It's never too late for love

Just because you are in the twilight of your life does not mean that you can no longer find love.

Don Michehl and Beverly Bedore, residents of the Heritage Woods assisted living community in Gurnee, proved that when they tied the knot before a small group of family and friends on Jan. 28. He is 73 and she is 80.

Both had previously been married and have children and grandchildren to their credit. They met in a bible study group soon after Beverly moved to Heritage Woods last March.

Don had already been living there for four years and was one of the community's resident leaders. Beverly jumped right in and began leading music nights in the lobby.

"Meeting this wonderful woman is just one of the Lord's blessings," explained Michehl. "You never know what he has in store."

"When I met Beverly I was just drawn to her caring and openness," he continued. "She is such a loving woman and the way she looks at me and the endearing things she says just opened my heart."

"Beverly is a solid, honest Christian and I simply could not move away from her," Michehl added.

Why marry at their ages, you ask? He stated that that is what both he and the Lord wanted. Michehl did not just want a girlfriend. He wanted Beverly as his wife.

So he proposed during the holidays and they arranged a wedding at Bethel Lutheran Church in Gurnee in a few short weeks. Both have been active in that congregation for some time.

"Getting it all scheduled was a bit of a challenge but we did it and were thrilled by the message conveyed to us by Pastor Ben Squires. He did a wonderful interpretation of God's word," he stated.

Two members of Heritage Woods' staff and approximately 11 of the couple's fellow residents attended the ceremony, the first wedding of residents in the facility's history, according to Stephanie Cortina, resident services coordinator.

"It was beautiful," she explained. "Beverly wore a long two-piece dress in navy blue with a sparkly top. Another resident, David Sherin, was Don's best man and he sang the Lord's Prayer. One of Beverly's daughters was her attendant."

The couple planned a reception for two weeks later, on Feb. 10, back at Heritage Woods.

The celebration, which they called "Cupid's Celebration," was to include a performance by singer Ernie Gardner and a wedding cake crafted by Val Spreco, Heritage Woods' chef.

"Most of our residents have been excited and happy for them," Cortina said. "Don has been lonely. Meeting Beverly refreshed his outlook on life. They really have something special. Both of their spirits have been lightened."

Both Beverly and Don are largely independent, even though they are living in an assisted living facility.

And, by chance, Beverly got one of the community's largest apartments when she moved in, so Don indicated that they will set up housekeeping together in her unit.

Ninety-eight seniors currently call Heritage Woods of Gurnee home. It is located at 3775 Grand Ave., Gurnee.