Heavyweight Deborah
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Dec 18, 2025 At 101 years old, Deborah is not just a centenarian but a storyteller who recently unearthed a box of 256 letters from her first love, Jerry Robbins. They dive into the emotional rollercoaster of rekindling old feelings and the impact of reading these wartime letters. Deborah shares her journey of grief and reflection, alongside family reactions as she immerses herself in 'Jerry land.' The podcast culminates in a poignant visit to Jerry's grave, offering her unexpected relief and closure, illuminating the enduring power of love and memory.
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The Box That Reopened A Life
- Deborah hid a box labeled "Go Through" for decades containing 256 letters from her first love, Jerry Robbins.
- She sealed that past away after his WWII death and only rediscovered it at age 101, which reignited her feelings.
Past Loves Can Reshape Late Life
- Rediscovering old love can revive identity even in extreme old age and shift daily priorities.
- Deborah's renewed devotion to Jerry unsettled her family who saw her withdraw into "Jerry land."
Use Creative Work To Help Grieve
- Help grieving relatives honor unfinished creative work to enable closure and movement forward.
- Jonathan proposes publishing Jerry's writing together as a way to complete his story and help Deborah leave "Jerry land."