Yellow Rock is the passionate, very moving late-in-life love story of Jeannie and Billy Kish, who refused to "sit out" their remaining years. Instead they found adventure, joy, and ever-deepening love while traveling the open road. Along the way, they met the challenge of Billy contracting Alzheimer's by deciding to keep on going, taking chances and making the most of their life together, until Billy's death in 2006. As Jeannie states in her preface: "There are as many ways to travel, as there are places to explore. My biggest journey began eighteen years ago. After meeting my second husband, Billy Kish. We were perfect for one another, each possessing a great wanderlust. We toured all over North America in our Airstream motor home, hopped onto ferries to Newfoundland, rode horses and buggies through the German countryside, and cruised on steamships through the Amazon. But we also traveled on another kind of journey. A much more arduous road." Jeannie describes how her inner strength was tested by Billy's devastating disease. How she refused to surrender in her battle with the loss of Billy's memory, intellect, and ultimately physical capability. And the love she found from total devotion to another human being.
About the Author: Jeannie was born in 1928 and was raised in an immigrant section of Manhattan during World War II. Married at 17, she and her first husband, Perry, raised a family of three sons on Long Island. Jeannie had a strong determination to see the world, and, despite being of humble means, embarked on many journeys. Her family adventured up Pike's Peak in a trailer, drove through Mexico and Central America, and visited many of the great American landmarks. Jeannie and Perry retired to the South East coast of Florida with their oldest son, Alan, who had become very ill when he was 25 years old. This was the second time Jeannie had to deal with the tragedy of a sick child, having lost a daughter to multiple birth issues at just 8 months. Jeannie and Perry spent most of their retirement nurturing Alan, trying to bring him back to health, but after watching his child's dreams fade away with his body, Perry passed on in 1989. Alan followed shortly after, at age 41. With her two remaining children living in other parts of the country, Jeannie was alone in Florida and had to once again call on her inner strength. She then met Billy, with whom she fell deeply in love. It was the gift of another chance at life. Billy shared Jeannie's enthusiasm for travel, and together they planned and journeyed. They traveled in an Airstream motor home and loved the companionship they enjoyed with other travelers. Then tragedy hit again when Billy was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Jeannie describes how her inner strength was tested by Billy's devastating disease. How she refused to surrender in her battle with the loss of Billy's memory, intellect, and ultimately physical capability. And the love she found from total devotion to another human being. This is an inspiring story of a determined woman intent on fulfilling her dreams despite the obstacles life placed in front of her.