For many, significant gestures of love are reserved for special occasions like Valentine’s Day. However, George Mann celebrates the love of his life every day, despite losing her four years ago. The Navy veteran lost his wife Harriett in March of 2015, but her memory is never far from his heart. Despite the years, George says it still feels like yesterday when he talks of his wife’s passing and their years together. Mann recently wrote a poem in her honor reminding him of the importance of relishing in the memories and being present in the moment. Even without his wife, Mann looks back on their love story and doesn’t shy away from his sense of humor. “We were married 65 years, and most of the time we even liked each other, we were good together,” said Mann. It’s Mann’s commitment to his and Harriet’s romance that shows those at Valley Terrace what it truly means to love another person, even when they are no longer with you.

Fate made sure these two ended up together, attempting to bring them together during their high school days. However, despite being at the same school, the two never met. Then, while serving in the Navy, Mann crossed paths with his future sweetheart when he dated one of her friends, Rita. Harriett knew a good thing when she saw it, telling Rita, “If you ever give him up, throw him my way.” After completing his time with the Navy, these two finally got their timing right and dated for two years before getting engaged. When speaking of their whirlwind romance, Mann says, “I chased her until she caught me.” He also had a tough job of winning over her father. For starters, Harriett was his baby girl, and it didn’t help that Mann didn’t have a job when he proposed. Luckily, he won over Harriett’s family, and before long the couple went on to have four sons: Andrew, Richard, Steven and Thomas. The Manns raised their boys in Long Island and later moved to back to Manhattan to live on the East Side.

While Harriett is no longer with George, he carries her memory with him wherever he goes. It’s with continued devotion that he wrote a poem in Harriett’s honor. The poem showcases the love he still feels for Harriet, the emotions associated with her loss and how he finds the strength to keep going each day.

“The Mann’s love story and George’s poetry is a reminder to all of us that love is everlasting, even after losing a significant other,” said Angela Zizza, executive director of Valley Terrace. “At Valley Terrace, we believe in the importance of sharing the stories of those who call our community home in order to preserve them in our hearts. While some may see this love story as over, we know George is keeping it alive in his memory and through his words and unfailing love for Harriett. His continued devotion is a reminder to all of us that love is forever and can be celebrated every day and not just one time a year.”