Dear Abby: Aging hubby wants to screen potential suitors for wife

Dear Abby: I am an old man, married to a wonderful woman. I’m in poor health and don’t expect to live much longer. My wife is a youthful 80. She’s trim, pretty, active, hardworking, loving and sexy. She enjoys skiing, fishing, gardening, board games, puzzles etc. She likes to cook and entertain and is excellent at both.

Although she has quite a few friends, we don’t know any men who would be acceptable as a future mate after I’m gone. She’s financially independent and meticulous about keeping track of expenses.

To be blunt, I can’t imagine a better wife for someone special. I would like us to meet a man, preferably widowed, physically active, romantically inclined, energetic, capable with tools, not addicted to drugs or alcohol, financially independent and preferably politically conservative who would be a potential mate for her after I am gone.

We have discussed this to a limited extent, but she has expressed little interest in it. I can’t imagine she won’t experience a renaissance after this albatross is off of her neck. If you have any suggestions, I would appreciate them.

— Thankful in Washington Dear Thankful: You are clearly a caring husband who is deeply in love with and concerned for his wife. However, as much as you’d like to screen the applicants to fill the vacancy your death would create, there are some things people must do for themselves. When you pass on, your wife may not feel ready to move on yet. Please let her make this decision for herself when the time is right.

P.S. I am sorry you are not in better health, because it seems you and your wife have a strong relationship that won’t be easy to replace.