In Loving Memory of Marion and how Gridley came into my life 

I'm so sorry you lost your precious wife❤

What a beautiful and loving tribute to Marion who was a remarkable woman and the love of your life. Sorry too about the loss of your furry buddy who brought you so much joy. God Bless and thank you for your service 🇺🇸

Just saw this video. Your tribute to Marion was so beautiful I had tears running down my face. And Gridley sounded wonderful for both you and Marion. Thank you for sharing. Cindy

What a beautiful tribute, and how wonderful that your late wife is buried in Arlington. I've loved watching your videos since the start and always enjoyed seeing Gridley. So very sorry for your loss.

So sorry you had to go throught this, your story bought tears to my eyes, life is so hard at times, I know your beautiful wife and sweet Gridley as well as God are with you everyday.

God bless you and thank you for sharing your heartfelt story about your beautiful wife Marion.

No one knows the crosses people carry in life. May God bless you and keep you Chief. I believe you will see your beloved wife Marion again.

This is beautiful. I love the way you honor Marion. Thank you for sharing.

Marion sounds like a remarkable special person who blessed others. I ran across this video while doing research in Ocala, where my son lives. I live in Oregon and my husband passed last year after battling not only cancer, but a rare Paget’s disease, and also a paralyzed vocal cord in the mix. He was on hospice and passed at home. Our kitty stayed with him and now she’s a huge companion for me. I’m slowly adjusting to a new life, and not sure if Ocala is right. I do love the horses and the horse farms and I’ve been to the Villages several times during past visits. I’ll be there in April and will be checking out some of the 55+ communities.

Wow Brother! She was freaking Amazing! Freaking Amazing! You were/are blessed!

Wow that was a tough watch… how beautiful ❤

Dogs are wonderful earth angels.

Beautiful tribute to your wife ❤

What a wonderful love story, brought a tear to my eye. 😢

Your story made me cry, but was so beautiful. I’m sorry for the passing of your beautiful wife. I’m also so sorry for Gridley’s passing. Dog is God spelled backwards. ❤️

I found your vids while researching The Villages for a friend. What a beautiful tribute to such a strong woman! She was really resilient. A warrior! I lost my husband suddenly, in 2012,. He was just 44. I have found love again and hope the same for you, if are open to that. Best wishes for a wonderful life for yourself and Gridley.

This was a beautiful tribute to your wife and the love you shared. And, I love Gridley❣️ Thank you for being so vulnerable. I thoroughly enjoy your videos.

What a beautiful woman and dedication to your partner. Now, off to find a new puppy.

Such a wonderful tribute to your beautiful wife. Thank you for sharing this lovely story. Thank you for your service.

What a beautiful tribute to your wife. This video is full of love and you have done a tremendous job of preserving Marion’s legacy.

❤ Thank you for sharing your heart! ❤

Great story Thank you for sharing.

I would have liked Marion. From your story, I know she was a beautiful soul. Thank you for your wonderful video.

You are a remarkable human being! I would love to meet you but probably highly unlikely. You inspire love and kindness --sadly missing in this world at present!!

I’m sorry for your loss.

What a beautiful tribute to your beautiful wife. You are such a compassionate and loving husband. Seems to me you were both so fortunate to of had each other. I turned 60 on May 16th- Happy Birthday Marion ❤ My husband was also in the Navy. He passed suddenly a little over 2 years ago. I understand Chief - 🙏🏻 Special pup as well 😇🙏🏻

God bless. Thanks for sharing.

