Bruce B. Blackburn III

I wanted to share my story with you. My husband, Bruce B. Blackburn III passed away in December, 2005 at the age of 52. Bruce was an incredible writer, editor (and husband)––a romantic soul who lived life on a more emotionally enriching plane and his link between the written word and love is undeniable.

Bruce had a couple of books in him which he never got to publish.  After his death, I was compelled to do a commemorative book for him entitled, A Bucks County State of Mind…in his words. The purpose of this book is a legacy to Bruce and the people he profiled. This book includes 40 profiles of people he wrote about in a ten-year period as Senior Editor of Nouveau Magazine in New Hope, PA. I chose the profiles of those I feel touched his heart, just as he touched theirs. Our Story was written in 1994. Bruce lived another 11 years and he turned his greatest challenge into a gift.

Our Story (written by Bruce B. Blackburn III)
Marie and I have a story to tell. Like storytellers of old, she’s told it to a lot of people already. Sometimes just in passing conversation, other times because she felt it could help someone facing a difficult personal challenge. It’s that kind of story.

Profound Message
Our story has a profound message. Reaction to it is inevitably intense and emotional. For a while now Marie has urged me to write it down—not only because it is an intriguing account, but because she is convinced people will take away from it insights and lessons in living happier, more fulfilling lives, whatever their age and regardless of their relationships, financial status or health.

We met at an exciting time in our lives at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. I walked into my first photo lab class and was immediately captivated by the attractive, dark-haired laboratory assistant in her white lab coat. Before long, we discovered our friendship was magnetic, and we developed a bond that was irrevocable. The year was 1973.

After graduation, caught up in seedling career pursuits, we traveled separate paths. In the late 1980s, my health dramatically declined. Chronic congenital asthma had me on high doses of steroids since the age of fifteen, and side effects were taking their toll. Significant problems with my lungs, heart, bones and circulation, plus chronic pain and multiple drug interactions, had worn me down. I was weak, on 30 medications a day, unable to work, alone and nearly bedridden at home in Vienna, VA.  Hopeless, bankrupt, deserted and in despair, I had given up.

The Visit
Upon learning of my condition, Marie actively reentered my life. She regularly called from Florida and sent me books and tapes on positive thinking, love and healing, but they seemed to have little effect. I was slipping away. My status plummeted to terminal. I was in the hospital near death when she summoned all her courage and decided to visit me on my thirty-eighth birthday, May 23rd, 1991.

The visit proved to be a turning point in both our lives. From then on a love stronger than we believed could happen—richer and more miraculous than we’d ever imagined possible suffused our lives and permeated our days. Marie soon returned to Florida, and our newly discovered love filled my heart with hope. The energy it created spurred an attitude shift that empowered me to fight for my health and our life together.

After ten months in the hospital, I was taken by air ambulance to a nursing home in Florida. Marie met me there. Hospice placed me on its roster and visited regularly. So did Marie. Between the nursing home and Marie, I existed between purgatory and paradise.  Being there was my worst nightmare, but Marie came every day, often for hours. She stood my ground for me when I could not. She so steadfastly refused to accept losing me that I began to wonder if I just might be worth saving. I decided I must be; I decided to fight.

Mirror-Image Reversal
In an upbeat, mirror-image reversal of my descent toward doom, Marie nurtured me back from the abyss. I began making progress, gaining control. Hospice graciously withdrew its services and wished me the best, which I already knew I had found.

Today, our goals are unified: to be happy and healthy, achieve professional success, to help others embrace a positive attitude toward living and wellness, and to remain together, always and forever.

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An interview with Bruce Blackburn was like talking to your best friend. This insightful, brilliant man got you to reveal your soul and then when you read what he wrote, you realized he captured your essence in a comfortable way that connected you to him forever.

A Bucks County State of Mind…in his words contains 40 profiles, over 150 pictures, 208 pages in a 9 x 9 format with the cover featuring a painting of Bruce by Bucks County’s renowned artist Robert A. Beck.  You can order the book on amazon.com.  Please visit our website: abuckscountystateofmind.com.

“One thing I know for sure is that Bruce not only make a difference in this world, but, the world is a better place because of him.  He was a true hero!”