Romance in the " Golden Years "
It can happen !!!

By Ruthe

Many years being divorced I convinced myself that at age 53 I would be too old to ever find true love again, how wrong I was to ever think this. I worked almost all my life and was enjoying my work immensely, it however consisted of much travel, I represented a large cosmetic company, a nice appearance was a must and I certainly followed the company rule. I had been traveling several years and it was beginning to take a toll, I often thought of retiring this being a great decision for me to make knowing that I wasn't quite old enough nor was I financially ready, I owned my home, and I knew I could find some part-time work should I decide.

A vacation was coming to me and my plans was to visit my niece and her husband in Florida, the evening I arrived I was taken out for dinner, driving up and down the beautiful beaches in a beautiful cadillac convertible looking for a nice resort hotel for dinner, what a great one we selected, while sipping on a Florida cocktail and waiting to be served, soft dinner music started playing, how relaxed I was with the ocean breezes blowing in and the fabulous palms cracking and swaying, my mind started back on the great decision. This Beautiful Florida was definitely on my mind and retirement was too, just didn't know how to get it to happen.

The music was so peaceful to my ear, the band was getting ready to take their break as they were coming off the stage one of the band members smiled at me and immediately come over to our table and introduced himself, he insisted on treating us to another cocktail, of course he was invited to sit down with us, that is when I met" My Sailor" our chemistry was perfect, he was so handsome and had so much charm and looked so young, the vibes just wouldn't quit. The spark ignited for the both of us, we stayed until closing time and he insisted on taking us out for breakfast where we all had coffee, the conversation started, he is retired from the Navy and is also a professional musician and is invited frequently to the resort clubs to be a -- guest performer on his Saxophone and Clarinet that is what he was doing that night, he mentioned famous bands in his past that he played in--- Glen Miller-- Benny Goodman--- Kaye Kyser and several more well-known bands through out the country. I was overwhelmed on what was happening, this feeling I had was awesome, one I have not had in years. Could this turn into a love relationship I kept asking myself and what If I'm older than he, was I suppose to mention my age, oh mercy me, why do I have to be so old? The age factor was brought up, you'll never guess---- we both have the same day, same month, and same year as a birthday -- what a coincidence and here I sit worrying about being 53 years old. What a nerd I am. My great decision was solved, I will resign as soon as I return back to my home --- he made up my mind. I look forward to living in " Beautiful Florida "

Needless to say a close relationship started, he and I was together the rest of my vacation, how hard this will be to leave him and perhaps never see him again, as we waved good-bye tears came into my eyes, but he did say he would call me that evening, I couldn't wait until I arrived to get that call, and it wasn't long when the phone rang it was "My sailor" telling me he was coming down in two days to see me, what a great surprise, we became so very close and knew that this would be a lasting relationship for us both.

Within 3 weeks my resignation was accepted and I was retiring to Florida, I was immediately hired as a hostess at our fabulous Yacht Club working only 3 nights a week, that will give me time to spend with "My sailor" he plays the Clarinet often at this club. My little home is a doll house and I love it, I often think about that evening driving on the beaches looking for a nice resort, I do believe in my heart that my God was guiding us to this particular place to bring this happiness to me, and to restore my faith again. I was blessed.

"My sailor" introduced me to the whole state of Florida, and also he showed me key west and all of the keys, what a great surprise again while visiting marathon (one of the keys), we drove to this huge Marina and he took a key out of his pocket and opened the door of this beautiful sail boat, he invited me in and that's when I found out he was the owner of this remarkable boat, we sailed out to sea and spent the whole evening enjoying the beautiful moon and the ocean breezes.

What a change this man has brought to my life, he has taught me how to respect the high seas, and how to sail this huge vessel, I passed the test and became his "first mate" how honored to be at the helm of this grand sailboat. Sailing to so many Islands are so peaceful and getting to know some of the Islanders in this big-- Atlantic Ocean, he treats them to some of his clarinet playing and how they enjoy him and will throw flowers to us as we leave the Islands, with their singing and dancing.

Our fun years are going so fast, but we still enjoy each others company and there is never a harsh word between us, complete togetherness and a tremendous bond had formed, it will never be broken.

I noticed a slight cough he was beginning to get, I insisted he see a Dr. he sluffed it off as an old cigarette habit, several weeks later he decided that it was getting worse, and he went to a Veterans Hospital for a checkup, they found nothing wrong and almost accused him of taking their time. It wasn't too long when I noticed a change in him and I knew he wasn't well I called a reputable clinic and made an appointment, he was unable to drive so I took him in my car, he seemed weak but went through the exam----- their diagnosis was inoperable throat cancer, with 3 months to live. He died 6 weeks later, I was there for him to the very end and was able to get him hospitalized when the time came. I made all the arrangements, with a nice memorial.

He was an only heir to a family fortune, a billion dollar estate, after learning his destiny, his will was made to a large religious organization, furnishing homes to the elderly and especially to those less fortunate. What a contribution, but this is "My sailor" only he would do something like this, he's not only "My sailor" but he'll always be my hero.

Thank you for sharing my love story, don't ever worry about age, here all along I thought I was so old--- just recently I celebrated my 80th, and while writing my story here I felt as though I was in my teens. As my friend says age is only a number-- how true

May you all find happiness in your " Golden Years"

Truly yours,

Ruthe