When my friend’s mother passed away a couple of years ago from a horrible bout with cancer, I had never seen anyone more heartbroken than my friend’s father. His wife had been the love of his life and though their marriage had the typical ups and downs like any marriage, they were the real deal. True soul mates in every sense. So when my friend told me that in recent weeks, her father decided to check out a senior dating website, I was slightly surprised. But not completely.
This man is one of the most romantic men I have ever met and obviously he and his departed wife discussed the fact that he should not spend the rest of his life mourning for her. After a couple of years of being alone and mourning his loss, he was tired of being alone. He met several lovely women on a senior dating website, but one in particular caught his fancy. Though it had been literally a lifetime ago that he had dated and pursued another woman other than his beloved wife, he was a natural. My friend was amused and slightly aghast at watching her father make his “moves.” On the other hand, she realized it was the healthiest thing for him to do. It was time for him to move on.
The change in my friend’s father since he has started romancing this new woman is astounding. He is back to his old self and it is very clear that he is happier than he has been in a long time. He did admit to feel a bit guilty when he discovered he had strong feelings for this new woman, but he was able to talk it out with his grown children, friends and family. He realized it was natural to feel like he was “cheating” on his wife; but also knew, in the end, it was psychologically healing to find a new companion.
He wined and dined this new gal of his, and seemed to regain the youthful quality he had lost when his wife had been in the throes of battling her cancer. He was like a teenager again, and it was adorable to watch him and his new lady hold hands, sneak kisses and embrace as often as they possibly could. Everyone was happy to see he had found someone worthy of his generosity, love and affection. No one could fill the shoes of his wife, and this new woman, to her credit, didn’t try. But she was lovely and they obviously enjoyed each other’s company tremendously.
Romance has no age or time limit. It can sweep in when you least expect it to, and heal you from previously horrendous challenges. I am thrilled that my friend’s father has been able to release the grief over losing his wife and find joy, love and romance in the arms of a truly wonderful woman.
Photo via bayan160
