Last year marked the beginning of an annual tradition for us: sharing the beautiful love stories of our residents. You may remember last year’s inaugural piece, Seniors in Love: A Special Valentine’s Day Piece, which received rave reviews from our community. We are so excited to bring you yet another piece that highlights the stories, advice, and sentiments our residents have to share!
Pat & Bob
After 60 years together, the pair enjoys living together at Wentworth Senior Living! When they met, Bob was 21 and Pat was 19, and soon after got married right out of college in the year of 1962. They have two kids and 5 grandkids, and fondly remember their “oldest grandson when he was about five, he said my gramps and my grammy they’re a team, they do everything together!”
How did you both meet?
They mentioned they met as sophomores at college in New York.
Pat – “I was going to leave because I was the only female in the bar and felt uncomfortable with it, but Bob’s roommate at the time said no, no, no sit down! We were sitting facing the end of the bar and there’s this guy who had a very dark plaid collared shirt with a green charcoal sweater, probably kakis, he’s smoking a pipe and drinking a beer… I said to doc (Bobs roommate), “Well I am not going to leave with your offer with the knowledge of how gorgeous this guy is at the end of the bar with the pipe and green sweater. He said “that’s my new roommate. See I am a provider of all magic.” Pat said her sorority knew all the available bachelors at the college, and most of them were nerds. But Bob wasn’t, he was studying to be an engineer and had the looks going for him! “He was really cute when he was younger, well he’s really cute now.”
They mentioned they met as sophomores at college in New York.
Pat – “I was going to leave because I was the only female in the bar and felt uncomfortable with it, but Bob’s roommate at the time said no, no, no sit down! We were sitting facing the end of
What was the beginning of your relationship like?
Bob – “She kind of chased me for two to three weeks before I caught her.”
Pat – “Me chasing him until he finally realized he loved me. And then I couldn’t get rid of him.”
Bob – “She is one of those frustratingly positive people.” They pride themselves on not being a couple to rarely ever fight.
Pat – “I would say we have been really lucky in marriage.”
What was your favorite memory together?
Pat – “Going to Egypt, I think. It’s his favorite place and my favorite place too.”
They got to see the pyramids and are still fascinated by the architectural mystery. As an engineer himself, Bob talked about the extremely large “size-of-a-small house” blocks that built these temples and the amount of land and water they had to travel to get to where they wanted to go, it was unbelievable.
What is some advice you would give someone for a successful relationship?
“Be Honest,” Pat said.
“Be willing to give more than you expect to get back. If you’re willing to go 60/70% things will work out. Then likewise for the other person giving the same amount, ” says Bob.
“Have good kids, they can take care of you when you get old.” Pat said.
Bob talked about traveling, making sure to compromise and ensuring everyone gets to see what they want to see. Maybe one person in the relationship has to give up something or they wouldn’t be able to see everything they wanted, but pat said, “We always had fun.”
Bob & Judy
Today, Judy lives with us at WSL, while Bob remains living at their home. The couple met when Judy was a freshman and Bob was a senior at St. Olaf College in Northfield Minnesota. Judy decided to go to their square-dance called, “Square-Games” because dancing wasn’t allowed at the time. Judy said, “No one asked me to dance so I started to walk out and then he asked me.” Bob then continued, “They said everyone who is dancing go grab someone new from the surrounding audience, and then we will have another square.” Right before she reached the doors, Bob asked her to come dance with him.
After dating, calls to her dorm, and several jealous roommates, their relationship continued to grow after Bob graduated and headed to get his masters while Judy switched schools to learn more about becoming a teacher.
Judy said they got along well because she was quiet and shy while Bob could talk all day. They have three daughters and a bunch of talented and sweet grandchildren they adore.
They have been married for 60 years and they both mentioned the key to a successful marriage is communication and making sure you never lose your sense of self.
We hope reading these sweet love stories and seeing old photographs brings you as much joy as they bring us. We continue to marvel over what wonderful people our residents are and hope this Valentine’s Day can be a chance to reminisce on your memories with your loved ones as well!