“Fate reunited me with my first love— after 71 years!”
When Grace Lesinski became a widow after 60 years of marriage, she thought she’d be alone for the rest of her life…until the man who stole her first kiss moved in next door!
L
et’s see what’s going on, Grace Lesinski sighed, opening her New Berlin, Wisconsin, senior facility’s monthly newsletter. After noting some upcoming events, the 85-year-old widow scanned the list of new residents— and one name snagged her breath. Ralph Wisniewski.
In a flash, her mind’s eye saw the handsome 14-year-old boy who had smiled coyly as he leaned in for her first kiss. They had been middle-school sweethearts. Ralph had made her laugh, set butterflies fluttering in her stomach and showed her how truly magical a first love could be. But it can’t be the same Ralph Wisniewski…not after more than 70 years, Grace reasoned. What are the odds?
Still, a few days later, Grace gathered her courage and knocked on his door. A tall man with snow-white hair answered, staring warmly through his glasses.
“Are you the Ralph Wisniewski that went to St. Mary Magdalen?” Grace asked. “Yes,” he squinted, curious. And as the memory of their shared awkward kiss rushed back, Grace drew a breath smiled and uttered, “Hi…i’m Grace.”
Joy comes full circle
With only 18 students in the sixth grade at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic School in Milwaukee, it hadn’t taken young Grace long to notice the cute boy who’d kept smiling at her in class. They’d begun talking, and soon, Ralph was coming by her house, where they would sit on her backyard bench, Ralph making her laugh with his silly jokes. They had gone for walks and he’d given her rides on his bike. And one memorable afternoon, Grace and Ralph had shared their first kiss.
But after graduating from middle school in 1947, they’d both gone to different high schools. As much as Grace had hoped he’d still come by, Ralph became busy with new friends and sports. She’d often looked at the autograph book Ralph had signed where he’d written, Dear Grace, When you get married and have a hubby, I hope he is a little chubby, and giggle. But as the weeks went by, Grace had tucked the book away, knowing it was time to move on.
When she was a senior in high school, Grace had met a man named John; they’d
married in 1955 and raised four daughters. And like it does for most, Grace’s first love had soon become a sweet memory.
Years passed, and when Grace and John neared their 80s, they’d moved into the Regency Senior Communities. Sadly, just three years later, after 60 years of marriage, John had passed away. Although Grace’s family was nearby, her days had become long and lonely.
But as Grace stood in Ralph’s doorway that day, she felt a stirring of hope blossom in her heart again.
“Grace? My goodness!” Ralph echoed, confusion, recognition and then joy swirling on his face. “Come in!”
Suddenly, Grace felt like a schoolgirl again and shyly declined his invitation. But a week later, Ralph invited her to bingo. As they chatted, he shared his life story. After a stint in the Air Force, he’d married and had five children with his wife of 54 years. “I lost Elizabeth in 2012. It’s been hard on my own, which is why I moved here,” Ralph explained to Grace. “It’s lonely having no one to talk to…at least until now.” And the radiant smile that spread across his face melted Grace’s heart.
Hearts reunited
Grace and Ralph began spending time together, talking and laughing. And every so often when they’d lightly touch hands, Grace felt her heart beat a little faster, just like it had so many years ago. “I considered you my first boyfriend,” Grace admitted. And Ralph confided he’d been just as smitten. Today, the two don’t define their current relationship—the joy of being reunited against all odds is enough. “Meeting Grace again after all these years has meant the world to me,” Ralph grins. “She makes life less lonely. And the crush is still there!” Grace blushes. “It’s lovely to be together again and to feel his big hugs,” she beams. “With so many sad things in the world, we are proof that life can still hold unexpected happy endings!” — Diane Nichols
“We are proof that life can still hold unexpected happy endings!” smiles Grace