One day I was married, the next day I was not. The relationship journey to this conclusion was civil, well-conceived, and cordial. At least on the surface.
Happier apart
Twenty-four years of being a couple, raising four children, coping with happiness and sadness, and it all came down this. The truth was, we were happier apart.
Rebuilding your life as a single person is not easy; it has pitfalls, times of doubt, fear, and a sense of freedom. I was in my early forties, had a good job, a lovely home, good kids who were soon to become adults. They all supported our decision. The grey cloud of stress moved out of the house when he was no longer there.
A few years earlier, I had been hired by a newly formed Community College to coordinate the publication of all things a new college required. They offered an arts and science 2-year degree and 26 vocational programs.
My first massive project was the college catalog. I pulled the catalog content together, along with descriptions of all the courses offered. For that, I knew I needed help, but several good printing companies provided “hands-on” assistance. I put out bids, and the college management team agreed with my selection and the budget. I was off and running!
The sales representative for my area was young and enthusiastic. Very helpful and professional.
Some weeks into the project, he mentioned that he had another client who was doing a similar thing for a small Private College seventy miles away.
The old-fashioned way
He sang his praises and his accomplishments and thought we should meet. He said we had a lot in common. He arranged a phone call, no emails, no cell phones, this was early 70’s, and we did things the old-fashioned way.
That first phone call turned into many. It was like talking to someone I had known for ages, and I loved his humor.
Of course, I told him about my family, my marriage, my children, and my divorce. He told me all about his family and he had been “single” for a while.
Married in a simple ceremony
We finally met face to face a few years after that first phone call, and shortly after my 50th birthday, we were married in a simple ceremony. I had no idea my life could ever be so loving and full of laughter.
He passed in 2011. I miss him every day. But I was so happy I had taken a chance.
– Isobel from Hot Springs, Arkansas, a FAR customer who is finding purpose in this new stage of her life.
* The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the Finance of America Reverse (LLC).
This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only, and should not be construed as financial or tax advice. For more information about whether a reverse mortgage may be right for you, you should consult an independent financial advisor. For tax advice, please consult a tax professional.
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