Menifee resident Bob Duchin was heartbroken when the love of his life, his wife of 47 years, Susan died after waging a valiant battle against lung cancer.
Local author Bob Duchin pens book about his life with his true love, his wife Susan. She lost her battle with cancer in February 2011. (Contributed image)
As a way to cope with the searing pain and heartache of losing Susan, he began to journal shortly after her death in February 2011.
Suddenly alone and with nobody to talk to he sat at the computer and typed his feelings out through tears and laughter.
“I started journaling with no intention of writing a book,” Duchin explained. “I have always enjoyed writing and found it is an easy way for me to express my emotions.”
In his recently published book “Not Enough of Her: Ordinary People Extraordinary Love,” the author tells the coming of age story of how cupid aimed his bow at the couple and set in motion a lifetime of love.
Like a scene out of the movie “Dirty Dancing,” they met one magical summer at a small resort hotel in upstate New York.
“I was 16 and she was 14 the summer we met,” Duchin said. “I was working as a counselor in the day camp and she feigned falling off of a merry-go-round so I would pay attention to her,” he added with a chuckle.
Before their summer vacation was over, they exchanged addresses and phone numbers and began writing letters to each other and talking on the phone.
“When I was 17 I left home to attend Boston University and we kept on writing to each other for the year I was there,” he said.
That year 85 letters were written and Duchin still has them all.
“They are very precious to me,” he said quietly.
He started sharing some of his journal entries with friends who were all moved by his stories and encouraged him to write a book.
“My dear friend and colleague from Westmont College in Santa Barbara is a brilliant English professor and offered to edit my book,” Duchin said. “He is a busy man and took the time to edit this book.”
“He teaches us how to live not in spite of, but through our deepest pain,” editor Doctor Randall VanderMay said.
Duchin holds onto his unwavering belief and faith in love through his writing and hopes readers of his book will be inspired by his life story.
“I hope that you will find something worthwhile for your own relationships as you read this collection of memories about love’s transcendent and exquisite power in the lives of two ordinary people.”
The book is available online at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com. The author hopes to do book signings and readings at local bookstores.
Stephanie D. Schulte is a writer/photographer with SWRNN. She can be reached at stephanie.schulte@swrnn.com.
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I honor the love you had..
What a wonderful love story and what a wonderful way to honor the love he and his wife had. I am going to go out and buy this book right away.
I met the author and his wife about 50 years ago and unfortunately fell out of contact with them until just before Susan passed away. Historically theirs was a loving relationship that immediately touched anyone who came in contact with them.
Bob’s writings cannot help but touch you as he recalls memories and shares their feelings for each other with the reader. His faith carries him through each day and allows him to slowly and painfully re-start his life.
Not a “chick book.” It’s a book for anyone that’s known love and known loss.
This is an amazing triumph for Bob, and also for our LORD JESUS CHRIST who takes us through the painful parts of our journey and turns them into glory and joy.
Bob and Susan lived (live) next door to us in Menifee. This has been a difficult year for our dear friend….and for me, because I lost a very dear and special woman in my life. Susan brought joy and laughter and yummy treats everywhere she went. I miss her so very much.
Bob’s book has been a process of healing for him and a written legacy for his children and grandchildren and also to those of us that will treasure the memories that we were talked about and now able to read and be with Susan whenever we want to.
Our God is faithful to walk along side us in our journey..for HIS purpose and plan that He has for us…never leaving us, showing us the way and bringing us to other side of pain…Bob’s book of a precious love story is the other side and I praise God for this miracle of their love and Bob’s gift of writing.
Congratulations Bob, this book is a victory in so many ways and we are so thankful to be a part of your story, and look forward to many years of watching God write more chapters of you life in Him..
Love you dear brother in Christ…..Mike and Diana
Mike and Diana Stiles said everything we also feel. We also lost a dear sister in Christ. Bob, you are our dear brother in Christ.
We haven’t read the book yet but look forward to reading it. We so enjoyed reading various journal pages. The kind of love and deep commitment you and Susan had (have) is something very few people are blessed to experience. We only wish more people could experience such a love. Jim and I also feel very blessed in the deep love and commitment we share. Your book is a great testimonial of what love between a man and a woman should be, and we are sure many people will be inspired and impacted by this book. God bless you for writing it as a memorial to Susan!
May God continue to comfort you and lift you up.
Love from your sister and brother in Christ,
Lorrie and Jim