Posted by Gayle

The recent news about Michael Douglas‘  throat cancer diagnosis sent a shiver down my spine.  He’s two years younger than Ron. He’s a poster child for Decembers.  No younger woman wants to hear that a December husband is dealing with the Big C.   Our hearts miss a beat and we shake off generalized anxiety.  And then I remember what I am doing tomorrow….

I am going to a “life celebration” for a 55 year man who died of The Big C in July.  Funny thing is his wife is 54.  I can’t blame her widowhood on her choice to be in age gap relationship.  I can only attribute it to life which comes with deadly side effect – mortality.

So when you are asking yourself the question “what happens when my December dies” – remember – there are no guarantees.  Prepare wisely for the eventuality of both of your deaths and then move on. Ron and I have wills, powers of attorney,  life insurance, etc.  We know he could lose me before I lose him. We know it will be crushing to be the one left behind, but we also know it doesn’t help to live in fear. We do the best we can.

I’d love to tell you that I thank the heavens everyday for Ron, but honestly I forget to.  Maybe that’s bad. Maybe that’s good in that I’m not focusing too much attention on worst case scenarios.  Tonight we were watching TV and I vacated my spot on the couch for a quick trip to the loo.  When I returned Ron was sitting in my spot.  He doesn’t leave his recliner very often and I wondered what he was doing.  He wanted a hug.  ”Why,” I asked?  He said when he watched me leave the room he felt  tenderness welling up inside and he just wanted to get a hug from me.  He made it clear he wasn’t really coming to give a hug.  He was there to GET a hug.  It made me smile.  He does that you know…. even when I forget to thank my lucky stars for him… he still makes me smile.

Tonight, I’m sending warm thoughts to Catherine and Michael and to my friend who her lost her husband way too soon.  Oh yeah… and I’m thanking the powers that be for helping me find Ron…

Read Ron’s Reply

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Step right up and enjoy the (slide) show!

Posted by Gayle

A picture is worth a thousand words right?  Well here are 24 pictures you’ll have fun perusing!

If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you know I have mixed emotions about our fascination with Hollywood’s version of May-December romances.  Few of us can relate to Demi Moore or the late Anna Nicole Smith. When it comes to navigating our daily lives their role models might not provide much help.  However, the famous couples do remind us that love knows no age.

Last night I was listening to Delilah’s radio show.  A man called in a dedication for his fiancee who happened to be 20 years his senior.  Delilah’s words of wisdom were to skip paying attention to the age difference and just make sure they  were both in the same place in their lives.  If you are just winding up and ready to travel the world and your partner is looking forward to staying home and gardening it won’t matter what your ages are.  Life stage compatibility could be a problem.

And now…. on with the show!  I think you’ll enjoy this photo gallery.  I know I did.

Hollywood’s May-December romances.