Tag: writing

Heaven’s Ladder

On Life and Love after 50 eNewsletter
January 31, 2025
By Columnist Tom Blake
Heaven’s Ladder 

I’ve been receiving far too many emails and messages lately from Champs whose spouses or significant others have passed away. Many have been from men, who have lost their significant others. I thought men usually passed away first. 

In October 2024, Champ Joel’s wife Wendy of 12 years passed away. There have been many other similar situations. 

A few of the men who have written me are my junior high school and high school classmates. That doesn’t surprise me. Why? Because the men in my class are in their mid-80s; we graduated from Jackson High School in Jackson, Michigan, in 1957. 

I don’t intend to dwell on this depressing subject, but I’d like to share a poem from Ed Hatch, a JHS classmate, that he emailed me last week. Ed’s wife of 57 years, Elke, passed away on November 24, 2024, at age 77. 

Background information on them will help you understand why I am including the poem today. Ed attended Haverford College as an undergraduate—and studied English and German. After graduating in 1961, he taught American Studies in Mainz, Germany. 

Elke was born in Germany. At age 16, she spent a year as an exchange student at The University of Michigan. In 1966, she began her studies in Mainz. One day she walked into Ed’s classroom, and he noticed her and felt she was attractive.

Despite the eight-year age difference and nationality difference, they met and started a romance. They married a year later on December 30, 1967, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where UM is located. At that time, Ed was enrolled in German studies there. 

Ed became a teacher of German at the University of Dayton in Ohio. Elke earned a PhD in German Literature and worked as a translator and taught German at the University of Dayton for 30 years. German was their household language. She and Ed have three children and four grandchildren. 

After Elke passed away, her sister sent Ed a poem she had received in the mail. It was written in German. Ed made a “rough and hurried” translation of the poem into English and sent me a copy. 

As I read it, I couldn’t hold back the tears. I decided to share it with you Champs today. It is so beautiful and relatable to anyone who has had a loved one or a friend or animal pass away.

And as we Champs age, we encounter losses more and more. This poem will warm your heart. Thanks to Ed for sharing his pain and love with all of us. He stated that the poem has helped him greatly in his early stages of grief. The poem “Heaven’s Ladder” 

Hello, dear friend below, sometimes I see you crying, see your sadness and tears, and that’s why I want to say: My earthly clothing I’ve left behind because I don’t need it here at home, where I am very near to you, and always in your heart. I truly count each heartbeat. Believe me, when I say, only those whom we do not miss have in fact truly died. And since I am not in your life, I am a part of your soul, I am a part of who you are, and I shall never leave you alone. 

Understand, I am in fact at home. I did not leave; I only went ahead. I went there where it all began, where in the future…we shall meet. So, because it is good, love life as I also loved life. And as you go, keep smiling. Simply smile for me as you go. Nothing and no one can separate usnot even what we call death.

Death cannot destroy love, and because you love me, it will remain. When the wind caresses your hair, simply know that it was I. I sit on the ladder to heaven. And love you from here above.  

Thanks to Ed for sharing his pain and love with all of us. He stated that the poem Heaven’s Ladder has helped him greatly in his early stages of grief. The poem has helped me.
And Ed is now a Champ, a member of our eNewsletter group.

False Hope


On Life and Love after 50 eNewsletter – January 10, 2025

By Columnist Tom Blake 

False Hope – A Champ’s Dilemma 

The names of the people in this eNewsletter have been changed by request.

Last week, Champ Ann emailed me, saying, “I need advice. A woman friend named Judy, who lives nearby, recently mentioned to me that she had a conversation months ago with Ben, a neighbor whose wife has had Alzheimer’s for 10 years. The wife requires 24/7 care.

Ben told Judy that he takes care of his wife with the help of several other caregivers.  “Judy raves about Ben’s dedication to his wife. He refuses to put her in a care home She is expected to pass in 2025. Ben admitted to Judy that he was lonely.

