Never Too Late—From Wannabe to Wife

Prologue

            I never dreamed that I’d get married for the first time at age 62.

            I think sometimes of the statement I found in the Vassar catalogue the summer before my freshman year: “If you are one of the 93% who eventually marry…” I loved the way “eventually marry” rolled off my tongue and gave me hope.

            During my four years of high school, I’d had only two dates, and one of them was a blind date disaster. Boys wanted to date the pretty, confident girls. I was 5’3” and weighed 155 pounds by the time I graduated. I was told that if I wanted to date, I needed to lose weight. Diets made me crazy. I believed with all my heart that a thin body would give me success and happiness. I had no idea that intelligence, creativity, or confidence were attractive qualities.

            I was incredibly nervous on both my dates. No way the churning in my stomach could be normal. I was too embarrassed to talk to anyone about dating, so I didn’t know, and I was terrified that I would say or do the wrong thing to loosen up and have fun on a date. I had no clue how to flirt without giving a guy the “wrong” idea.

            My personal feelings didn’t guide me. They were buried deep inside, and the older I got the more embarrassing my inexperience became. I coped by hiding it.

I found the man who would become my husband on Craigslist. His ad read

MEN SEEKING WOMEN

Posted: 7-04-11  11:17PM PST

CLASSIC

“1944 classic roadster with many miles left!

“Motor humms, transmission smooth and and all the gears work!

“Only two previous owners, very great women.

“Two tone, white with a gray top.

“Seeking a new woman owner who knows how to drive a classic!

“Thanks

“PS, This car is at church every Sunday so if that is a problem with you this car is not for you.”

Before our first date, he asked if I would be willing to get married if I fell in love with him. He was looking for his third wife. Of course I said yes. After 62 years, I didn’t think it was possible for me to fall in love. I told myself I wasn’t tricking him; I was agreeing to his conditions.

            Part of me was scared I could lose my life savings and my dignity if I got in too deeply, but I also believed it wasn’t too late to live happily ever after. After years of waiting for a male to make the first move, I thought I’d found the man I was seeking.

NOTE: To find out what happens next, click on the title, which is the link to the book on Amazon.