Through the twists and turns that life takes, love finds a way. Just ask Gale Davidson and Doug Hassell.

Eight years ago, neither would have imagined where they are today --- preparing to embark upon a life together. But fate had plans for these two.

Their story begins in 1995 when Yvonne Hassell of West Middlesex lost her husband after heart surgery. She joined the Grief Support Group of Kelley-Robb Funeral Home in Hubbard to help her through the grieving process. Three of her four sons lived locally and attended with her.

Also in 1995, Gale Davidson of Rebecca Avenue, Hubbard, lost her husband, Tom, who had suffered a heart attack. They had four children: a son, Tom, and three daughters, Lynne, Trisha and Jeanie.

"I didn't want to attend the grief sessions. I thought I could handle it myself," Gale, 53, explained. But then it became more than she could handle. "I called Ruth Ann (Robb) and asked if it was too late to join."

She did join and there she met Yvonne Hassell. Having each lost their husband, they consoled each other.

"And Gale and I have been friends ever since," Yvonne said.

"We connected on a level at the grief support sessions," Gale agreed. "When you lose your spouse, you lose your life. I lost my father and that was bad enough, but to lose your husband ..."

Also during the grief counseling sessions, Gale became friends with Yvonne's sons, Craig of Hubbard, Brian of Hermitage and Doug of Volant and their families (a fourth brother, Reid, lives in North Carolina). Brian even worked on Gale's car for her.

"Her sons really brought a lot of laughter back into my life," Gale said. "They brought gaiety. We can laugh."

And as she became closer to the family, Gale thought how wonderful it was how they supported each other. "That's what impressed me about all three of them. How they take care of their mom," Gale said.

Then in 2001, sadness struck the Hassell family again. Doug Hassell's wife, Jolene, died from cancer. Again, the families grieved.

For Gale, a 1968 Hubbard High School graduate, her struggles also included a battle with cancer and losing her job as a dietitian.

Again the families rebuilt their lives.

Eventually, Doug and Gale's friendship grew stronger.

"He was so compassionate," Gale said of Doug. "I lost my joy when Tom died. Doug remembered that and he said it tugged at his heart."

Doug, 49, said he recalls that conversation vividly. "I try to put joy in her life, and she in turn puts reason in mine --- a reason to go on."

Although still "just friends" at the time, Gale recalls the first time they went out together. It was for a fish dinner at Truck World's Globe Restaurant.

Happiness has since returned to their lives.

Doug, a machinist by trade who enjoys hunting, gunsmithing and singing, said one secret to that happiness is the openness he and Gale have with each other. They talk about "everything," and are comfortable sharing memories of their late spouses, he said.

And, importantly, they share a wonderful sense of humor.

"I'm like my brothers. I find humor in almost everything," Doug said. "I needed humor back in my life and she filled in a lot of the gaps."

"We have our ups and downs, but I think this is God's plan," added Gale.

The two became engaged on Feb. 21 and will wed on Sept. 27 in a 1 p.m. ceremony at Masury United Methodist Church.

"He comes with a guarantee of at least 20-30 years," Gale joked. "God gave me Doug because I wasn't looking for anything."

And the Hassell family is happy to have her.

"I have to admit, Gale is a good sister-in-law," Brian Hassell admitted during a round of friendly bantering during a picnic for those helped by the Kelley-Robb Grief Support Group.

"And I have to admit I love these guys," Gale replied.

Kelley-Robb Funeral Home's Grief Recovery Support Group will soon begin its 26th session. But while getting through the grieving process is an integral part of these sessions, obviously, it's not the only outcome.

"Kelley-Robb really helped me and everybody in my family. And they're the ones who put us together," Doug said.

"People think we go to these meetings and cry all the time. But that's not the case. It's about supporting each other," said Mary Jean Hunt, grief facilitator with the Kelley-Robb Grief Support Group. "Good things come from it, and when you least expect it."