Many years ago, Rena English was a bride and C.L. Beck was a best man. English, who was becoming Mrs. English for the first time, was marrying Beck’s best friend. The “I do’s” were said, the cake was cut and life began for a young couple. Fast forward more than seven decades and Rena English found herself single again, having lost her husband after a lifetime of memories together. That’s when an old friend moved into PineCrest, the senior living community she calls home.
“When C.L. moved in, everything changed,” English recalled. “I think we’ve spent every day together since.”
Beck, a widower himself, wasn’t at all excited about the prospect of leaving his home to move to a retirement community – until he learned that Rena English was residing at PineCrest. “I thought, ‘now there’s someone I haven’t seen in many years’,” Beck remembered. “There was an instant connection. She saved my life, she really did.”
Beck, who celebrated his 100th birthday said the romance that bloomed between he and English has brought new purpose to his life. She agreed. “He makes me laugh,” English smiled. “He says I keep him in line, but I don’t know about that. He’s still ornery.”
The couple has the blessing of their children, who think it’s wonderful that their parents have found love, friendship and new purpose so late in life.
Written by Jeff Bell
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