Never Say Never

When my husband passed away, I believed I’d live the rest of my life alone, except for my kids and grandkids. But God had other plans.

It started last spring. First, this scripture kept popping up in my bible readings, on social media, and in other unusual places. The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18.

Numerous uncanny coincidences referring to how important marriage is to God followed, enough that I knew God was calling me into another relationship. 

I shook my head. At my age? After being married so many times and widowed just as often? I’d be crazy to consider getting into another relationship.

Then, I traveled down to my hometown for my grandson’s high school graduation. The following Sunday, several of my former classmates invited me to brunch. I almost declined the invitation, but at the last minute, I decided I should go.

The four of us have known each other for years, having attended twelve years of parochial school together, besides keeping in touch over the years. Ed’s kindness always stood out. For example, on one occasion, he came into my flower shop and after we chatted a bit, I mentioned I was getting married again, and how in some ways I was embarrassed.

He said, “No, Marie. You’re looking at it wrong. You must be a good companion to be chosen so many times.”

His kind words stayed with me for years.

Now, he’s been divorced for 15 years and alone for five. After 30 years of marriage, his wife walked out. Heartbroken, he has been alone with only a few other short-term relationships, none in the last five years. I’m widowed again and have been living alone for almost two years. 

The unexpected happened during that breakfast. We both felt an instant deep connection beyond classmate friendship and have been in constant contact since. Hours-long phone calls. Frequent texts. I’ve gone down to visit him, and he’s come to visit me. We are looking at a future together as a couple. 

I hesitated to tell my family. How would they react to another relationship? My fears were unfounded. They’ve known Ed for a long time through business connections and have always thought highly of him, and are very happy for me. 

Interestingly, before I reconnected with Ed, I’d been talking to my daughter about moving back to my hometown. None of the other places I’ve lived since leaving have felt like home. It’s time to sink down roots again, be with old friends, along with my daughter and her family and close cousins. It seems God is bringing me full circle.

Yes, there may be another heartache somewhere in my future, but it’s between now and then that matters. Besides, if God has chosen this path for my life, how can it be wrong?

Thank you, Lord, for blessing me once again with love and companionship for however long you grant it. Amen.