We all have goals in life; no matter how simple or complicated they are. Most of the time we wonder “am I able to reach my dream, and if not, how come?”.

Human nature, most the time, is the problem. Or perhaps our goal is so broad that we already give up before we have even started.

Before I published Life of Love for Atema and Atepa, the true story of my relationship and story between my husband and myself, I asked my self, “what is the reason for writing this book?” I wanted to share a genuine love story for my husband Patrick. He was so humble and he had such a beautiful heart and mind. I am sure my readers have questions in the back of their minds, such as, “what's so great about her Love Story that makes it different than the rest of ours?”. Well, it's a real story of the writer and author. Life of Love for Atema and Atepa captures the true romance from my life with Patrick. Its a story about culture, family, children, different generations and two people separated by opposite sides of the world.  We fell in love through the many letters we wrote one another and despite thousand of miles apart, we were able to endure a life together for 24 years.

Now I would like to raise money for the children in the small village of Mahayag, Philippines, where I grew up. In one of Patrick's letters he dreamt of someday helping those children so that they would be able to receive medical care. Most of the children in the village have never been fortunate enough to visit a clinic or see a doctor. 

There are two schools in Mahayag that I would like to donate to with the sales from my book. Mahayag High School has the medical facilities but are lacking supply along with adequate medical equipment. Mahayag Elementary don't have any medical facilities so this one could use a lot of help. 

All profits generated from sales of my book will be used to start a foundation that will help the children as well as adults living in my former village.

How you can help:

By purchasing a copy of Life of Love for Atema and Atepa for you or a friend or family member, you will be supporting our goal in helping the people who do not have access to or cannot afford the medical treatment that they so desperately need.

Thank you and please feel free to contact me through this site if you should have any questions.

Sincerely,

Dedeth Ford

First of all there is no absolute formula for a strong and healthy relationship. Secondly it's not my place to give advice to any couples out there, although in my own experience it takes diligence and hard work along with sacrifices for both husband and wife; each have to share responsibilities in order for the relationship to work. 

Don't try to change your spouse's personality or character, because sooner or later, our true self will resurface no matter how hard we tried to be different than  who we really are. First, you must be honest to your self and love who you are. This is obviously easier said than done. What worked for my husband and me was the fact that we were always open and honest with one another. We did't have a hidden agenda. Communication is the key role for us.

We had our share of disagreements and fights, but we didn't hold it back. One thing we always tried to do was stay passionate and open. My late husband Patrick always reminded me to never bring our fights with us to bed. 

Material things were not important to us. When there is love, passion, understanding and openness between both husband and wife, life is wonderful and exciting and full. 
Sincerely,
Dedeth Ford (Life of Love for Atema and Atepa)

February 24 Tuesday 

Dear Fredeswinda,
I saw your picture in “Asian Presentations” today and would really like to exchange letters and photographs with you. I find you particularly attractive with very beautiful and expressive eyes. I’m enclosing a recent photo of myself. It’s not too good but it will give you some idea of what I look like. I live in Boulder, Colorado, a small city of about 50,000 people quite close to the Rocky Mountains. The small mountain you see in the background is part of a group of mountains called the Flatirons. 

I am 54 years old, 6’ tall and weigh 180 pounds
– rather slim and muscular. My hobbies include woodcarving, playing guitar and studying the martial arts. I enjoy gardening, reading, hiking in the mountains, TV/ movies, animals and nature and all kinds of music. I have the good fortune of being strong and healthy. 

I work as a carpenter although I have a degree in Journalism and Psychology. I prefer to work with my hands building things and being creative. I also enjoy physical work much more than sitting behind a desk in some office. The caption under your picture states you are a student. What is your major area of study? 

I have been divorced for about four years now and would very much like to find a warm, gentle, responsive and loving woman to be my wife. I am a romantic and affectionate man with very deep and very strong emotions when it comes to loving a woman so it has been very difficult for me living alone. I write very honestly and openly about what I feel and what is in my heart. How else can two people really get to know each other and have any chance to have a relationship that can grow and endure.
I only hope that my direct and frank words don’t offend or upset you. I really do want to get to know you and don’t want to say anything at this point that will interfere with your answering my letter. Please open your heart and tell me about what you are looking for in a relationship and in life. Perhaps the difference in our ages may be a problem for. If so, please tell me when you answer and I will understand. 

My address is:
Patrick Ford
3725 Moorhead
Boulder, Colorado 80303 U.S.A. 

Sincerely and affectionately, Patrick