A decade ago my husband died and it left me in a very terrible state. We had been together for more than 15 years and had had a really close and loving relationship.
We were actually married for 13 years after a two-year courtship period. When we got married I was 35 years old with two children from a previous relationship. My children had grown to admire and love their stepdad, who was very much their real father.
After his death I was somewhat dazed and simply out of things for about 18 months. Some relatives looked out for me and ensured that I went out of the house, even if it was only to church or to go to the sea for an early morning sea bath. Then, they encouraged me and I agreed that I would go to Miami at the end of November a few years ago for Thanksgiving shopping with them.
It was an ice-breaker for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I, however, did not buy much for myself, but focused on the children, as I felt the things suited them and they certainly needed new stuff. I did need some things as I had lost quite a bit of weight given my grief and sorrow.
A few months after returning from Miami I came into a considerable sum of money from my husband’s estate, his workplace, his insurance and some money he had on the bank. A close relative who has always been by my side, encouraged me to buy a new house and a vehicle and put aside something for the children. I did not have to sell the existing house but did some cosmetic repairs and rented it out. Life had turned around for me in a most remarkable manner.
At the end of April two of my relatives, my children and I decided to venture off to Miami to do some shopping. I knew I wanted a new set of clothing, from foundation to shoes to slacks and dresses. I also knew I wanted to get some modern household appliances. It turned out to be a successful venture without being too costly.
Met young man
While in Miami and arranging with the shippers I met a young man from Barbados hustling to ship home some personal effects as well. I had never had any dealing with a freight-forwarder and was therefore happy to hear all the questions this young man asked. I told the shipper I wanted the same thing as the young man. Having completed that process my party had few options; go back to the nearby mall and walk around or stay at the hotel and relax and watch television. Neither was appealing.
The young man introduced himself and said he was from Barbados but was living in southern United States. He said he was going to Barbados in a few days but was going to take a trip up to Orlando. He had arranged for a tour bus to take him the following day and was looking for other people to go on the trip and share the cost of the vehicle. We jumped at the opportunity and decided to take the three-day break up there. It meant we would leave Miami the morning after we returned from Disney.
It turned out to be a most enjoyable three days in Disney. He was extremely helpful arranging tickets for the various spots, knew which hotel we could stay at and where to dine in the evenings. I had never experienced Disney and was absolutely thrilled.
Showed interest
During those three days this young gentleman showed a lot of interest in me and ensured that all I wanted was easily available. When we returned to Miami, his flight to Barbados was a day later than ours. I thanked him for his help and told him when he visited Barbados he could always call.
Well, three days later I got his call. He was in Barbados and leaving two days later. Before I could welcome him here he invited me out to dinner. I was surprised but somewhat elated as it was a fine dining establishment where he took me. The day before he left he invited me out again and to another quality restaurant. He gave me a light kiss and said farewell.
Two days later I got a call from him and he invited me to come to the United States for the long Whitsuntide weekend. He told me the ticket would be there. I accepted the offer and took the Friday off. I left Barbados the Thursday evening and was totally relaxed and at peace. Not only had he sent a ticket, but one for first class. When I arrived in the city where he lives in the very early hours of that Friday morning I was totally exhausted. The house was amazingly beautiful. I took a bath and went to bed.
When I got up late that morning he was gone. He left a note and some breakfast with the option to choose anything else I wanted. Around mid-day he called to say he would be there around 1:30 and I could take a bath and prepare to go to lunch. When he turned up he was smartly dressed and we went off to a nice Japanese restaurant. We ate and then walked the nearby mall, an upscale one featuring a number of high end brands.
Dinner and wine
That evening he collected me and brought in gourmet food for dinner. We ate, had some wine and watched a movie. We also made love. Indeed the Saturday and Sunday were just ours.
On my way to the airport I told him I had lost my senses. Where would this go? I was past 50 he was only 34. He gently placed his index finger on my lips.
That was nine years ago and to this day we have developed a very close relationship. I go to the United States at least five times a year to spend time with him, whether its a long weekend or a 12-day break.
He comes here at least ten times a year. He often brings me Victoria lace which I have grown to love.
Yes, not a lot of time together for two people who have hot, steamy and passionate encounters. But it works and certainly makes my heart, at 63, grow fonder.
The age difference clearly does not matter.