After meeting a 19-year-old at her son’s funeral, one 72-year-old grandmother says that she has found love.
Just two weeks after meeting for the very first time, Almeda and Gary Hardwick were wed in 2016.
Previously, Almeda was married for 43 years, prior to her first husband dying.
But now, she admits that her new partner, Gary, is her “soulmate,” and says the relationship is “a whirlwind.”
The two met at the funeral of Almeda’s son, Robert, who passed away to a seizure at the young age of 45.
Almeda shared on a video uploaded to YouTube the following:
“I was married for 43 years and there wasn’t a lot of kissy, huggy stuff going on…no romance. [My current relationship] is a whirlwind. We are always complimenting and kissing. We’re enjoying our relationship. When you meet that perfect one, that’s when you know you don’t want to lose that feeling. The compliments, the hugs the kisses…that’s very romantic.”
The couple also shared how the first time they had sex was on their wedding night — describing each other as “wonderful lovers.”
Gary shared:
“It was wonderful, beyond my wildest dreams. She really is my dream woman and the physical side of our relationship couldn’t be better.”
in an article published by the New York Post.
Almeda continued the conversation about Gary, while also offering advice to others who had questions during her YouTube show, Girl’s Talk.
“In our relationship, we do little things each day to help each other out. Whether he cooks me supper, or mops for me, we always thank each other. It’s the little things like that, cooking a meal, washing dishes. Always compliment him and show love. Show it every day, we aren’t promised tomorrow.”
Prior to meeting Almeda, Gary was in a relationship with a 77-year-old woman but admitted he was unhappy, felt trapped, and “in turmoil,” during that time.
Gary shared:
“We were always fighting. I fell into depression and was looking for a way out.”
It was then that Lisa, Gary’s aunt, invited him to go to her husband Robert’s cremation service, which is where he met Almeda.
Almeda said:
“I’d noticed this young man with a lovely smile during the service and thought, ‘Wow, this is the one.’ He was on the other side of the church, but I kept looking over at him. It was like a bright light through the grief. Then, as I was walking to the door at the end, he came over and passed on his condolences. We didn’t have much time, but it was enough.”
Gary added:
“It was an instant thing for me too. She had the most gorgeous, sparkling blue eyes.”
The two then met again — this time, at a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant, where Almeda told it to him straight.
“I just came out with it and said to him, ‘Look, I’m 71 and you’re 17. Am I too old for you?’ He squeezed my hand, grinned and replied: ‘Age is just a number.’”
Gary’s mother, Tammy, 48, along with his grandmother, Carolyn, 71, have each given their blessing to the couple.
And since their wedding in October of 2016, Gary has had Almeda’s name tattooed across his chest.
Gary shared:
“Almeda is so young at heart that age never bothers us, we never really think about it. I just know that God answered my prayers that day she walked into my life.”
Almeda added:
“The one thing I’ve learned is that when you truly love somebody, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.”
NOW WATCH: Sweden Actually Turns It’s Garbage Into Energy | Save The World