A Second Chance at Love
| Living as an Older Adult in PA
When Evelyn, 83, stepped into her local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), Active Aging, Inc. in Meadville for a painting class, she had no idea she was about to embark on a beautiful new chapter in her life.
After losing her husband, son, and daughter and having to sell her house, Evelyn found herself living alone in an apartment. "Everyone told me I had to go to my local AAA," Evelyn recalls with a laugh, "and I told them I'm not that old!"
Carl, 88, was on his own journey of grief. After losing his wife to Alzheimer's, whom he had devotedly cared for during her illness, his family worried about him. His daughter, noticing how he had begun to withdraw, brought him to his local AAA in hopes of helping him reconnect with life.
A Serendipitous Meet-Cute
Their first meeting came through a simple recognition – they had attended the same church. Carl's daughter, playing matchmaker, invited Evelyn to join them for a Valentine's Day dinner at the senior center in Meadville. What followed was what Evelyn lovingly calls a "God wink" – a series of serendipitous encounters, including running into each other at the grocery store.
Carl was intrigued by Evelyn's ability to maintain her joy despite her losses. He reached out, wanting to understand her secret to resilience. Their first official date at Cracker Barrel in January marked the beginning of a whirlwind romance that would lead to marriage.
Renewed Happiness
Their love story has brought new life to both of them. "It's wonderful to get up and have someone to have coffee with and watch TV with," Evelyn shares. Carl's family credits her with saving his life, and she has found herself blessed with a new family who has embraced her with open arms.
The couple's zest for life is infectious. They attend center dinners together, even dressing up as Johnny and June Cash for Halloween. Carl, who once worked in the very building when it sold Pontiacs, now creates new memories there with his bride. They both participate in painting classes and enjoy the center's lunch programs.
Their engagement story perfectly captures their blend of romance and humor – Carl got down on one knee to propose, then asked Evelyn to help him back up. They celebrated their union with an intimate wedding at Carl's home, marking the beginning of their new chapter together.
No Age Limit for New Love
Now approaching their second wedding anniversary, Evelyn and Carl serve as living proof that love knows no age limit. Their story has become an inspiration at Active Aging, Inc. Evelyn is an enthusiastic ambassador for the center, telling every citizen they should give it a try.
"We are blessed to have a second person to fall in love with," Evelyn reflects, her eyes twinkling. "We are both very healthy and enjoying life together."
As we celebrate Valentine’s Day this month, the story of Evelyn and Carl reminds us that the heart never grows too old for love, and that sometimes the most beautiful chapters of our lives begin when we least expect them.
Visit p4a.org for more information on the services AAAs provide, and to find your local AAA.