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Marie, 62, and Ben, 68, were set up several years after each lost a spouse. A series of parallels affirmed the universe was pushing them together, and the couple married June 22, 2011. They live in Indian Land, and Marie tells their story.
Coffee date: In 2008, I was living in Lancaster, and a mutual friend asked if she could give my number to a gentleman she thought I’d like. Ben called a few days later, and we spoke on the phone several times. He seemed interesting, so I agreed to meet him for coffee that Friday after work.
Backup plan: Ben definitely had a sense of humor, and there was no lack of conversation. He asked if I wanted to have dinner, and when that went well, he told me there was a dance out at Sun City that night. I love to dance, and we had a great time. I learned later he had planned it so if we hit it off he would take it a step further.
Soul mates: The day Ben called to ask me to meet for coffee was Jan. 26, which is also my birthday. Jan. 26 is also the day his first wife passed away. I learned later her middle name was “Marie.” I still had my husband’s ashes; he always said he wanted them scattered in the ocean. I knew Ben was the one when he offered to drive me to Myrtle Beach. We went on the pier and I said a few words. Ben thanked my first husband for giving me to him. When Ben’s wife had died, he’d scattered her ashes on that same spot.
Life changes: Our first year of marriage was challenging when Ben had a reoccurrence of thyroid cancer. But he’s a fighter and is now doing exceptionally well. We are enjoying our active life and look forward to many more wonderful years together. Hilary Trenda
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E-mail htrenda@charlotteobserver.com. Type “love story” in subject field. Include full names, ages, address, daytime phone number, wedding date, photo. To read past Love Stories: www.charlotteobserver.com/love.
