Love at Stonebridge Ranch!
The romantic story of Norma Jean Williams ( 85 ) and John McPherson ( 85 )

Location
McKinney, TX

When and how did you become a couple?

My hairdresser often remarks that men and women are meant to “couple up”.  Perhaps, that says it as well as anything. Romance novels have been published since 1740 and comprise 55% of all paperback sales in North America.  At the very least, tales of love and romance lift our spirits, make us smile at a time when much of our current news does just the opposite. Without a doubt, the story of Norma Jean and John has made many of us smile.

  In 2006 after the loss of his wife and a 57 year marriage, John, 83, came from Madison, Wisconsin, to live at Emeritus at Stonebridge Ranch in McKinney, Texas. He had retired from a high level position in management, but by his own admission, was depressed, lonely and did not see much of a future for himself.  John is a tall, intelligent, calm man who carefully weighs his options before responding. He is gentle and kind by nature but will stand firm by his convictions when necessary. His next door neighbor, Norma Jean, 83, also with a background in management, came to Emeritus at Stonebridge Ranch from San Diego, California.  However, this little 4’ 11” fireball of a personality usually says what she thinks when she thinks it.  She loves living, smiles a lot, has a head full of curls and wears a different bow in the back of her head to match every meticulous outfit. By any definition, she is self-confident and ready to be in charge.

For a year the only exchange between the two was an occasional, “Hi Neighbor”. During this time they shared three friends who decided that these two should become a couple and conspired to make it happen. Almost like junior high school, a game plan was put into action. John’s friend kept telling him all the good qualities about Norma Jean and why he should try to make something happen, and Norma Jean’s friend kept telling her all about John and why she should do likewise. Finally, the third friend stretched the truth a bit and told Norma Jean that John had a big crush on her but was too shy to do anything about it. Norma Jean was very flattered. Just at this time, the Activities Director set up a bus trip to see a play at the local high school. Norma Jean had already decided to go and made the bold move of suggesting to John that he should sign up. Not missing a beat, he not only signed up, but paid the admission fee for her as well.  On the ride over to the play, he surprised her by saying, “Gee, I haven’t been on a date for 57 years!” Up until then, Norma Jean thought it was just a group outing. On the way to the play, sitting next to each other, they talked and discovered they both loved to watch football and had several other interests in common.

The following Sunday, Norma Jean invited John to come to her apartment and watch the game with her. From then on, watching football became an enjoyable habit shared together. They soon found many other common interests like taking walks, going shopping or having ice cream together.  In fact, the girl at Baskin Robbins would have their favorite treat ready for them before John could get to the counter. Soon, they were spending most evenings together watching old movies or videos. They would visit each other’s families and share events together, and both families accepted their relationship with much enthusiasm. They find great pleasure in sharing the simple things and in just being together and wonder if fate played in part in it.

Why you are the “Most Romantic Senior Couple”?

Now, two years later, at the young age of 85, they look forward to each morning so that they can stroll through the courtyard to the community patio to sit in their rockers, hold hands, and enjoy the Texas morning breezes.  Frequently, they comment on how grateful they are to share such unexpected happiness at this stage in their lives.

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