me as my guardian angel. Friederike Thibault is another beautiful and extraordinary woman. She grew up in Nazi Germany and emigrated to the U.S. at age 19. After raising 2 daughters, she created a 35 year career as a head makeup artist for the Estee Lauder Company at Marshall Fields' State Street Store in Chicago (now Macy's). "Friedel" brought joy back into my life even though her husband died just 3 weeks before Marilyn. She too is a tennis champion and plays passable games of golf, tennis and bridge. Known and admired by her thousands of customers, friends and family, she is always "up" and ready to embark on any new adventure - especially this book. Romance, glamour and good humor have been her calling card these many years. Author Bio: As a lawyer, the author Harold Collins has been writing for over 50 years, but always for a client. His first book was a professional complement to his law practice. This new project started as a love letter to his deceased wife Marilyn. In this sense he is still writing for another person. As it evolved, the book also became a thank you for family, friends and a new love who has made his life so enjoyable, and helped bring this new life from barely bearable to joyful. True to his character as a counselor, the end product is intended for others who must face their own mortality and that of their loved ones. Biographical information about the author may be found on his website at www.awidowersjourney.com or at www.collinsandcollins.com."