“This was months ago. I told Judy to give Ben my phone number, as I am lonely as well and maybe he and I could meet occasionally for coffee. I didn’t hear anything until Christmas Day 2024 when I got a call from Ben.

“We had a nice conversation and agreed to meet the Saturday after Christmas at my house for coffee. I understood–it would be too awkward to meet at his home. I made sure my friends knew I was having company. I already knew he was very kind, loved his wife and did not want to put her in a home, although it would have been easier to do so. It’s quite a challenge for him to care for her even though he has lots of help.

“On Saturday, Ben came to my home. We talked for hours. I liked him right away. That is how we got together, neither of us expected an attraction. When he left, he kissed me twice.

“On Sunday, I attended a party with my grief support group and didn’t check my phone until later. Ben had left a message, saying he wanted to pick me up and have a bite to eat. I had eaten already so I invited him to come over for a glass of wine, which he did. I was happy to see him. He brought a bottle of wine and again, we talked, but mostly with him talking. I sensed that he needed to do that.

“Suddenly, he pulled me close and kissed me a few times and said, ‘You are my girlfriend,’ and almost immediately he released me and said, ‘No, we need to take it slow.’ I think he scared himself and withdrew. I also said we needed to take it slow, and we needed to be honest about it. He left not too long after that; I didn’t think too much about it. We agreed to try to see each other Monday, the following night.

“He told me that one of the caregivers may not make it and that meant he would have to do the shift for caring. However, if the caregiver did come, then he’d be available, and he and I would do something together.

“Monday, I didn’t hear anything, so, in the evening I sent a text saying hi and were the plans for tonight still on.

“I got a text back saying that he had to care for his wife and had the 6 pm to 2 am shift. ‘Sorry’ is how he ended that text. Five minutes later he sent a text saying, ‘I apologize for sounding so cold.’

“His reaction took me aback. Minutes later I sent a text saying that I understood his responsibility and that I was having a glass of wine.

“Ben answered, ‘You are a special lady’ and he was having a beer.  

“On New Year’s Eve, he texted me to come over as he was in his hot tub and made it a point of saying in his birthday suit. That didn’t bother him.

“I declined politely. It would feel wrong to be in his house when his wife was in another part of the house, and me making out with her husband. I haven’t heard anything from him since then.

“So now, Tom, I am stuck, what happens next?” I will not text anymore. His ‘special lady’ comment feels like there is a ‘but’ coming after it. Something like, ‘I cannot have this friendship with you’ or ‘I thought I was ready.’

“Fill in the blanks, I don’t know what to think and maybe I am making too much out of this. Maybe he drew back to give himself time, or maybe he scared himself with his intimate outburst.

“Partners who take care of terminally ill partners who have been sick for a long time must want to get out and socialize, but they might feel guilty doing so.
“Ben is attractive to me, not so much his looks but his kindness. I want that and I want him but now my fear of rejection and loss has set in.

“I am so sad and feel so alone with tears on this last day of the year.” 

Ann’s Update 

On the day after New Year’s Day, Ben sent a text to Ann that he had written on the day after their second date at her home.

He wrote, “Hi Ann, thank you for the special time we had together last night. You’re a precious, compassionate and very kind person, however I spent a lot of time last night thinking about our relationship and where it’s heading. I realized I’m just not ready at this time as I have so many responsibilities that require my full attention, mainly my wife. You and I agreed to be honest with each other.  

“I sincerely apologize as I know this will hurt you and it’s the last thing I want for you. Maybe later in the future as my situation changes, we can continue our companionship but only God knows that. 

“Your close friend, Ben” 

Ann said, “I didn’t mean to fall in love, I just did and followed the cues from Ben. Remember, I didn’t go to his house to join him in the hot tub. That felt wrong. Ben is so lonely. Many of us deal with that and I still deal with that.”

Tom’s Thoughts 

Ann is devastated. She fears he won’t contact her again. She sent me several emails saying how sad she was and should she respond to him. Two similar situations happened to her in the past, which is likely why she is taking this rejection so hard. 

