Bingo and bridge to happily ever after
It just goes to show it’s never too late for love...
Nancy Klein-Sample, 88
I felt like a teenager... hadn’t dated for over six decades!
Walking along the corridor, I noticed some noise coming from an apartment further down from me.
It was last July – and for two years, I’d been living in Millcroft Senior Living, a retirement complex in Delaware, USA.
I’d moved there after my husband of 64 years, Mike, passed away in June 2016.
I was truly heartbroken.
But living in a community with friendly folk the same age gave me a new lease of life.
Investigating the noise,
I realised there was a new face moving in.
Suddenly, a man stepped into the hallway.
I was keen to make him as welcome as others had made me.
‘Hello! My name’s Nancy,’ I smiled.
‘I’m Jim,’ he replied with a grin.
At 92, four years older than me, Jim had a friendly face and kind eyes.
And I couldn’t help but notice that he was a bit of a silver fox..!
‘There’s lots to do here,’ I said, chatting easily.
‘I’m a member of the bridge club. You’re welcome to come along if you’d like,’ I added.
‘That sounds great,
I’m sure I’ll see you around!’ Jim replied. Back at my flat around the corner, I felt an unfamiliar feeling in my stomach. Butterflies.
It’d been a while since I felt this way about someone!
But something about Jim made me smile.
Over the next few weeks, he joined us regularly at bridge and bingo.
We quickly got to know each other.
Then Jim invited me to lunch with him one day.
‘I’d love to!’ I beamed.
As I got ready, I felt just like a teenager.
It feels like a date, I thought. I hadn’t dated since I’d met Mike over six decades earlier!
And over sandwiches, all we did was talk.
No awkward silences or quiet moments.
The conversation flowed. It was like I’d known
Jim for years.
Then I opened up to him about losing Mike...
‘I was so sad,’ I admitted. ‘But moving here really helped. I’ve met so many great people,’ I explained.
Jim was open, too.
He told me how he’d decided to move here after his wife of 50 years, Patricia, had sadly died that January.
She’d battled dementia for years.
‘I’m sorry to hear that,’ I said. Feeling a strong connection, I realised we had so much in common.
After that, we became great friends.
I’d wake up every morning excited to see Jim.
Last August, I invited him to my grandson Michael’s 40th birthday party.
‘I’d love it if you came with me,’ I said.
Another date!
And at the party, Jim and I had a blast.
He met my family, and everyone loved him.
And that was the moment I knew...
I love him, too!
Watching Jim make such an effort with my nearest and dearest, I knew we shared far more than friendship. Luckily, he felt the same! So we became a couple. Spending nearly every day together, I loved having Jim by my side.
We didn’t replace each other’s spouses – Mike and Patricia had their own special place in each of our hearts. I never thought I’d find love again, not at my age.
But at 88 and
92, we didn’t want to waste any time… So, a month later – last September – Jim surprised me over lunch.
‘Why don’t we get married?’ he asked. ‘We’re a bit late in life for that!’ I chuckled. ‘I’m serious, why waste any time?’ Jim grinned.
And I had come to love that smile...
All I could think of was how content Jim made me feel.
Before, I’d been lonely. Now, being with him made me the happiest I’d been in months. So I said yes!
‘Let’s do it!’ I said excitedly. Straight away, we started planning our big day.
We decided to have a small ceremony with only a few guests.
And on 26 October last year, I walked up the aisle in small local chapel.
It was a world away from my first wedding with Mike. Low key, yet perfect.
I was a bit old for a big white dress, so I wore a smart shirt, black trousers and a pearl necklace.
Becoming Jim’s wife was so special.
A month later, we threw a big reception for all our family and friends to celebrate.
Everyone was so happy and supportive.
I had a lovely life and many years of happiness with Mike and my heart will always be bursting with love for him.
But meeting Jim has given me something to smile about in my twilight years. We’re very happy.
Life is full of bridge, bingo, lunches and laughter.
Just the way it should be at our age.
I really am lucky enough to fall in love twice!