DICK AND JANE TIE THE KNOT

Saturday, June 23, 2012 I found myself at a West Ashley church watching my friends, Dick and Jane (not their real names) tie the knot.  I have known Dick for many years, Jane less than five.  Dick is about 67 years old and had been married once before.  I remember about four years ago talking with Dick about how my wife and I met.  I had told him before and he was curious because he was ready, again, to have someone in his life.

Dick listened and we talked about his concerns.  I had strong doubts that he would actually take the risk.  He surprised me and today, I watched them at the altar togetner.  They both looked extremely happy.

As we get older and older we can find it difficult to find a partner.  Some of us are too scared of rejection and won't even try.  It takes a brave man or woman to begin dating again later in life.  This can be especially hard if they have had an unfortunate experience in a previous marriage.  Some people are just too shy or can't make a relationship work.  Obviously, it just depends on the people.  There are no guarantees.

I know people who are just way too picky and always find fault in people they date.  It may be that they are overweight or have children.  It can be any number of reasons.  The hardest thing to realize is that we are not perfect either.  Many of us bring baggage into the equation.  I think when it has to do with children, we might be afraid we will not get the love and attention the children would get or not get along with the children.  If a choice has to be made are they going to favor the children over us.  Whatever the anticipated problem may be we, somehow, can let it impact our decisions.

If that is the case, you run the risk of ending up by yourself with no one to share your later years.   You have heard the phrase, "one is the loneliest number."  It just was not an option with me so I took a chance.   I was very lucky to find someone who was right for me.  I took a chance just as I counselled Dick to do.  Now I have a partner in life and no regrets.  I think about "us" a lot because we have become a unit.  We are different in many ways but share similar interests.

So, for anyone who is out there sitting at home, by yourself, get up and get together with people and give love a chance to bloom again.  My friends Dick and Jane seem to have found something special.  So, as I sit in the pew and hear them say their vows, I know that there is always a chance to find true love.  Good luck.

Michael Kaynard is a local photographer who lives in West Ashley.  His photos can be seen at http://kaynardphotography.webs.com.  He can be reached at mkaynard@gmail.com or 843-412-2299.