I was shocked when I saw the photo in our family group chat. Doreen, my mother-in-law, shone in a wedding dress with veil and bouquet. It was so surprising I almost dropped my phone. Was she actually marrying at 70? She even met him at the nursing home recently! A late-life crisis appeared reasonable at first.
“Can you believe?” I showed my husband Jake the image in surprise and asked.
He looked and nodded briefly. “Good for her,” he said nonchalantly.
I was shocked. “Good for her? Really, Jake? She’s 70! Do you find this situation absurd? What about wedding costs? Shouldn’t she save for the grandchildren?
Jake listened to my concerns but didn’t answer, focusing on the TV game. The nonchalance simply exacerbated my aggravation.
I glanced through the chat again the next morning, still brooding. Doreen and Frank’s photos have proliferated. Hand in hand, they laughed and tried on identical sneakers in a shopping mall. I found the scenario absurd. A wedding at her age? When she could be healthy or with family, it felt like indulgence.
I told my sister Carla my feelings.
“Can you believe Doreen’s 70th wedding?” I shouted, pacing the kitchen while on the phone. “She’s planning a big wedding too! Couldn’t she have chosen a small, simple affair if needed? No, she’s going all-out.”
Carla replied calmly. “Why are you so upset? Personally, I find it sweet. Everyone deserves happiness, regardless of age.”
My irritation grew. “Sweet? Carla, that’s embarrassing! Like a 20-year-old optimistic bride, imagine her in a fluffy white dress. It’s embarrassing.”
Always patient, Carla sighed. Perhaps it’s brave. Many individuals her age quit living and merely exist. If she’s found someone who makes her happy, why not celebrate?
Her remarks touched me, but I wasn’t ready to let go of my indignation.
Jake asked me to join him at his mother’s nursing home for a little engagement celebration later in the week. Despite my reservations, I accepted, expecting embarrassing speeches and Doreen’s extreme zeal.
I was astonished by the vibrant celebration upon arriving. Residents, staff, and a few relatives crowded around a table with snacks and balloons. Doreen was very lively, smiling and clinging to Frank’s arm.
Isn’t it great? Doreen exclaimed, lovingly embracing me. Frank and I never thought we’d find love again, yet look at us!
I smiled cautiously. “Quite something.”
Frank, kind and soothing, extended his hand. “I know this is sudden, but Doreen has brought me more happiness than in years. She’s exceptional.”
Their true connection moved me. I saw them mocking, smiling, and bringing everyone into their excitement during the festivities. My skepticism tried to ignore it, yet something inside surged, like guilt.
Doreen stood with her glass high at the end of the night to address us.
“Thank you, each and every of you, for sharing this moment with us,” she said, emotional. “When I moved into the nursing home, I thought my vibrant life was over. Everything seemed lost, especially my independence and hope. Then I met Frank. He showed me that aging doesn’t stop life. Joy, love, and celebration are abundant even now.”
I was completely changed by her words. I was too focused on the ‘ridiculousness’ of the circumstance to appreciate what this wedding meant to her. She never played young or wasted resources; she found and embraced her pleasure at any age.
Jake and I talked openly on the way home. “I’ve maybe been too hard on your mom.”
He laughed quietly, “You think?”
I accepted, “Okay, I get it now. Their happiness together isn’t ludicrous. Very inspiring. I wish I had her bravery to embrace such joy.”
I felt comforted by Jake’s hand squeeze. “She’ll love knowing that.”
Indeed, she did. I finally meant it when I offered to assist arrange the wedding when we next visited. Doreen showed us that love, happiness, and new beginnings are timeless and available to anybody who embraces them.
