I just submitted a story to e-Harmony, the matching site where Jim and I met. I thought you readers might enjoy a closer look. Let me know what you think.

After being widowed for two years, I joined e-Harmony. It was very strange to even be looking for a mate after being married for 40 years, but I also did not like being alone. I liked being married!  I joined eHarmony in 2008 but I did not find suitable matches. I let the subscription run out and joined another matching site. There, I successfully met the man of my dreams and we were married six months later. We had a wonderful marriage, but 17 months after we were married, my husband died suddenly of a brain aneurysm. I was devastated and it was after two years, I decided to “put myself out there” to meet someone again. I tried the same matching site (not eHarmony) and met and became engaged. That relationship did not last—he broke off the engagement and in hindsight, I know that was for the best—for we were not a good match. I dated quite a few different men and had a good time, but did not find the right match. There was always something not quite right. Finally, after nearly four years after Blair, my second husband, passed away, I decided to retry E-Harmony. For me, it was a last resort.

I filled out the questions and put my photos on and began the quest to find that perfect match. I was on e-Harmony about two weeks and was frustrated to see several of my unsuccessful dates were also on e-Harmony! There were a few new ones and I was “smiling” and sending questions to one gentleman who seemed a good match—but I thought he was a bit too old. Maybe he’s not too old. I thought. But, truly, he was! A five year difference in ages when you are 67, is a lot! And I was a young 67! I’m sure everyone says that, but that’s what people tell me. I was ready to give up and go ahead with “Mr 73” year old when Jim’s profile popped up in my matches.

Unlike many of the others, Jim’s profile looked perfect for me. His age was good—three years younger—he sounded like a widower—I was looking for that too. Most important, he sounded like he had a strong faith in the Jesus Christ of the Bible. I sent him a smile and he nearly immediately sent a set of questions to let me know his interest. I loved it that he responded so quickly. My frustration was that many took their time in responding to a “smile”. We passed back and forth questions and then he requested to email through e-Harmony. I accepted and he asked if I’d like to meet for some coffee to see “where God might lead”. 

I said, “Sure, let’s email and, yes, I’d love to meet you for coffee!” One day later, Jim called and we made arrangements for Wednesday, September 4, 2013. That coffee date turned into a two hour date. The high point for me of that date was how much he seemed to be that person who was on the web site. I had written a book and that was also in my profile. One of the first things he did after asking me about it was to order it on his computer during our date! No one else had done that. They’d asked about it but that was it. He obviously wanted to get to know me.

We emailed long emails after that for several days. Quite honestly, I googled Jim. It revealed he was who he said he was. The chemistry seemed to be there, too.

Jim received my book that Saturday after our coffee date. He says he read it from cover to cover without getting up. It’s only 190 pages, after all! I got a phone call around 8:00 pm on that Saturday (September 7). Jim said, “Shirley, I just finished your book! You are a wonderful woman. I’d just like to come and give you a hug!” I thanked him and he repeated his request. He really did want to give me a hug. 

I said, “I’m in my pajamas, but I can change clothes if you really want to come.”

“I do! I’ll be there as soon as I can!” Jim lived about 40 minutes away from me and soon, I saw his lights as he drove into my driveway. He did give me that hug—a good one. We talked for several more hours. 

Without going into the full details of our dates in the next few days, I will tell you that Jim asked me to marry him nine days after our first date. Without any hesitation at all, I said yes and I’ve not been sorry! We married December 7, 2013 and our marriage is like one made in heaven. Truly! 

I highly recommend e-Harmony. For those of you looking for a matching service, don’t use e-Harmony as a last resort. Try it first. I’m so glad both Jim and I made that choice.

 That’s the story! Have a wonderful weekend! I will–with that match made in heaven!