Happiness knows no age limit. It may even be more important as we get older. Studies show social isolation and loneliness can affect more than just mental wellness in seniors—it can also diminish their physical health. But if you ask the residents of John Knox Village of Central Florida whether they’ve ever experienced this, many will say they’re way too busy to be lonely. This is especially true for two residents of our Orange City senior living community.
Jackie C. and Paul T. found time to sit down with us between finalizing the musical selections and taste-testing the signature drinks they created for their upcoming nuptials. While the couple seems to agree on everything, including their love of theater, music and dining out, they each had slightly different recollections when asked about the first time they met.
Now That I Have Your Attention …
Jackie and Paul lived in nearly identical cottage homes about half a mile apart, and Jackie’s sister-in-law Eileen lived right across from Paul. So, Jackie often noticed him walking his two beloved dachshunds, Charlie and Lucy, multiple times a day. Despite her best efforts to get his attention, he was still grieving the loss of his wife of 55 years. “One day, I saw him on the street, and I stopped to talk to him. But he doesn’t remember that one,” Jackie laughs. Rather than give up, she decided to put the pedal to the metal. Literally.
During one of his daily walks, Paul noticed a beautiful red Cadillac parked across the street from his cottage. In fact, he was admiring it when it suddenly started backing up right toward him and his doxies. Jackie rolled down her window, and he couldn’t help but notice her this time.
“The backup lights were on, and I didn’t know which way to go, so I walked a little closer, and sure enough, the car turned so that the driver’s side window was facing me. All of a sudden, I saw this great big, wonderful smile, and I wanted to see her again from that moment on,” Paul shares.
Jackie adds, “I figure if I’m almost going to back into someone, I might as well say hello.”
The Start of a Beautiful Relationship
Weeks later, Paul saw Jackie and Eileen coming from dinner. They greeted each other, made small talk, and Paul asked them both if they wanted to go to dinner sometime. “I thought it would be an easy entry if the three of us had dinner together,” Paul rationalizes. It turns out he was right.
Several days after the trio’s dinner, Paul called Jackie and asked if they could share a meal alone. That was two-and-a-half years ago, and they’ve been going everywhere together since. “We’ve been to dinners and movies here at John Knox Village, and we also take bus trips to plays and other area attractions,” Jackie says.
“We used to go separately, so it was nice sitting on the bus together. After one of the trips, we were in the parking lot and I hadn’t kissed her yet, so I was wondering when it would happen,” Paul recalls. “We said goodnight and I was going to the car when I felt something brush on my cheek; I didn’t know what it was at first, but somebody gave me a kiss goodnight.”
Jackie jumps in, “He says he didn’t know it was me; it could have been any one of the ladies from the bus. But he knew it was me; he just likes to tease me.”
Making a Big Move
Paul, feeling reenergized, decided to resume his search for a new cottage—one with a screened-in porch. He reached out to Marketing Communications Specialist Shannon Finley and told her he was ready to start looking again … this time with his best gal by his side.
Shannon knew Paul was going through some tough times after his wife passed. So, when he showed up with Jackie to look at a cottage, she was both surprised and thrilled … even more so when the cottage he wanted was claimed, and he and Jackie moved into one of the new villas on Valencia Landing Drive.
“Shannon was two (or maybe 20) steps ahead of us. She did her homework and told us that together, we would qualify for the villa with what we each put down for our cottages,” Jackie says.
The couple agreed the process couldn’t have been easier. “It was really smooth,” Paul says. “Marketing is great. They know what you’re looking for and spell out what’s available (or might become available) and for how long, so it’s your decision to wait for what you want or move into what’s available sooner.”
“We moved into a 3-bedroom villa with a Florida room and a garage in February of 2023,” Jackie adds. “You can open the windows in the Florida room, but we added a screened-in porch just like Paul always wanted. So, when the weather’s nice, we can sit out there and enjoy the fresh air. And Charlie and Lucy love that they each have their own room.”
You’re Never Too Old …
Jackie and Paul understand the importance of staying active as you age. In addition to the beautiful modern features of their villa, the couple loves that the new Valencia Clubhouse complete with a fitness center, restaurant, pool and tennis courts is right down the street. “In the summertime, I use the fitness center a lot,” Paul shares. “Now it’s cool out so I’m doing more walking.” Jackie finished his thought, “Everything’s so close. I usually go to line dancing, balance and stretch classes, and chair yoga. We even have a fitness counselor who encourages people and leads exercises.”
“Resident services is always letting us know about different activities. Music is big here, and there are a lot of retired musicians who formed a band and even teach classes,” Paul says. “There are also plenty of seminars, volunteer opportunities and even a Spiritual Life Council that encourages residents to follow their faith—whatever it may be.”
Jackie continues, “There are just so many activities. If you can’t find something you like to do, and just want to stay home, it’s more than okay. You can do as much or as little as you want here.”
Staying Engaged as You Age
Lately, Jackie and Paul have been busy planning their own big event—their wedding. Neither of them expected they would ever marry again. Paul had lost his wife two years earlier and Jackie had been a widow for 12 years. “Never once did it cross my mind. My friends even told me to go to match.com or a senior dating website, and I told them they were out of their minds,” Jackie says. “Then, it just happened. We’re both in our eighties, so we never expected to have these kinds of feelings and this kind of life. We were close to taking the next step and were totally committed to each other, but Shannon gave us the little bump by finding a home we could both move into immediately.”
They got engaged on March 17, 2024—St. Patrick’s Day—but had to postpone their original October 2024 wedding date due to Hurricane Milton. Ever the optimist, Jackie believes everything happens for a reason. “My sisters and brother live close by, but my grandson is up in Fargo, and he couldn’t come in October. But now they’re all coming,” she says. “Since we changed the date, all of a sudden other people who couldn’t come in October are now coming. The numbers go up every day.”
“We’re going to have everybody come into the clubhouse and sit at their table, then we’re going to walk down the aisle and get married,” Jackie says with excitement.
“Once the ceremony is done, everyone will go to the restaurant and bar area for our signature cocktails named after our doxies—Charlie’s Cosmos and Lucy’s Lemon Drop—while they set up our head table and the dance floor.”
Paul jumps in, “My granddaughter is a professional musician, trained in strings. She’ll play the violin and my son, who’s a pianist, will play the piano during the ceremony and cocktail hour.”
“During dinner, we’ll have nice soft music. And Paul and I will dance to our wedding song—It had to be you,” Jackie adds. “And after that, Sonny and Lisa (who often play at community events) are going to kick it up a few hundred notches and we’re going to party and line dance.”
Then, Jackie and Paul will get into the red Cadillac, complete with a “Just Married” sign and cans hanging from the back, and drive to the airport to board a flight for their honeymoon at Paradise Island.
Find Your Happily Ever After at John Knox Village
Fall in love with all there is to do at our Central Florida senior living community. Call 386-775-0788 to schedule a tour and see for yourself what makes John Knox Village of Central Florida one of the happiest places on earth. And while you’re there, be sure to say congratulations to Jackie and Paul.