I’m so sorry for your loss… 😢

Thank you for sharing this sweet story. God Bless. 💔

The first thing that struck me about you was a sadness that is so palpable it comes through your videos. I believe your wife is still very much in your presence and watching out for you. I’m a nurse, starting retirement, but was diagnosed with a rare form of systemic lupus erythematosis called CNS vasculitis. I had three small strokes, as I went misdiagnosed for a long time, and subsequently have lesions (scarring) on my brain. They have caused many medical problems as well. Not seizures, but other deficits. This was one of the reasons I left floor nursing. I never wanted to put any patient in jeopardy. To be an excellent nurse, we must be in superb physical and cognitive health. At one point, my colon shut down from my lupus and I went into septic shock. That is absolutely a life threatening situation. Many times I was really lucky to survive my condition. I can appreciate the agony you and your wife have lived through. I’m grateful to also have a husband who is willing to put up with all the medical issues as it’s very difficult on him. I’ve never been through half of what you’ve experienced and I’m still on the planet. I do know that those kinds of experiences are so hard on the body mind and spirit and show what kind of person you are inside. It sounds like she was truly an inspiration and an incredible human being. She was a strong woman and more concerned about others around her. That said, it takes a very special husband to stand next to and love someone with such devastating medical conditions. I’ve seen a lot of marriages fail the test. Your love shines through in this story. Thank you for sharing with the world what real love looks like. Some people never experience that kind of love in their entire life. It seems a bit cruel that in this world of duality, with every beautiful thing, with the sunshine, come the shadows as well. God bless you, dear.

The price we pay for love is grief! May you find comfort in knowing you have a very special angel watching over you and Gridley! Thank you for sharing Marion’s story, her resilience, courage and strength is a lesson for us all.

So sorry to hear about all of Marion's life challenges. But I am glad that you were gallantly there for her ! That was a wonderful tribute for your beautiful wife who always thought of others despite what she had to endure with all of her medical troubles for a big portion of her life ! And thank you for your service to our country, Chief !

Chief, thank you so much for sharing such a personal part of your life. Your wife sounds like she was 1 in a million. ❤️ Well, I will share with you a personal part of my life. In 2001 when I was age 44 I discovered at my beloved 49 year old husband Tom in cardiac arrest on our kitchen floor. At that time I was an ER nurse and had performed successful CPR on countless patients, but my efforts to revive my beloved husband was not meant to be. I can't even begin to describe the grief I experienced following the death of my husband, but it would have been far worse had I not had our two golden retriever children Duffy & Kelly with me that provided me much comfort and I to them as they were very close to my husband and too were grieving his loss. As time moved forward and I had to return to work and fully engage again in all the other aspects of my life I never thought of or desired to ever remarry but my fate had a different agenda. I met a terrific man named Frank through purchase of a car from him which led to us becomming friends as we shared many mutual interests. Our friendship gradually evolved into a pleasant dating relationship and we eventually fell in love and life was good. But that would all change a year after we began dating when out of the blue I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Frank decided after I informed him of my cancer diagnosis and the need for major surgery and possibly more treatment that he was going to move in with me to take care of me and my dogs that now he too loved. Frank brought me home from the hospital following my surgery at which time I was in pretty bad shape and could barely walk. Shortly after we got into the house he went down on bended knee, presented me with a beautifu ring, and asked me to marry him. Frank then said he believed my late husband Tom by some divine intervention brought us together so I would have a good man to love and take care of me through my cancer ordeal and other bumps in the road of life that followed since he no longer could be there physically for me and I believe that as well. Despite having a questionable cancer prognosis when Frank proposed, he said he waited all his adult life for me ❤️ , and he was willing to accept whatever time even if was short we would be blessed to have together. This coming October we will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. 💕 And I feel truly blessed to not only be a many years cancer, but also to have been married to the two most wonderful men that ever walked this planet. Chief, no amount of time spent with those we love is ever enough!! But that love we shared with them never dies but instead fuels our belief that we will be reunited with our loved ones in an eternal place one day where we will never ever have to say goodbye to them again.

You both have been through so much. My heart goes out to you. God bless you both.

Thank you for sharing your your story. At this time of watching this video now Gridley went over the rainbow bridge . Sorry for both of your loss. My Condolences. Sending you healing vibes your way. I too went through a similar experiece. Sending you a big hug with huge healing vibes. Take care and stay safe.

Wow, what an incredible story! ❤ Thank you for sharing & being so vulnerable. God Bless!

