Reflecting on Linda’s decision, I realized how much I had let age define what was “appropriate” or “acceptable.” I was projecting societal expectations onto her, believing that at 70, she should be content, retired, and out of the public eye. But in doing so, I overlooked the most important truth: life doesn’t stop at a certain age.
We are all deserving of love, happiness, and new beginnings, no matter how many birthdays we’ve celebrated.
Linda taught me that we are never too old to seek joy. We are never too old to love, to be loved, or to make meaningful connections. Age is just a number, and it doesn’t limit what we can experience or what we can accomplish.
Her wedding was a reminder that life is precious, that it’s never too late to start something new, and that we should always embrace the opportunities that come our way — no matter our age.
So, maybe I was being too harsh when I first saw that photo of my mother-in-law in her wedding dress.
Maybe what seemed “ridiculous” at first was actually a powerful reminder of how we should all live our lives: fully, authentically, and with love. It’s a lesson I won’t soon forget, and it’s one I hope to carry with me as I grow older. Because, just like Linda, we all deserve to live a life filled with love, joy, and second chances, no matter our age.