 I told her I am not a therapist, so I don’t have the answers, but that she probably shouldn’t contact him. Let him stew on it.  

But then, after receiving several sad emails from her, I suggested that maybe she should contact him to tell him that she respects him, but the ball is in his court.  And I suggested to Ann that she should consider contacting a therapist about why she is so devastated.  

What do you Champs think?

Time Waits For No One

On Life and Love after 50 eNewsletter – May 24, 2024

By Columnist and Senior Dating Expert Tom Blake

In the early 1950s, a quartet called the Hilltoppers had a #1 hit song titled, “P.S. I Love You.” Most people who enjoyed listening to music on the radio back then recall that classic love song.

The Hilltoppers had other lesser-known songs as well. One that I enjoyed was “Time Waits For No One.”

This week, I thought about that song’s opening lyrics sung by Jimmy Sacca, the lead singer: “Time waits for no one it passes you by…” Those words made me think of my writing career and the evolution of senior dating.

I reflected on the year 1994. Life for me was good then. I owned Tutor & Spunky’s, a popular deli in Dana Point, which kept me busy seven days a week. Plus, I was married for a third time, and happy as a clam, at least that’s what I thought.

And then, an unexpected event hit me like a ton of bricks.

While I was in Northern California visiting my 81-year-old mom, I was blind-sided when my wife of six years telephoned me to announce that she and her two boys had taken what furniture and belongings they wanted and moved out of our Dana Point home.

I was shocked, humiliated, and saddened. My “happy life” had changed in an instant. That night, I started keeping a journal, trying to understand what had happened. I was 54.

Two months after my wife’s phone call, she filed for divorce. I decided to date, thinking I’d be hot stuff — lots of single women came to the deli. But those women didn’t want to date an older, broken man. I wrote about my divorce and futile dating attempts in the journal.

Adversity can lead to opportunity

Often, after people experience adversity, unexpected opportunities emerge. That happened to me.
I was not a writer in 1994. But six months after my wife’s move out, I became one.

Using the notes from the journal, I wrote a 72-page short story about a 54-year-old man being dumped and divorced by his wife, and his subsequent frustrating dating life.

I submitted the story to two women editors, Sherrie Good and Dixie Redfearn, of the Dana Point News, a printed weekly newspaper owned by The Orange County Register. Those two women gave me the chance to become a columnist.

My first article, “Home Alone With Only Dogs For Company,” was published on July 7, 1994. I had no idea how long my writing gig would last. A week? A month?

For the next 16 years, I wrote senior dating columns for The Register newspapers. And then, 13 years ago, I started writing for Picket Fence Media (PFM), which owned the Dana Point Times, San Clemente Times, and The Capistrano Dispatch. I made appearances on the Today Show and Good Morning America.

Last year, the Times Media Group, a newspaper syndicate in Arizona and Los Angeles, purchased (PFM.) I hoped the transfer of ownership wouldn’t end my print-newspapers writing career.

It’s been almost a year since the Times Media Group acquired PFM. I am still writing for them. I realize how blessed I am to be writing for printed newspapers. The number of columns including weekly eNewsletters written in 30 years is approximately 4,800.

I started writing these eNewsletters about 20 years ago. That time has gone by in a whiz. Time Waits for No One.

Have things changed on the dating scene in 30 years? Of course! In 1994, seniors mainly met potential mates the old-fashioned way—via networking with friends and socializing.

Now, the Internet provides online dating with opportunities and dangers. Online dating sites are filled with romance scammers. When I began writing, my topic was dating after 50. Now it’s dating after 60, 70, 80, and even 90. Same old issues—it’s challenging to meet someone compatible. And, women 60+ often remind me there aren’t enough available men.

And speaking of the 90s, our Champ, Les Jones, who is in 98, wrote this week. He said, “Please watch the annual Memorial Day Concert on PBS on May 26, Sunday evening. I’m being honored as a World War II veteran and will be on TV.”

