Widow keeps love alive, honors husband's legacy by traveling on An Odyssey of Love

ANSONIA - I met an inspirational and courageous woman Sunday at First United Methodist Church.

Invited guest Alison Miller addressed our congregation and spoke about her mission to spread a message of love everywhere she travels. 

Miller, who recently moved to Ansonia, is living out the dream she shared with her late husband, Air Force Master Sgt. Charles "Chuck" Dearing. They had been married for 24 years when he passed away on April 21, 2013.

Their dream was to hit the road and travel the country to promote a message of love - and they did just that for 4-1/2 years. "We kept driving and driving," she said. "We talked about everything." 

Before Chuck died, Miller promised him she'd stay on the road and keep his legacy of love alive. She is planning to embark on a cross-country trip in May.

Click here to read Miller's personal blog about her life and travels that she has been writing since 2009. And click here to visit her website. 

Miller addressed the congregation at First United Methodist Church on Sunday, where attendees watched the first official showing of her documentary, 'An Odyssey of Love...in pink.'

This is the pink pickup Miller is driving these days. It's covered in the names of lost loved ones. I was honored when she asked me if I wanted to add my late husband Ralph's name to the vehicle. 

HH on the marker plate stands for Happily Homeless, an homage to the couple's life on the road.

Miller poses with two new admirers after her presentation. 

I recommend readers refer to Miller's online presence to learn much more about her interesting life and to enjoy her thoughtful writings. 

I'm looking forward to following her on her future adventures! 

  

My Sister's Place Thrift Store in Ansonia posts weekly sales

My Sister's Place Thrift Store is located at 380 Main St., Ansonia.

All purchases support BHcare's The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services.

This is shared from the store's Facebook page.

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights history of exchanging valentines

Turnback Tuesday wishes you a Happy Valentine's Day! 

The original origins of St. Valentine's Day is debated, but the month of February has long been celebrated as the month of love. 

Countries all over the world celebrate in many different ways with their own traditions. It is believed that Americans started exchanging handmade valentines in the early 1700s. The tradition grew and by the mid-1800s cards started to be mass produced. 

These cards would have images of cupid (the god of love), hearts and flowers displaying signs affection and love. 

This lovely postcard is part of the Library’s collection circa 1910.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library for sharing interesting history each week.

Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley to hold Service to Youth Awards

Save the Date! 

Help us honor Nicholas & Ernestine Luise, the Bassett Family Fund, and Sharon Oates with our most prestigious awards on April 20 - Nicholas & Ernestine Luise, Raymond P. Lavietes Service to Youth Award. 

The Bassett Family Fund, Champion of Youth Award. Sharon Oates, Alumni Hall of Fame Award. Invitations going out in early March.

This is shared from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley Facebook page.