Dear Ann Landers, I am a 24-year-old divorcee and have been dating a 63-year-old widower for the past seven months. He is not a millionaire, nor is he famous, but he has something that is almost impossible to find in men my age these days. I'm talking about integrity, maturity and a sense of responsibility. Best of all, he is a gentleman and knows how to treat a woman.
This man was not looking for a trophy girlfriend. He is very much into physical fitness and wanted a woman who shared his enthusiasm for scuba diving, weightlifting, running, motorcycling and dancing. Both his family and mine have been supportive of our relationship. My parents saw me leave an abusive marriage, and his children know how much he suffered when his wife of 38 years died after a long illness. They just want us to be happy.
I realize if we stay together, I may wind up being his caretaker and possibly a young widow, but I am perfectly willing to take that risk. -- May-December Magic
Dear Magic, This could work because your eyes are wide open and you understand the risks. I wish you all the best. Here's one more on the subject:
Dear Ann: A family in Michigan had three daughters. The youngest, "Stella," married a wealthy man her own age. After a few years, he fell in love with a married woman. Together, they plotted and executed the murder of the woman's husband. Stella's husband is still in prison. Stella died after enduring years of grief.
The second daughter, "Hortense," married a young businessman. During his midlife crisis, he fell in love with another woman and deserted Hortense and their five children, along with his elderly mother, who lived with them. Grieving over the breakup of the family, his mother and youngest son died.
I married the youngest daughter, "Grace," when she was 24 and I was 46. I was concerned about our age difference and suggested she pick a younger suitor. Taking this as a mark of good character, she said, "Let's proceed." We have been married for 47 years and have two sons. I am now 93, Grace is 71, and we are still dancing. I bless the day we met. -- H.B. in Salem, Ore.
Hi! It's Margo here. I'd love to know what you think of the letters -- and the answers!
Also, any additional thoughts you might have. Thanks!
Reader Comment
Is there a request for advice in that letter? I don't see one.
Rod Munch's Comment
Makes sense!!! Maybe the LW just needed a father figure in her.... life! 😉
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Our Reader to Reader Question of the Week:
Dear Readers, , whatever they needed I provided. What really hurt my son and I the most was the obituary - we were not mentioned at all. Our friends (mine and hers) were appalled. I was embarrassed and upset for not just me, but for my son-who loved her also. I never been so upset. Her x-husband put his wife and kids and their grandchildren in the obituary, who my girlfriend barely knew. They live an hour away from us. I know its silly to be mad over a little section of the newspaper, but it still hurts. Will time let this devastating loss of her and this article ever go away? I am so angry at this whole situation, its not like we can go and rewrite an obituary notice.
