Happily Ever After

Whoever said fairy tales were only for children? My longest best friend is proving that even (almost) 60-year-olds can fall hopelessly in love.

While in NYC this week, I received the following e-mail from FL:

I've moved to the west coast, in the Bay area. Unlike your daughter, though, I've just moved to the west coast of Florida, Tampa Bay area. I now live in Treasure Island with one of our kindergarten classmates.

Remember _______? He's now Bob ______ and doesn't have red hair. He has very little hair. I'm crazy about him.

I knew exactly who she was talking about and could immediately see they were made for each other.

For years I have harbored heavy guilt over introducing FL to her husband of 30+ years. At the time he seemed like a good guy, but he ended up making her quite miserable for many of those years.

She finally had the courage to leave the marriage, knowing that she still had the support of her 4 children. But suddenly she found herself to be alone for the first time in a long time.

She has made the most of the last few years, launching herself into a career as a flight attendant just for kicks. It has allowed her to visit her children and grandchildren and to see lots of places she might otherwise have missed. But I knew there was an emptiness in her heart.

I spent most of an hour talking to FL this morning, learning just how this incredible romance unfolded. She reminded me that she had gone to the Sr. Prom with this guy, when both of them realized they were date-less the week before (or so she says).

They exchanged “promise” rings with each other, in the presence of his and her family members. They are moving in together. She is on cloud 9!

I am so happy for FL, my wonderful friend who shares my birthday. She deserves this long overdue happiness in a relationship that will probably last the rest of her life.