Only warriors are laid to rest at Arlington, how suiting for Marion💪🏾. Loved her story, thanks for sharing. I feel Marion was dealt a terrible hand but I can bet the she would say she felt blessed. Subscribed 🙏🏽💪🏾

I understand Chief...I lost my wife of 30 years to Cancer 7 years ago. The pain never leaves!

What an uplifting video!!

Mr Chief..first lifting heavrnly birthday wishes to Ms Marion..God had created a beautiful kind caring loving understanding joyful earthly angel that became your hearts love and wife..mother of a precious son..grandmother of a precious grandchild or grandchildren..she loved life to the fullest that her earthly body would let her due to different illnesses that she endured but fought like a trooper through each with love grace and dignity..her earhly angel even cared and was compassionate for others during her health battles to ensure all that met her or she guided to get the help they needed... they knew someone cared..that they too were not alone..and even through all of those task she also made sure her earthly family and friends knew the depth of love she had for them..showing strenghtn and courage and grace as each day or hour could bring a change on her earthly body and limits that she might face..she loved you deeply mr chief to the piont where she prayed and cared who would make you still want to get up show up and move forward daily so unliving life unenjoying life that God also gave you would not stop..there in is where mr gridley comes into the loving unit ms marion and you had..mr gridley became your furbaby earthly angel to be there to make you get up show up and learn to slowly enjoy life and the little things around you as Ms Marion prayed for mr gridley to do..she was thinking of others and their unknown or known needs while her body was transitioning to become your heavenly angel..God gave you the gift of one of his special earthly angels..for which you showed kindness love compassion caring worry understanding and yes many tears..you are one of a few..and God knew exactly and where to give you his precious created gift..Ms Marion...i shall wish you and Ms Marion a heavenly anniversary tribute..because that love endures through time as long as one earthly partner is left on earth for a time..Thank You and mr gridley ..for opening your heart to share this most blessed precious loving part of your and Ms Marions life's story..someone somewhere near or far needed this story for they might be afraid to share.. Lifting prayers daily for you Mr Chief and for furbaby mr gridley and all the family that Gods protective loving arms are always around all of you...from a Indiana girl(that lives with a permanent brain injury since march 23 1993 )living on the Virginia Tennessee line ❤

Totally blindsided by the video. Guess it’s getting dusty over here. We’re getting ready to make the move down to the Villages in a few months and my wife and I devour the villages content on YT. I’m sitting here on our couch holding her hand watching in awe of your tribute to Marion. Thanks to you and Gridley for sharing.

What a beautiful love story. She gifted Gridley to care for her the way you cared for her.

Beautiful story. ❤😢❤

Sending you hugs.

This is heartbreaking. So much pain. So sorry.

Such a lovely story. Thank you for sharing with us. Marion sounds amazing. My condolences to you for your loss.

Wow! What a beautiful story you have. You were so lucky to have her and she you. I was also blessed to have the best husband and friend i could ask for. He passed in 2010 very suddenly at 52. We were together 33yrs. I live in tampa area and always heard of the villages but didnt know much about them. Now im learning all about them. Lol. Enjoy your channel! Thankyou for your service.

So that was a beautiful story. I cry easily and your story did it. Thanks for sharing. She was very beautiful like a movie star.

Great tribute

Wow..what a beautiful tribute to your precious wife. I know she is very proud of you. It brought tears to my eyes. I’m praying for you and your family. I lost my beautiful son in 2016 and the grief is unbearable most days. Thank you for sharing her story. God bless you and thanks for your great videos. I am wanting to move to The Villages within the next 2 years and your videos are very informative. 🙏❤

So sorry for your loss. Thank you for your vulnerability to share your story which was both heartbreaking (the health challenges and loss) and heartwarming (the amazing love the two of you shared and the dedication and commitment to one another.) This video was such a wonderful way to honor your lovely Marion.

A lot of respect to you for sharing this Chief.

You are a beautiful soul I am sure your angel keeps an eye on you and seems like you are in a very supportive environment stay positive its the best workout for your mind and wellbeing.

What a wonderful tribute to your wife. God bless!!

