I learned some things from this story! I hadn't heard the term diastema before. When I looked it up, it made me smile that someone would find that to be an attractive feature in a partner!

Also, I was not aware of the AS/AA/SS genetics, and that the cross of two people with AS can result in a child with sickle cell anemia. I am fascinated by genetics, so this was really interesting information.

This is a sad tale, @lightpen. It made me realize that we are all lucky if we find someone to spend our lives with who is all things - healthy, a good match (genetically and otherwise), and a good person.