I married my dream hubby here at over 50 too. We are both quite thankful as we had some of those really bad marriage experiences before. So when I talk about all our kids and grandkids it’s a blend but the kids all fit like they were born together and the younger grandchildren aren’t cognizant that there isn’t a blood relation. Actually, of 21 grandchildren 7 have been born since we married, and 3 were born during the dating period, 2 weren’t even walking when we met and started dating so those kids just think we’re the grandparents because our exes aren’t in the picture.
The weird point on my end is that we realized even before we married that I have married the male version of my lifelong closest gal friend. When they first met sparks flew as often happens with people who are a great deal alike. It took about a year before they finally also became good friends. It was pretty dang weird seeing the same personality, one very male and the other very female. But, the personality suited me in a female running buddy for 40 some years till I met hubby. Now it makes a good husband friend. No gender bending just that much alike.
Five years ago my girlfriend was diagnosed with brain cancer. The same thing they say John McCain has but she only lasted 5 months. Two of her children were active duty Marines and the third was in rehab following a near fatal collision. Hubby took the bull by the horns and moved my friend into our house, by then they were good friends too. We took care of her until about 10 days before she passed when we all knew it was time for her kids to call in hospice, take military leave and be there. In my private thoughts I sometimes wonder if God didn’t give me *this* precious husband to help fill the space.
That is a wonderful story! I lost my best girlfriend to cancer, too. 14 years already - but I talk to her every day, so she’s still here, LOL!
And I agree 100% about God’s hand in all of this for both of us. We ARE put where we’re most needed in life, even if it’s not our own ‘ideal’ at the time. (My proof are my Step Sons.)
This past winter we lost my Step Dad who was married to my Mom for over 33 years. Pancreatic cancer, so it was relatively quick, but still plenty of time to make plans and say your Good-Byes. He, too, told my Mom to have her best friend of 40+ years move into the house with her so she’d have some company. We were there yesterday to inter his ashes and it’s working out beautifully for them both as her friend was in pretty dire straights financially, for a woman of 76 with no husband and no pension and a small SS check each month.
Again, God’s hand, no doubt! :)