😢😢 Heartbreaking what all she went thru, she sounds like a truly amazing strong soul😢 dogs are amazing healers with incredible love. I cried thru all this whole beautiful honor tribute, you were both so fortunate to have each other!

I just happened upon your video tonight! I loved your tribute to your wife, Marion, and I’m so sorry for all she had to endure in her life, etc. Sounds like you’re enjoying your time there thus far! I’ve made a lifestyle visit and hope to get back soon! Peaches

Sooo sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story. I admire your perseverence and bravery. Such grace & strength you hold, gives ppl the hope and encouragement to keep going despite what trials we may be facing, so..thank you for that! P.S. I knew there was something special about Gridley! ❤❤😊 Take care you.

Goosebumps! I hope i get a chance to meet you and Grindley when i get down there!

True love is all we can ask for in life. I know her spirit is showing up in you. Marriage is not two people. It is two people who become one. My husband of thirty eight years was taking in a accident a little over a year ago. Life gives us joy the sorrow is because we had such joy. I like you decided to embrace today. I decided to sell my home in Indiana in March. Moving to the home I have now in The Villages. I will begin again by breathing in all the activities The Village offers. Keep moving and enjoy the ☀️😊

Wow, what a sad yet beautiful story! I'm so sorry for your loss. It must have been extremely painful for you to go through all that. I hope doing better and thriving. I'm sure that's what Marion would have wanted for you. Hang in there and God bless!

I am new to your page, and enjoy your postings. Very upbeat, down to earth and always optimistic. Not to mention the beautiful mornings at Sumter Landing with a little coffee. Thank you for sharing this personal and heartwarming tribute about your life with Marion, her selflessness, courage, and her lasting gift of love to you when Gridley came into your life. My uncle lives in Sumter Landing, and lost his beloved Janie in Sep 2022. Like you and Marion, they were married many years. It is the love of family and his little dog Cocoa, his veteran friends, a few rounds of golf and friends at Cody's that gets him through those days when he is feeling low. If I spot you and Gridley when I am down end of July, I will introduce myself, say hello to Gridley, and introduce you to my uncle (vietnam veteran). Stay strong, and sorry for your loss.

I don’t know what I can say,that hasn’t already been said. I’m so sorry. I pray that God will be with you both. I firmly believe you’ll be reunited one day. Take care.

You're an Amazing Man who was blessed with an even More Amazing ❤️ Women.

What a wonderful tribute to her and her memory, and your pup is such a sweet boy. My brother passed away from an avm just over 3 years ago while he was power lifting at the gym.

What a LADY. I would never survive for 5 minutes having to go through this. It is just amazing how some folks can be so strong. I know myself well enough to say I could not ever be that strong or brave. Blessings to you.

😢 lots of bravery , dedication and love in your bittersweet story . Good bless you and your late wife . 🙏

I stumbled on your channel the other day bc I hope to retire to FL by way of my current employer in the next few years. This video popped up today and is so touching. Thank you for sharing. Godspeed, Marion. 💗

Your story❤💔. Thank you for sharing. Your wife sounds very special, may she rest in peace and no pain! Glad you have Gridley and are in a house and location you seem to enjoy!

Amazing woman, amazing story she certainly chose well ❤. Thank you for sharing. 🙏

Damn brother! I am so sorry! 🙏

So sorry for your loss. She sounds like a very strong woman. Prayers and blessings. My mom had brain surgery for blood clots and had seizures as well.

Sorry for ur loss,I am glad you had ur soul mate. Just started watching you,very interesting. I live in Edinburgh, Scotland. Seems a great place to live. Keep strong Joan.

Your memories of Marion remain alive through your daily life today. She was very wise and you were wiser to follow her suggestion to get a dog who helps you make decisions and navigate today. Thank you for sharing and amazing part of your life. Happy Heavenly Birthday to Marion.

I CANNOT IMAGINE WHAT YOU HAVE AND ARE GOING THROUGH. BLESS MARION'S HEART. THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS BEING SENT TO YOU. MUCH LOVE FROM VERMONT STATE. (SORRY ALL CAPS AS IAM LEGALLY BLIND)

What an amazing tribute to Marion. I'm sure she's looking down and watching out for you and Gridley and smiling.

