I was one of those people who married for life. For better or for worse.
My husband preferred to seek better elsewhere. He didn’t want to wait ‘til death do us part, and poof! With the wave of a judge’s magic wand, I found myself single after 31 years and 11 months.
At the tender age of 20, I had gone straight from my parents’ home to my husband’s home.
At 51, I had to learn to live with and by myself.
I left the Midwest and moved to Jacksonville, Florida, to be near my adult son. He helped me find a house and taught me to navigate the streets of a large city. He also dried my tears.
Lots of tears.
Eventually, I learned to enjoy aspects of my new life. No sharing the remote. No one complaining about my beloved dogs. The tears began to dissipate, and I realized I wanted to date. But how does one go about dating without a high school friend to ask a cute guy, Do you like Janie? She likes you. Do you want to go to prom with her?
I hoped I’d find a single man in church, but the churches held married men, most of them elderly. I didn’t know anyone who could introduce me to a nice man, or set me up on a blind date. No way would I go on a man hunt in a bar. Not my style.
Then my nephew suggested a free online dating site. He had discovered a very nice woman there. They had married. It took me a while to find the courage to put my profile online. In fact, it took me four years.
About a year ago (April, 2013), loneliness finally gave me the audacity to put my photo and some facts about myself on the dating site. I used a pseudonym, created a special private email address so suitors who were strangers could contact me, and didn’t post any information that might be too personal.
I started “man shopping” as soon as my profile went live. It didn’t take long to find a fellow who seemed interesting and intelligent. I reached out to him. We chatted through instant messaging for a bit. He seemed nice enough, but I wanted to take a look at some other fish in the sea.
I messaged some men; some men messaged me. Then, I received an email from the first man I had contacted. He asked me to have lunch with him! He offered to pay! Oh, the excitement of a possible first date!
But did I really want this particular man?
I read his profile over and over and studied his photo. He looked somewhat familiar. Then I realized why I recognized him. He looked like Captain Kangaroo! I couldn’t go out with the Captain. He might bring along Grandfather Clock and read me a story. I answered his email with a “No, I’m too busy right now”. Too busy! Huh! Too busy being lonesome.
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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!
A nice lesson there. Not too old to try for that date to the prom again. Thanks for sharing.
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
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!
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).
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.
Thoroughly enjoyed the story. Carry on with the "after prom" party!!
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.
Lovely story and I'm so glad you found love again. Thank you for sharing.
Happiness and love comes to us at all ages. Nice story.