Senior Prom

I decided I was interested in another man on the site––one who was looking for someone with whom he could share his retirement years. We emailed each other a few times, graduated to chatting on the phone, and went out on a date. Of course, we met in a public place, and my son knew where I was and when to expect me home.

We decided on a restaurant. I chose my outfit carefully. We had a nice meal together. We laughed and talked and laughed some more.

But I didn’t feel a glow. He was polite and called one more time. Then we let the friendship die.

Memorial Day approached. It’s always a tough day of remembrance for me because my dad died on Memorial Day. I didn’t want to spend the day alone, so I decided to give Captain Kangaroo another chance. So what if I needed to fetch carrots for Bunny Rabbit?

I emailed the Captain and explained my dread of the day. He seemed sympathetic. Again, we made plans to meet in a public place––a small restaurant in my neighborhood where all the servers knew me.

I arrived at the restaurant and saw the Captain’s red ‘stang out front. But inside, no single men. I sat down, and soon a man came in the door and headed toward me. He was not Captain Kangaroo. He wasn’t even Mr. Green Jeans.

He smiled at me, and his eyes smiled, too. I was smitten. We chatted non-stop as we ate. After he paid the bill, the server, who appreciated his polite conduct and generous tip, whispered to me, “He’s a keeper”.

We’d reached a big moment. Was it time for the date to end, or would I . . . could I . . . ? I did. After texting my son about my intentions, I invited my new fella to my house to meet my three dogs. He sat on the floor so the dogs could gather around to sniff him. He didn’t care if the dogs slobbered on him. He didn’t mind if they stepped on his feet. They liked him, and he liked them. Better yet, we liked each other. A lot. We were amazed to learn how much we had in common.

We’ve been an item ever since. We don’t live together, but he and the dogs and I have our own little family. We go out to dinner once during the week, and we spend the weekend together. I sparkle and fizz with him. Occasionally, we disagree. We’ve learned to settle an issue and let it go. We laugh a lot. We take care of each other in sickness and in health. Mature love is a fine wine that’s aged and full of flavor.

I’ve reached a new phase in my life. The do-what-I-please and take risks phase. The not-be-too disappointed if a risk doesn’t work out phase. The try again phase.

I didn’t need a friend to ask this guy if he wanted to go to the senior prom with me.

We asked each other, and we don’t want the music to stop.

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30 Comments

  1. I’m happy that Ms.Goltz decided to find a date for her “senior prom” on her own and I’m happier that she shared her method with us. She tells an interesting story in an easy to read fun way!

  2. A nice lesson there. Not too old to try for that date to the prom again. Thanks for sharing.

  3. Wonderful story! I’m so glad to hear that you are doing better and have a wonderful man in your life.

    You have a wonderful heart, ma’am. Honored to know you. xx

  4. This is a beautiful story, and I pray it gives many single, lonely retirees hope and the courage to venture to an online medium to find someone to spend their years with. I’m so glad your “Captain” turned out to be awesome and that you opted to give him a second chance. Good luck in your relationship, beautiful!

  5. Gorgeous. I am sitting here sniffling. I love the last line, “..we don’t want the music to stop”. Good for you! Though having a story read to me would have been a plus in my book (wink).

  6. wonderful story. i’m so happy that you were able to find a wonderful companion to share your life with. i’m also glad that you shared your story. it’s never too late to find that special person regardless of age. good luck.

  7. Thoroughly enjoyed the story. Carry on with the “after prom” party!!

  8. What a wonderful testament to romance – real romance, the building of a deep and meaningful relationship. I’m glad you took a chance on the “Captain” – it sounds as though he’s a treasure.

  9. Ravina Andrea

    May 14, 2014 at 9:49 am

    Lovely story and I’m so glad you found love again. Thank you for sharing.

  10. Happiness and love comes to us at all ages. Nice story.

  11. Cute story. Glad to hear the happy ending

  12. Nice to know there’s hope for us folks of a certain age to find love again. It’s nice to hear about someone who didn’t give up and kept trying. I do love a happy ending! 🙂

  13. Lovely story! I am glad this worked out so well for you. I love that you had the support of your son and that you approached this with an open mind.

  14. I hope they live happily ever after.

  15. Great heartfelt post. I love stories with happy endings, and I’m glad you had the courage to reach out for happiness instead of curling up into a ball of loneliness. Congratulations; you are an inspiration to mature folks everywhere.

  16. Joanne Noragon

    May 15, 2014 at 2:14 am

    Well done, both of you.

  17. You made a lot of good decisions all on your own. You and Captain Kangaroo seem to be a good match. I, also, have dated men from an internet site. I am sure you have many more stories that are as interesting as this one! More?

  18. That was super sweet. Did he at least have a giant Captain Kangaroo mustache? A floppy hair cut?
    I love the idea of you texting your son to see what to do. “Pardon me a moment, Captain, I think I’d like to continue this date, but please allow me to consult my son.” I’m sure it didn’t go down like that, but it makes me giggle.
    I hope you’ve found your Happily Ever After.

  19. Well-written, as always. 🙂

    Once you plunged into the dating pool again, you were very lucky that you didn’t go through the typical 47 losers before finding the right guy!

  20. Oh Willy Dunne Wooters . . . once thought to be Captain Kangaroo, ha! I’m glad you decided to give him that second chance. And good for him for getting along with your dogs, and for the occasional disagreements . . . gotta keep interesting and all that. Lovely “Senior Prom” story, Janie. 😀

  21. I loved being reminded of Captain Kangaroo. I grew up watching that show! Great story in only a way you can tell it….so happy for you. Keep dancing! XOXO

  22. Keep dancing! It makes me look forward to my “Senior Prom”. Wonderful storytelling. I hope to read more.

  23. See? You don’t need a prom to find a date!

  24. I love this story! She is a terrific writer, and hers is the type of writing that everyone understands and enjoys. Please have her back again~

  25. A wonderful story, told beautifully, and with lots of heart. For sure, our Ms. Goltz is a keeper, and I hope she and her not-the-Captain friend keep on dancing and laughing for many years to come. (sniff)

  26. I almost started crying when I read this. It’s so amazing how you just seemed to gravitate back towards each other. Things worked out for the best and you have a happy family now. Just…aww!!!

  27. Such an inspiring story!

  28. That would take a great amount of nerve for me to do that. I am glad that you did and it sounds like you found ‘a keeper.’

  29. Dear Janie, I’m so happy you and Willy found each other. I’m curious why he looked nothing like the Captain in person? It’s a lovely story told by a very lovely woman. Life must have been saving the best for last. 🙂

    -andi

  30. Aw, I love this so much! What an encouraging story. And it just goes to show, you never know who you will click with. I’m glad you gave Captain Kangaroo a chance!

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