No Timetable For The Heart

Dear Ann Landers: I am fascinated by some of the stories in your column about how some people met their mates. I believe my story is unique and am eager to see if you think it’s worth printing.

I was born in the house my father built and lived in for more than 50 years. I was his eldest daughter. I made friends with a female neighbor, who was a major in the Salvation Army. “Ruth” and I were best friends, and since neither of us ever married or thought we would, we decided to be roommates. We roomed together for 24 years. We went to the same church. I sang in the choir, at weddings, prisons and funerals, and on three different radio stations in our city.

The wife of the church pianist was stricken with cancer and decided to spend her last days in a nursing home. I went to see her. She knew she was going to die and asked if I would sing at her funeral. I promised I would.

Later, her husband called me on the phone and said he would like to talk to me about his wife. I wondered what there was to talk about. He said it was his wife’s desire for him to marry me.

Needless to say, I was shocked! While living with Ruth for 24 years, I never kept company with any man. Being raised in a Christian home and taught to pray to God for guidance, I did just that and felt a sweet peace in my heart.

On our first real date, he asked if I had thought about what he had said earlier regarding his wife’s last wishes. I said I had. He then asked if I had an answer. I replied, “I do. The answer is yes.”

We were married by my nephew, who was the pastor in a little country church near our city. Six years later, my husband built us a beautiful new home with mountain and valley views, after he was 70 years of age. We have been married 26 years. He is 91, and I’m going on 90.

It pays to wait for the right one, even if you must wait until you’re 63. - J.A.B., Seattle, Wash.

Dear J.A.B.: What a beautiful story. Thanks for proving that age is only a number.

Dear Ann Landers: I am enclosing a poem for all those people who drop their dogs and cats off in the country, hoping they will find another home. These people should know there are alternatives to abandoning a pet. Maybe this poem will make a difference. - Lorna, a Stars and Stripes Reader

Dear Lorna: Thank you on behalf of all pet owners. I agree that it is not only thoughtless but cruel to drop a pet off on the highway, hoping someone will pick it up. Your contribution is sure to make a difference.

A Dog Sits Waiting by Kathy Flood

A dog sits waiting in the cold autumn sun,

Too faithful to leave, too frightened to run.

He’s been here for days now with nothing to do

But sit by the road, waiting for you.

He can’t understand why you left him that day.

He thought you and he were stopping to play.

He’s sure you’ll come back, and that’s why he stays.

How long will he suffer? How many more days?

His legs have grown weak, his throat’s parched and dry.

He’s sick now from hunger and falls, with a sigh.

He lays down his head and closes his eyes.

I wish you could see how a waiting dog dies.

xxxx