Not an instantaneous solution to meeting women, the website introduced me to contacts, but the work of finding that special someone had only begun. A transplant from NJ to NH, I was enthusiastic and hopeful in finding someone. My enthusiasm, however, slowly waned after many fruitless attempts. Then a new email message arrived from a woman living near Syracuse, NY. Her photo greeted me with a cheery smile and a welcoming pose. I had to learn more but was wary that this too might evaporate minutes after I became interested. Unbeknownst to me, Dorothy was experiencing the same feelings, having recently broken up with another who was living in NJ. Since I now hailed from NH, at least to her there might be more promise.

I responded and the dialog began. After exchanging telephone numbers and conversing on the telephone a number of times, we decided to meet in a neutral place in Troy, NY — “midway” between Syracuse, NY, and Keene, NH. Our date would occur mid-week on Wednesday, Nov. 8, and we decided to walk its many parks and visit its historical sites. As the day approached, the weatherman promised constant rain. Our only hope was that meteorology was not an exact science. Although this was my first trip to Troy, I had little trouble locating the agreed supermarket parking lot along Route 7 and found an empty space. I called Dot to announce my coming, only to discover that she had already arrived, patiently awaiting my call. Locating her car, I invited her into mine to reassess our plans. We laughed at our predicament and decided to find the Cross Gate Mall in Albany to devise a new one.

Despite the weather, the day, nonetheless, proved a success! I stole a kiss while sitting on a planter. Let me explain.

Amid the torrents pelting the rooftop when we arrived at the mall, we decided to remain indoors, not window-shopping, not dodging from store to store, but strolling the mall getting acquainted. Up and down the circuitous corridors bordered by novelty shops and department stores we meandered — talking about our past lives, former spouses, children and grandchildren — exchanging ideas, finding common interest, enjoying the afternoon while keeping dry. (Dottie did admit that this was the first time she had gone to a mall without the intention of shopping.) We shared lunch at a sandwich shop and later dinner at TGI Fridays.

Our first meeting comprised many memorable recollections. One incident was especially noteworthy. After lunch I had decided to return something to the car that was parked in one of the lots near the entrance. Armed with an umbrella I bravely ventured to find the car, leaving Dorothy inside. Wandering the lanes of the parking area I was mystified that I had misjudged the car’s location and humiliated that my date was waiting while I aimlessly tramped the rain-soaked lot. Then to my amazement I saw Dorothy running towards me. Feeling sorry for my predicament, she wanted to help even though she had no umbrella. Huddled under mine, we continued our fruitless search. Frustrated, we returned to the mall. Muttering about our lack of success, we were greeted by a security guard who suggested that we try a mirror parking lot located through the opposite door. Looking across the breezeway we spied another entrance/exit. Presto! There was the car parked in the location I remembered. Chuckling about our error, we now had more things to share and laugh about!

Although the day was almost spent, our spirits were aglow — walking the mall! Before departing we found a seat by a flower box at one end of the mall corridor. Neither wanted to say good-bye. How should I conclude this delightful date with a wonderful person? I thought it would not be too forward to give her a parting kiss. So I did! (Although I know she enjoyed it, she accused me afterwards of being too presumptuous on our first date!)

Thus began our journey to the altar that took place eight months later. We had many opportunities during those subsequent months to visit each other even though the distance from Keene to Syracuse was a five-hour drive. Not bad for two people in their sixties! God must have shined on our relationship because the winter was indeed kind. Any inclement weather occurred either before or after our planned travel day. And there were no regrets or hesitations during our engagement; in fact, our bond strengthened the more we discovered new things about each other.

I had planned to propose to Dotty on New Year’s Eve. Both of us were earnestly searching for a serious partner. Each had lost a spouse to death six years prior, had met other people but could not find satisfaction in those relationships. Yet this one seemed different! We openly shared our dreams and our desire to remarry. Looking into the star-lit sky from the living room in Keene one evening in December, we marveled at the beauty of creation while I wondered aloud if she would marry me. “Yes” was the reply without hesitation! So I proposed, not waiting for New Year’s Eve.

The lyrics by Michael Ball of “Love Changes Everything” are indeed apropos. Little did we anticipate that the email exchange, the phone calls, and a visit to Troy would culminate into a new beginning. Love has indeed turned our lives around, bringing many changes — new house, new family, new environment — but most of all peace and serenity. Much is expected, but “love will never, never let [us] be the same.”

Joe