Fred & Doris came to Sweet Readers through our wonderful partnership with Mount Sinai School of Medicine.  Although they are only in their first Sweet Readers program, the joy they both bring to the programs, transcending Zoom,  was effusive and I was delighted when they agreed to an interview with me – over Zoom no less!

Doris and Fred have been married for 34 years (the second marriage for both) and were both middle school teachers – Doris taught Home Economics and Fred was a band director (and trombone player – though he can play almost any instrument!).  While Doris and Fred are camped out in Massachusetts during the pandemic, they are still able to see their kids and four grandchildren and maintain an active life; both are big hikers and love the outdoors.

KY:  What do you do to stay healthy and keep your marriage strong during the pandemic?  

D+F:  We love doing the same things:  being outdoors, being active….we have bubbles….the effervescence of a life….a joy for life!

F:  I knew Doris was the gal for me when we cycled from Seattle to San Francisco on a tandem bicycle…there’s no getting away – 22 hours each day – it was great!  It was wonderful!

D:  It’s also important to have time for yourself!

KY:  So what did you think of the Sweet Readers?

D+F:  They are wonderful!  So refreshing to see these lovely kids – they gave us the best of the teenage years!  They took charge – managed the session – they were taking care of us, so gentle too.

KY:  What advice would you give to young people looking ahead in their lives?

D:  To sustain a good marriage?  Laugh a lot!  And share this advice from Gloria Steinem:  “You can’t have it all, but you can share it all.”  A true partnership means you can each do your own thing and then come together to share it all!