After a one-hour date in 1944, she wrote him over 200 letters — now their grandson is telling their story

A one-hour blind date in 1944 sparked a lifelong love that now lives on through TikTok, thanks to their grandson Drew Coyle. Known on TikTok as @crewdoyle, Coyle read a wartime letter exchanged between his grandparents, Helen and Bill, a story filled with longing, resilience, and a hand-drawn map that changed the course of life. In the video, Coyle said, "Eighty years ago, my grandmother put pen to paper and did something so extraordinary that it changed her life. But it also brought me into the world."

As Coyle shared in the video, on December 7, 1944, Helen, a Red Cross "doughnut girl," met Bill, a U.S. Navy sailor, on a blind date. They danced, took a walk, and promised to see each other the next morning. But Helen was shipped out the following day, so to keep that promise, she wrote a letter, and Bill responded. Their connection grew through more than 200 letters sent during World War II. Coyle’s video focuses on Letter 75, dated September 6, 1945. Apart from words of devotion, the letter also contained a hand-drawn map to help Bill find Helen if he ever arrived on her island.

The map referenced Island Command, marked a chapel, and showed the Red Cross girls’ headquarters. Helen wrote, "We're on the hill across the road and to the east of Island Command... the distance is very short. I almost always walk it. Now, you have no excuse for not coming to see me. I'm waiting." Filled with emotion and reflection, the letter further read, "Bill, my darling. I haven't exalted you, Bill dear. It's just that you made me realize how much I care about you... But you are you. And you've convinced me you're the kind of person I could like very, very much. We're in this together, my dearest, and there isn't going to be any reduction. We're moving forward hand in hand, just like the night we walked home from Anzagata."

Helen added, "It would be nice to have been in your arms, dancing and dancing the whole night long. Couldn't you be on Guam instead of the Philippines? But you needn't envy my dancing partners, Bill darling. They're always you." She closed, "You're in my thoughts and in my heart always. Helen." Their story also echoes what researchers have discovered about the impact of war on relationships. A study in the Journal of Family Issues on couples separated by military deployment found that distance during wartime can actually bring people closer. In a Newsweek interview, Coyle shared, "Helen's innocent act to initiate correspondence caused a ripple effect that would change not only their lives, but lead to me." He added, "I am so passionate about their story. It is quickly changing my view and perspective on life."

Coyle is now compiling their correspondence into a book, tentatively titled after their shared promise of "mañana" (tomorrow), with a release goal of December 7, 2025, which marks the 81st anniversary of their meeting. "Each preorder helps show there is an army who wants Helen and Bill’s love story to be shared," he said. Viewers were awestruck by the amazing love story and shared their heartfelt thoughts in the comments. @halliemiller3 wrote, "This is what loving someone unconditionally is. Thank you for sharing." @silviagonzlez009 commented, "Woww! This has been so moving! Sure she'd be so proud of you! Love." @coach_jackie_dunn said, "This definitely needs to turn into a movie."

You can follow Drew Coyle (@crewdoyle) on TikTok to listen to more of his grandparents' love story.