A couple meets, falls head over heels in love, and only months later they’re married at the courthouse.
It’s a familiar story, except this time it’s not about a young, starry-eyed couple. Instead, it’s two centenarians.
Both John and Phyllis Cook live at the Kingston Residence, a senior care facility in Sylvania, Ohio. They found each other and formed a strong bond despite the fact that their apartments were only a floor apart.
“To tell you the truth, we fell in love with each other,” Phyllis, turning 103 this summer, told WNWO. “I know you think that may be a little bit far-fetched for somebody our age, but we fell in love with each other.”
“Well, we were just compatible in a lot of ways, found ourselves enjoying each other’s company,” John, a 100-year-old WWII veteran, explained. They were both widows, having been married twice previously.
But their quality time together extends beyond Bingo. “Well, I probably shouldn’t talk about that,” John said when asked what their favorite activity to do together was.
Phyllis, on the other hand, was more forthright:
“He’s not completely dead sexually and neither am I!” Phyllis told KHOU 11. But she had her morals to consider: “I just don’t believe in hopping in bed as a Christian unless you’re married.”
So John agreed to make her an honest woman, and they went to the courthouse to get a marriage certificate.
They had no idea they’d be leaving the courthouse as husband and wife.
“It wasn’t planned, but when we arrived, they said we could marry you here,” John told WNWO.
He clearly couldn’t wait to get married: “I said, ‘good, let’s get it over with.'”
The couple can anticipate many happy years together. Phyllis’ mother lived to be 106, so they may have some good genes going for them despite their age.
It’s a story that demonstrates that you’re never too old for a new romance or a fresh start.
Having said that, the couple understands the value of having your own space, and Phyllis says they’ll each keep their own apartment. What’s the point in rushing?