In the spirit of Stella & Lou, we asked our patrons to share their real-life stories of second chances and the search for companionship. We thank Larry Glazer for sending us the following:
In the early 60s, Judy and I were friends in high school. After graduation, Judy married and after 7 years, got divorced. Her ex-husband died a few years after that. She never remarried.
I was married 24 years when I lost my wife to cancer.
We were both in our 50s when Judy and I re-met at our high school reunion. I thought she was even prettier than she was in high school. We were chatting with another classmate who lived in Florida, when he exclaimed “Hey Larry…she’s not married and you’re not married, why don’t you ask her out?”
I meekly asked for a date and when she said “yes”, a voice within me screamed “HOLY COW! She accepted!”
Because we had similar backgrounds and many mutual friends, dating was easy. Reminiscing was fun. After 2 years of dating, I saw a Marshall Field’s ad in a January Chicago Tribune issue, with the headline “Win The Ultimate Gift For Your Sweetheart On Valentine’s Day”.
It was a contest to write, in 75 words or less, why you’d like your marriage proposal to be incorporated in Marshall Field’s Valentines Day window display. I thought it was a cute idea, but too much effort for no reward and I began to turn the page. As I was turning, I saw “$10,000 prize” in fine print at the bottom of the page.
I wrote and rewrote an entry. Then I took out the clichés, edited it down to 75 words and mailed it in. Two weeks later Field’s called to tell me I won.
Judy was flustered when I told her about winning the contest. After 30 years of independence, marriage was not an easy decision for her. She had no idea the contest existed and was surprised that she had missed the full page ad.
The formal marriage proposal became a media event, covered by Chicago radio and TV stations and several national and local newspapers. I got down on one knee in front of the State Street Marshall Field’s store window that was decorated with our names. Eddie and JoBo emceed the event. Ten months later, a 60’s rock ‘n roll band played at our wedding. We strolled down the wedding aisle, and afterwards our friends and relatives did “The Stroll” to the 60’s song by the same name.
We’ve been married 10 years and both agree that life together is better than either of us ever imagined.
Do you have a love story that you want to tell? Share your story of second-chance love for an opportunity to be featured on the Northlight blog. Email marketing@northlight.org to submit your real-life Stella & Lou tale of love.
