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Finding love after 50. The website for middle aged singles and senior singles, providing information and dating advice for middle age dating and senior
dating. This column's topic: Most older singles don't want to remarry. But, not these three couples. They wasted no time in deciding to marry after meeting.
Three Orange County, Calif.,
Couples who wasted no time
A recent survey by AARP revealed that only eight percent of older singles want to marry. Today's column is about three Orange County couples
who bucked that statistic and wasted little time deciding to take the plunge.
JoAnne Ritz lived in New Jersey for 33 years. Divorced for 12 years, she worked three jobs to put her two sons through college. A year ago June, while at a
friend's home, JoAnne met Charlie Barlow of Placentia, who was back East visiting. They e-mailed almost daily for five months.
Last November, JoAnne visited her son in San Diego. "It was Nov. 14," JoAnne says, "and there was a full moon. Charlie put his arms around me and asked
me to marry him. After getting up off the floor, I answered 'yes' quickly, before he changed his mind."
JoAnne was aware that Charlie couldn't move to New Jersey, and if they were going to be together, she'd have to move to Orange County. "I knew a
long-distance romance wouldn't work and was willing to take the chance. We made a commitment to each other December 6, 2002, which was the outward symbol of the
intense, sincere love we felt for each year. The wedding is set for December 6," said JoAnne.
Guy was a widower of three years who had lived in Hemet since 1985. He was convinced he'd never be interested in another woman. Last year, at his
40th Lakewood High School (near Long Beach) reunion, Cheryl Weston, a classmate he hadn't seen since graduation, approached him and said, "Do you remember me?"
Guy and Cheryl had never dated but he recalled her as "being fun and nice."
Guy said, "I looked into Cheryl's eyes and said, 'Yes I remember you.' At that moment, I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her."
"At our lunch date the next day, I knew Guy was someone very special, the chemistry that I thought was reserved for novels or movies was
really there," said Cheryl.
Three days later, while watching the sunset from Dana Point, Guy gave Cheryl his high school graduation diamond ring and asked her to marry him.
"She said 'yes' and made me the happiest guy in the world," said Guy.
Sunsets are romantic to Guy and Cheryl. They were married last New Year's Eve in Hilo, on the Big Island in Hawaii-at sunset.
Guy added, "I moved to Mission Viejo where Cheryl lives; I can do my business from anywhere. There was never a question of just living together-with all of
those grandchildren to set a good example for, and it's a public proclamation of our true love and devotion to each other. I could write a book on this subject and still not cover
all the good things life has brought me."
A year ago, Mari, age 52, Tustin, told me meeting good men was difficult. On February 16, Mari had a blind date with Howard for coffee, after
which, they saw each other twice a week.
Mari said, "No kissy face, huggy butt for 5 months. Do I regret that? No way. People do relationships backwards anyway. It should be friends first, then
lovers, when each has earned the other's respect and know each other well.
"We went down to the beach to watch the sunset. I knew sitting in our beach chairs I had found true love, and it's just gotten deeper and deeper since."
Mari and Howard married on August 19.
Why do some older couples decide to marry so quickly? Perhaps it's the compatibility and sharing of interests.
"We live in Orange," Mari says, "When we were dating, I lived off of Crawford Canyon, Howard lived off of Cannon (Crawford Canyon turns into Cannon).
Do you think that was a sign?"
Cheryl shared similar thoughts. "We cannot believe the common ground we have, from our similar childhoods in Lakewood, to each of us owning nearly
identical white Corvettes, and our views on life, religion, politics, money, travel, ethics and morals."
When you think you've met the right partner, haul them down to one of Orange County's fine beaches to watch the sunset. And then hold on to your hat,
you might be married soon thereafter.
Reader Comments
Pat, Fountain Valley: "I liked your last column because I've found when you get involved & participate in activities with others,
especially over the Holidays, you don't have time to feel sorry for yourself."
Mary, Lake Forest, "I've signed on to volunteer Thanksgiving Day at the Southwest Community Center in Santa Ana (714 547-4073). The OC
Rescue Mission doesn't need any more help (for this Thanksgiving)."
Rita, Reno, NV., "I'm one of those 92 percent of women who's over 50 and doesn't want to get married. The real world is that it's nice not having
to put up with 'little boys' who want to be taken care of by a 'momma.' I'm enjoying life much more since becoming single."
To receive Tom's free weekly Register community newspaper column by e-mail or to comment:
TPBlake@aol.com.
For previous columns, go to order Tom's books:
http://www.findingloveafter50.com
Write Tom at P.O. Box 442, Dana Point, 92629.
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