Fiftieth anniversary interview

By Don and Linda Freedman

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American* couple honeymooning in Canada for 50 years
* now with dual American/Canadian citizenship

When Don and Linda discovered that their birthdays were a day apart it seemed like a good sign, especially since Linda was nine years his junior and, as everyone knows, New York women are sophisticated beyond their years. ;-)

How they met
Linda's mother met Frances and her daughter Sandi in Florida when Linda was five years old. The summer of 1962 was a scorcher in New York and Linda jumped at the invitation to spend a week-end near the beach on Boston's North Shore. Blind dates would be arranged by Sandi, who had many old boyfriends who were still single. Don was the Saturday night guy.

The first date
Don could barely conceal his delight, and Linda her relief, when she opened the door. When seated in the car, he turned to her and said: "Instead of spending the evening wondering whether or not we'll kiss goodnight, let's just get it over with right now." Not a bad line for a conservative New Englander, but Linda didn't fall for it - she just laughed.

The courtship
It was a whirlwind courtship, which started at the beach on Sunday so he could check out the rest of the "package". Linda cancelled her Sunday evening date so Don could teach her how to eat baked stuffed lobster. Whether for Don or for another lobster, Linda was back two weeks later and that night, on their third date, they got engaged.

The wedding
On September 8th, six weeks to the day from their first blind date, their marriage, in Don's uncle's home, was witnessed by 35 friends and family. Ever the comedian, Linda's father toasted the bride and groom at the dinner following the ceremony: "And they said it wouldn't last!"

Family life
Shortly after their marriage, the retail company Don worked for transfered him to Peterborough, Ontario, which even today after so much growth and expansion is the polar opposite of New York and a far cry from their adorable apartment on Marblehead harbor. Luckily, Don was transfered to Toronto shortly afterwards and their two daughters and four amazing grandchildren grew up and still live in Toronto.

Work life
Don enjoyed success as a partner in Saffer, Cravit and Freedman Advertising and Padulo Advertising. Then after consulting for his own retail clients, he decided he'd rather spend 24 hours a day with Linda. With time to travel, they took off to explore Europe and it wasn't long before they began sharing their travelogues with the online community of travelers via their own non-commercial web site TheTravelzine.com and TheTravelzine, which has been designated as the best of Yahoo Groups for travel discussion.

Secret to their success
A sense of humor, loving each other's company, putting one another first, never taking each other for granted and sharing responsibilities.

Relationship advice
A happy marriage is a priceless treasure; nurture each other with kindness, unqualified love and respect.