When a 62-year-old woman starts dating a younger man, her children react with outrage and demand she end the relationship. Her response, however, leaves them stunned.
Gail Sutherland believed she had a happy life until her husband of forty years, Darrel, returned home one day and announced he wanted a divorce. They had married while still in college and raised three children together.
“But Gail, I love you,” Darrel said, guilt and sympathy flashing briefly in his eyes.
“It’s not that I don’t love you, Gail,” he explained. “I’ve fallen in love with someone younger, someone who makes me feel alive!”
“Alive!” Gail repeated incredulously. “What am I to you then? Dead?” She touched her smooth cheeks, looking in the mirror, and saw she was still beautiful and slim.
Darrel’s face hardened. “Old. You make me feel old, Gail. You always talk about retirement and grandchildren, and I’m too young for that. I want to feel alive.”
Gail’s fingers trembled as she touched her lips. “I’m 62, Darrel, and you’re 65. There’s nothing wrong with our age or wanting grandchildren…”
Darrel shrugged. “Diana is 28 and full of energy. She reminds me of my youth. Don’t worry, Gail, I’ll take care of you. But I need this.”
True to his word, Darrel divided his substantial estate generously, giving Gail a large share. She was left alone in their luxurious home, feeling the oppressive silence.
Gail noticed her children seemed to accept the divorce too easily and even welcomed Darrel’s new partner. Though she knew it was unfair, she felt betrayed.
“They love him,” she thought. “They want him to be happy. They think I should be happy too.”
With plenty of free time, Gail enrolled in a creative writing course at her old college. Despite being the oldest student, she excelled. Her professor, a handsome man in his forties, praised her talent. They met at a coffee shop a few weeks into the class and started talking.
Three hours later, they were still deep in conversation. Wallace Campion, the charming professor, suggested they have dinner. Unaware he considered it a date, Gail agreed.
When Wallace kissed her goodnight, Gail was surprised. “You… Wallace,” she gasped. “I’m OLD… You…”
Wallace gently held her face. “Gail, tonight I spent time with an amazing, lively woman. I don’t care about your age.”
Gail soon found she didn’t care either. They began dating, and she invited him to a dinner party hosted by her daughter.
Her children were shocked. They had expected her date to be older, not a handsome and virile man. The next day, her eldest daughter demanded a family meeting.
Her children accused Wallace of being after her money and said he was too young for her. “He’s just taking you for what he can get,” her son Ryan said. “Then he’ll leave you for someone younger.”
Gail smiled at her son. “Oh, that’s okay! I’m used to that. It’s what your father did.”
“I expect you to show Wallace the same acceptance you gave your father’s new wife,” Gail said firmly. Seeing their guilty silence, she realized she couldn’t count on their support. “Never mind,” she concluded. “I’ll be fine.”
Six months later, Wallace proposed to Gail, who happily accepted. She invited her children to the wedding, but they all refused, especially her eldest daughter. After hanging up, Gail called her attorney and then her daughter again.
“Honey,” she said. “I wanted to let you know I’m meeting my lawyer tomorrow to draft a prenup and change my will. Everything will go to Wallace.”
Her children were furious, but there was nothing they could do. It was her money to spend as she pleased. However, Gail was in for one more surprise.
Just days before her wedding, Darrel showed up at her door looking miserable. “Darrel!” she exclaimed. She hadn’t seen him in almost a year. “What’s wrong?”
Darrel revealed his new wife had left him after he was diagnosed with diabetes and an autoimmune disease. Diana, too full of life, couldn’t handle his illness. With tears in his eyes, Darrel begged Gail for another chance.
Gail smiled sadly. “I’m sorry, Darrel, but I want a new life with someone who loves me for who I am, not as a nurse.” Three days later, she married Wallace, who loved her regardless of her age, and she shut the door on Darrel for good.
What Can We Learn From This Story?
Think carefully before abandoning happiness. Darrel left Gail, not realizing his loyal wife was what he truly needed, chasing a youthfulness he found fleeting.
Taking a chance on love requires courage. Gail chose to be with Wallace despite criticism, valuing her happiness above others’ opinions.
Share this story with friends; it might inspire them and brighten their day.
