Last updated June 5 2025
I will not let you be forgotten
The experience of abandonment at a young age and all that it brought made my heart closed off and any trust almost disappear. It would take a miracle for an opening to happen and for someone to reverse it all. That miracle was Marlene.
To have that full mutual trust, acceptance and yes love was what I felt had been the deal I had made with the higher power I prayed to. Just let me experience this and I will ask for nothing else.
I’m not sure if everyone remembers the day, they realized they loved someone but for me it was a few weeks later when I agreed to meet up with her at the grocery store after work and as I walked in and saw her in the distance looking back at me with a smile, I knew then and there that I was gone. I would in later years joke with her regarding how I had no chance at all, that I was under the spell of Marlene.
Thankfully we were both adults with a level of maturity that understood that none of us is perfect and that the understanding of what is behind our actions is something that no twenty-year-old could ever aspire to. I understood Marlene’s past losses in terms of marriages, houses and jobs and how it really changes someone from a fear element and protection and not wanting to repeat those experiences ever again. And while I understood all these, there was no denying the qualities and uniqueness that was Marlene. No one who knew her could deny her specialness. Whatever those flaws that we all share might be, having had the privilege of being next to her for those 23 years was understood and appreciated every single day.
My purpose in writing these words that follow is to highlight for those who did not know her and as a reminder for those who did of what made her so special. But it also serves as a lesson that we are all here doing our best and perhaps there is some wisdom to be learned to do better while recognizing these traits of fear that sometimes dominate our lives.
That the simple act of holding someone’s hand to take that next step can make all the difference.
I will not let you be forgotten is my purpose now and that while it is true that she will be forever in our hearts; I believe the written word can help in ensuring her Legacy is never lost or forgotten. As the song says, for a thousand years and a thousand more I will love you.
Marlene Oulton Legacy is a special project that aims to celebrate the heritage and development of a remarkable individual. These files are a treasure trove of content that encompasses a wide array of topics, ranging from personal anecdotes and family lineage to cherished memories and favorite hobbies.
These files feature a diverse range of categories, including reflections on early life, significant milestones like birthdays and career advancements, as well as favorite pastimes such as cooking, crafts, and exploring new recipes. As a visitor you can immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of content that reflects the essence of Marlene Oulton's legacy and values. Moreover, these files serve as a digital repository for a myriad of memories and musings, chronicling the evolution and growth of a dynamic individual. These documents offer a glimpse into the facets that shaped Marlene Oulton's life. And finally, it is about personal growth. Join me on this journey of remembrance, reflection, and renewal as we honour the legacy of Marlene Oulton.
Recommended chapters include 4, 58, 70 & 74