Thank you for sharing your story.

To love and be loved like that................that's what life should be about. I am so glad Gridley is there with you.

So amazing, thank you for sharing this tribute :)

In honor of your wife's memory - for treats for Gridley. Thank you Chief for sharing this very personal and touching part of your life. Your wife sounds like an amazing person.

What a beautiful tribute ❤️. I already had the upmost respect for you because of your service to our country but now hearing about your life and love with your wife, we can truly see what a wonderful husband and man you are.

No matter how many years pass certain dates in our lives are forever celebrated. I love, that for you, two of those are the day your lovely wife arrived on this earth and the day you married her. That in itself tells volumes of who you are and the value of your time together. Her efforts to ensure you had a reason to get out of bed after she was gone, a happy puppy soul to keep you company in your grief also speaks to her love for you. You were so very lucky to find each other! My condolences on her loss. I hope memories of her bring a smile to your heart more often than an ache. She would want that.

Very sorry for your loss Chief R.I.P. 🙏🙏🙏

Such a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. The life you love with Gridley is a testament to the ongoing love that lives inside your heart for Marion.

What a beautiful woman! My sincere condolences to you😢I know a bit about what your going thru unfortunately….. I’m so glad she got to know Gridley before she passed..She sounds like an amazing, smart, kind person. Happy belated Birthday Marion! Thanks for being a good keeper of her story..it’s important to keep her memory alive and well remembered..Peace to you and Gridley brother..Stay strong, but enjoy your life now, you deserve that and she is cheering you on every day..God Bless you!

Such an amazing video, to share your story of personal loss with the RU-vid world. To say Thank You For Your Service doesn't begin to cover it. I hope you have found the peace Marion wanted you to have. I am sure you will find all the support you need in TV. God bless and keep you.

Rest in peace

Sorry for your loss. Wanted to say though these pics you shared here showed she was GORGEOUS! You were blessed to get to see her all the years you did but I'm certain it doesn't help the pain of not having your life-long partner with you every day. Sounds like you've been an outstanding husband to her.

What a sweet story. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for your vulnerability. Rest peacefully Marion ❤️

Beautiful and heartfelt tribute for your late wife, Courageous and selfless in spite of her challenges. I’m so sorry for your loss..

Military spouses have incredible strength, much of which is unrecognized. Sometimes, it seems like they fight more combat battles at home than the deployed service member. It sounds like your late wife was a combat fighter on a different level. God Bless you for the long hours of love that allowed her live a life serving others. Give Gridley some hugs from all us in your RU-vid family.

Since you still seem to be counting (which I get completely) Happy 36th!!! Peace be with you always.

This gave me goosebumps. I'm so sorry that she had to go through so much. Sometimes life isn't fair. I'm so glad you have Gridley and just how special he really is. Thanks for sharing with all of us.

Thank You for sharing

What a wonderful tribute ❤

New sub. What a lovely tribute to your wife and and her health challenges. She sounds like a she was a wonderful person who was a fighter. I'm sorry for your loss.

I am grateful you shared your wife's birthday and anniversary. For those who have not experienced such commitment and love, your sincere video was beautiful to watch. Thank you for sharing, her legacy has made a difference to countless people you so bravely shared this tribute.

May god bless you and gridley and your daughter and grandchild. Such a wonderful tribute to your wife. I know loss too, my husband of many years, I took care of him at our home until he passed away. He was retired U.S. A. F, and a military fighter pilot. I understand grief. Bless you for your courage and please keep going forward with your life know your wife is always with you. I’m going to visit the villages to hopefully retire there, and hope to meet you. Give gridley a “petting” from me and my sabby.

Would love to meet you, we have similar experiences and outlooks.

I wondered. She was very fortunate to have found you and you her. A true love story.

Thank you so much for sharing your love story ..Your beautiful wife Marion was a special person..You are soul mates..I give you a lot of credit coming to the village's with Gridley..Enjoy your new adventure.