I’ve never believed time limits us. I’m a late bloomer, and have been all my life. I don’t see that changing, nor do I want it to. I like taking my time and figuring things out instead of rushing into something out of fear. I like learning, and I like the search for things or people who are inspiring. I’ve switched careers a few times, and am finally doing something I love, even if it’s not very lucrative. It took a while to get here, and I may even change again. But I’ve learned that this is ok.
Because I’m a late bloomer, I was particularly heartened by a story my friend shared with me over breakfast this morning. She was telling me about her father-in-law, who is 91 years old. He was married to his wife for nearly 60 years…a family man in every way. His marriage had its ups and downs, but he stayed with his wife until she passed away seven years ago of lung cancer. A couple of years after his wife passed, at the ripe age of 86, he met a woman and fell in love. Really fell in love. Apparently, this is the happiest he’s been in his life…she is 90, and he is 91. They have fun together. They travel, go out with friends…in fact, they have busier social lives than my friend who is in her 40’s. They are completely in love, and very romantic. I have to say, as a late bloomer, I appreciate the fact that they found such happiness in their twilight years. This is proof that your best years are never behind you as long as you’re open to the present.
I was taught this lesson the other day when i saw the movie Beginners. If you haven’t seen it, run to your nearest theatre…it is touching and sincere and the best film I’ve seen in a while. A 76 year old widower comes out of the closet when his wife of 40 years dies, and he finds the love of his life as well. His character is one of the most inspiring I’ve seen…the movie is about the relationship he has with his son, who is struggling to find happiness in his own life.
Anyway, I wanted to share with you all because sometimes it’s hard to see past our current state of affairs. If we aren’t satisfied with where we are, and we’re constantly checking the clock for fear of running out of time to reach our goals, we are doing ourselves a disservice. All we have is the present. Even at age 91, we don’t have to live in the past or fear the future. It is all right here, right now.
About Kelly Seal
Kelly is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She blogs about dating, relationships, personal growth and what "healthy living" means to her. You can follow her on Google+, Twitter @kellyseal or through her website www.kellyseal.com.
I love this story. Something similar happened to my dad. When my mom died, after 40-plus years of marriage, my dad met his second wife and fell madly in love. He had a wonderful second chapter and they were an inspiring couple. Late-in-life love can happen!
thank you. i needed that.
Thanks for sharing this story. I guess it’s all about of being open to learn and live.
That’s such a touching story…got sand in my eyes…I really do believe you can find someone for you at any age — love has no bounds.
Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer, where the heck have I been? This movie sounds incredible! Going to have to watch it with the GF this week. Yay for indie theaters 🙂
Me too Nick. I love stories like this. It just shows us that…you never know, so pay attention to what’s around you right now.
And yes, Ewan and Christopher are awesome, as usual.
Stories like this give me hope. I’m still recently divorced (been officially free for 5 months) and I met this incredible woman. Eventually she broke my heart and told me she wasn’t over her ex. The love I had for in a month was more intense than any I shared with my ex-wife. (I know, it sounds ridiculous.) Maybe there is someone out there even more amazing.