After 40 Years of Faithful Marriage, Old Lady Receives Date Invite from Man She Doesn't Recognize– Story of the Day

Tom's wife, Molly, was in the hospital getting a new therapy treatment for her disease. They had been married for 40 years, but things were getting more challenging for her. One day, she got the shock of her life when a complete stranger invited her on a date.

Tom and Molly got married in their 20s, raised their children, and lived the most ordinary American life possible in a suburban area of Washington. To every outsider, they were the epitome of the perfect couple. Of course, not everything was as it seemed, but they were still in love even after decades.

Sadly, life happens, and after several tests, Molly was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. It wasn't that surprising because it ran in her family, but they were still saddened by the idea. And Molly hated the idea of Tom being trapped taking care of her. She told him to send her to a facility.

"We promised each other, Molly. 'In sickness and in health' we said back then," Tom countered. "I'm never going to do that. If and when you need more help, we'll hire some in-home care for you."

"I haven't been on a first date in… well… I'm not sure how long now," the older woman continued.

Molly couldn't believe how great her husband was, and she would never be able to thank him enough.

Her condition got worse as time went by, but doctors gave them some hope. They were apparently testing some new therapies and treatments. So, every year, Molly stayed at the hospital for about a week, and Tom would pick her up on the final day.

Sadly, it seemed like she had a hard time remembering him after that week. It was getting harder for her every year, and Tom expected the same this time around. However, he felt something more. He felt like he might not have more chances with his wife soon enough. He didn't understand his feelings, but they worried him.

Therefore, he planned something special this time. He was going to pick her up in style, and they would go on a picnic just like their first date over 40 years ago. He also prepared a unique letter and enlisted the nurse to help him out. Everything had to be perfect.

***

"Mrs. Franklin, I've got something special for you today," Nurse Lorenz said, entering Molly's room with a present in her hands.

"Oh, what is it?"

"You're going to have to open it to find out. But I think you're really going to like it," the nurse continued, smiling brightly.

Nurse Lorenz had been at the treatment center since Molly first got her diagnosis. Although the older woman forgot many things due to her condition, she always felt comfortable around her. Therefore, Tom trusted her implicitly with his wife.

Molly grabbed the package and saw a letter on top. She opened it and discovered something surprising. "Someone is asking me on a date," she told Nurse Lorenz. The letter also read: "Put this on and meet me downstairs."

"Oh, wow. Isn't that exciting?"

"I haven't been on a first date in… well… I'm not sure how long now," Molly continued as the nurse helped her open the package and get dressed in a beautiful sundress. They went down the tiny flight of stairs of the treatment center and saw Tom immediately.

He was wearing a great pair of khakis, a button-down shirt, and a fedora, with the brightest smile reserved only for her. Molly saw him looking at her and returned the grin as she approached.

"You sent me this package and letter?" she asked him. "But you don't know me, and I don't think we've met before."

"My name is Tom, and yes, I sent the package. How about we go on a picnic today?" Tom introduced himself to his wife and acted like nothing was wrong, although it still hurt that she didn't remember him at all. Regardless, he offered her his arm.

"Well, you know I'm Molly. It's nice to meet you, and I think I will accept your invitation," she replied, putting her hand through his arm and waving goodbye to Nurse Lorenz, who was smiling knowingly at them.

They spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the special picnic Tom had prepared at Flaming Geyser State Park, where they had their first date several decades ago. He had also prepared a unique gift: an album filled with photographs of their life together.

As Molly flipped through them, Tom told her stories of everything they had done and experienced together over the last 40 years, and with tears in her eyes, Molly finally recognized him again at some point.

"I'm so sorry I didn't remember," she sobbed quietly as Tom grabbed her hand tightly.

"Don't worry. Because I'll be here to make sure you do remember, and I'll keep telling you these stories and showing you this album no matter how many times it takes," he reassured her.

The sun finally set, and they packed up their things and enjoyed a peaceful night together at home. Molly would forget things and get confused often, but Tom was always there to guide her. He was her rock through thick and thin.

A few months later, Molly passed away peacefully in her sleep, and despite the pain, Tom knew he had done everything for her.

As he laid her body to rest, he prayed to whatever power was out there that they would be together again in heaven or another life. "Let me meet Molly again, and I'll remind her of how much we loved each other in this lifetime because I'll never forget it," he whispered quietly and then went to join his children, who accompanied him home.

What can we learn from this story?

• Make every moment as unique as you can. Tom felt in his gut that he had to make the most of his time with Molly in a special way and planned something that resembled their first date. He was right to do so because she passed shortly afterward.
• Marriage vows should never be uttered lightly. Tom took his duties as Molly's husband seriously, promising that he would be there for her in sickness and health.

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If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about an elderly couple who divorced after 63 years of marriage, then the man saw his ex-wife on a date.

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