She's 28, He's 58: They Made It Work
Lucinda Franks reflects on 30 years of marriage with a man 30 years older.
When our first child, Joshua, was born, Bob, at 64, carried him everywhere in a sling, then in a backpack, then on his hip. He threw him up and down on the bed like a baseball and constantly serenaded him with "Give My Regards to Broadway." Six years later, Bob was less physically active with our second child, Amy, but he lavished his jokes, his songs, and his impish smile upon her. Now, inexplicably, he has more energy than I do.
Our marriage has had its predictable ups and downs. But, for most of it, we honestly weren't aware of our age difference.
Time has started to catch up with us, however. On the weekend, he gardens; I go for vigorous bike rides. He rests; I read. Lately, I'm the one who opens stubborn jars and carries the heavy bags to the car.
Respect, however, doesn't grow old. Neither does love. My sister, Penelope, reminded me of a ride we took recently on a historic train in California: "It was a beautiful train. Shiny brass and old, burled wood. I looked over, and you and Bob were just smiling at each other for the longest time. You told me later that, for both of you, each moment like that is that much more special because it resonates with a kind of good-bye."
Discussion
That was a beautiful story. I've been married to my husband for only two years. The marriage was very much rushed into.I was 21 years old and he was 42 years old. He is 21 years older than I am. The age difference bothered me a little. But my parent convince me to marry him because that time they saw how well he was taking care of me. He was very caring, loving, patient, hard worker (have his own business),and always there for me. So I decided to get marry to him. But after I got married, that was when it really hit me and started thinking about the age difference. When ever we go in public or a party where there is a lot of people, I always feel ashamed to be seen with him. He doesn't know that, I have live in a lie with this man for a long time.Because of this reason I have developed depression. I am no more happy like I use to be 2 years ago. I don't have any friends to talk to and I don't even trust anybody to talk to about my problems. But I wonder if this bad feelings will ever go away. I am now pregnant with his baby(8 weeks pregnant). I don't know what to do please help. I am afraid to get divorce because everyone one will look down on me.
My husband is 22 years older than I am and we're still honeymooning after 10 years of marriage. Thank you for sharing your story, Lucinda!
What an incredibly beautiful love story. I saw Lucinda on Fox&Friends and was so impressed with her and the topic of her Father's Secret War. My library does not currently have her book so I was in search of some info on Ms. Franks when I discovered this story that touched my heart. My day is a brighter for having read it!
After being apart from the Morgenthau's for so many years I heard the Lucinda had some surgery. I gave her a call to offer advice. It was great talking to her after all these years.
Thought I would do a 'google' on her and see if she had anything on the Net.
This article was just great. Brought back memories of days gone by. I was there in the beginning of the courtship and lived through it. Never doubted for a second it wouldn't last.
This was a lady who knew what she wanted, maybe a little flaky, but bright, kind, and always with a smile of her face.
Mr. Morgenthau was, and still is the Rock of Gibraltor. He values family and wanted to keep it going when he got another chance.
Ms. Lucinda Franks are about 180 degrees apart in matters of wars, law enforcement, etc.,. That was then, this is now. She is obviously a lot smarter than I was. I am still trying to catch up with the rest of the pack.
