{"id":4800,"date":"2023-11-11T18:35:52","date_gmt":"2023-11-11T17:35:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/?p=4800"},"modified":"2023-11-11T18:35:52","modified_gmt":"2023-11-11T17:35:52","slug":"man-spent-70-years-searching-for-long-lost-love-and-is-beside-himself-when-he-finds-her","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newzdiscover.com\/?p=4800","title":{"rendered":"Man spent 70 years searching for \u201clong lost love\u201d and is beside himself when he finds her"},"content":{"rendered":"

For seven long decades, the specter of a lost love lingered in the heart of 91-year-old Duane Mann.<\/p>\n

He was tormented by the thought that Peggy Yamaguchi, his first love, believed he had deserted her.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nSOURCE:FACEBOOK \u2013 BRIAN MANN<\/p>\n

Yet, he clung to hope, tirelessly searching for her, unaware that she, too, had never truly let go.<\/p>\n

Their story began in 1954 in Yokosuka, Japan, where a 22-year-old Mann, serving with the Navy, met and fell in love with Yamaguchi.<\/p>\n

Their plans for a future together were abruptly interrupted when Mann was ordered back to the U.S. just as they discovered they were expecting a child.<\/p>\n

Determined to return and marry her, Mann\u2019s dreams were dashed when his father squandered his savings.<\/p>\n

Returning home from the Korean War without the means to return to Japan, Mann was puzzled by the sudden halt of letters from Yamaguchi.<\/p>\n

Little did he know, his mother, driven by prejudice, was destroying her letters, determined to prevent their union.
\nThen, a final letter arrived, bearing the heart-wrenching news of their lost child and Yamaguchi\u2019s subsequent marriage to another man.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was over, it set in that idea that I abandoned her, just wore me out,\u201d Mann confessed to KETV.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not an honorable thing to do.\u201d
\nDespite the years, Mann could not forget Yamaguchi and eventually enlisted his son\u2019s help to find her, believing she was still in Japan.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nSOURCE:FACEBOOK \u2013 BRIAN MANN<\/p>\n

Yamaguchi was not across the ocean but a mere 650 miles away in Michigan, having moved there with her Navy husband.<\/p>\n

Mann\u2019s son shared his father\u2019s quest online, and it caught the attention of a young History Channel researcher, Theresa Wong, who was moved to help and successfully located Yamaguchi.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel like it cut me right to my soul,\u201d said Wong, explaining her determination to reunite the long-lost lovers.
\nThe sons of the two lovers orchestrated a meeting, and the pair finally saw each other again, their joy palpable in a conference room at the Island Resort and Casino in Escanaba.<\/p>\n

In an emotional exchange, Mann told Yamaguchi, \u201cI\u2019m here to tell you that I didn\u2019t abandon you at all. I just couldn\u2019t find you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He revealed photos of her he had treasured in his wallet for 70 years, a testament to his unwavering love.<\/p>\n

Overcome with emotion, Yamaguchi embraced Mann, saying, \u201cThank you for remembering and [saving] all the pictures, you must have loved me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her enduring affection was evident, too\u2014her son\u2019s middle name is Duane.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nSOURCE:FACEBOOK \u2013 BRIAN MANN<\/p>\n

For Mann, sharing his truth was a profound relief, a \u201cfreeing experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brian Mann, Duane\u2019s son, reflected on his father\u2019s character: a man of kindness, heart, and courage, never afraid to step outside the norm.<\/p>\n

Their story, a testament to enduring love and devotion, is one for the ages.<\/p>\n