Les can attest to how time waits for no one, he fought for our country in Europe and in the Pacific nearly 84 years ago.

The ending words in the Hilltoppers’ “Time Waits For No One” song are “…let’s take love while we may.” Those five words apply to my writing career and senior dating. Most single seniors would like to take and receive love. We don’t have time left to waste. 


Link to Time Waits For No One

At 77, a Remarkable Woman Champ

On Life and Love Afer 50 eNewsletter

April 19, 2024

Tom Blake Columnist

Tom Blake Senior Dating Expert

 A bonus for me in writing these eNewsletters is I’ve become friends with many Champs. Most of them I’ve never met in person. We have what I call an LDF, (long-distance friendship). When I owned my deli in Dana Point, some would stop by and introduce themselves, but I sold the deli eight years ago so that way of meeting each other no longer exists.

One of them is FFF (her initials) who lives in Florida. In an email a couple of years ago, she mentioned that she is a Scorpio. That piqued my interest as I’m also a Scorpio, so I asked her what day her birthday is. She said, “November 11.” That’s my birthday also.

To me, November 11 is more than just my birthday. It was also my Mom’s birthday and it was called Armistice Day. On June 1, 1954, the federal government changed the name of November 11 to Veterans Day.

FFF is a remarkable Champ. At 77, she’s got more energy than the Energizer Bunny and has more men pursuing her than a woman in her 20s.

A year ago, she emailed: “I still am very young, physically, mentally, and emotionally. I want the entire package (in a man). I don’t mind ‘part-time.’ My social calendar with friends is over the top…concerts, plays, restaurants…and I exercise every day. I’m still writing my book. Hopefully, by year-end, I will get it published.”

In response to last week’s “Catfishing” eNewsletter, FFF emailed, “I’ve never been ‘catfished’ although not for their lack of trying. Growing up in NYC and being ‘street smart’ might have saved me. There were a few men who tried to get me to send money…one guy said he was hurt and in Thailand. I said, ‘I have a good friend in Thailand (true) and he will meet you and help you.’ Ha ha…you know that never happened.

“I even called out a scammer one day and he argued with me for two days and finally apologized. 

“I think (I hope, fingers crossed) that I met a ‘Nice Jewish Doctor.’ I will call him Barry. He is a retired clinical psychologist, turned to music (saxophone and guitar) opened a recording studio, and has won Emmys. He is originally from Long Island NY, lived in Sarasota (downtown) and now lives in a small town by the Gulf about 20 minutes from me.

“Barry is Jewish, as am I. He is six feet tall, 73-years-old. He is smart. He likes me…we’ve been talking, have exchanged brief texts, mostly phone conversations, and are having dinner next Wednesday.

“He wanted to meet me sooner but I’m so busy with work, working out (yup, yoga, Pilates, barre, Tai Chi, personal training, pickleball training, decorating my house, joining clubs where I live, nice neighbors, etc. and going to Illinois this weekend to celebrate my granddaughter’s 17th birthday…we are going to ‘high tea’ at the famous Drake Hotel in Chicago.  

“Back to Barry, I decided to stop looking for younger men with good looks…both were important characteristics to me. I’m now thinking about values, kindness, how men treat me, and, how much they want to be with me.

“I have two other guys interested but I’m not. There seems to be a ‘bottomless’ pit concerning meeting men…never have a problem as us ‘Scorpios’ know. But meeting the right one is not easy.

“At this moment in time, I’m a very happy camper. My health is great…where I moved to in Florida is wonderful and life is really being kind to me or I’m being kind to me.

“I will be getting back to writing my book this summer. I’ve been busy selling real estate and getting my staging/decorating company up and running. I will, however, finish the book and maybe, with your help, publish it or get advice from you.

“I hope the doctor and I like each other in person. I have a good gut feeling and you know how we Scorpios are with our ‘intuition.’

“Remember the words she was just 17 from the Beatles song, “I Saw Her Standing There?” That’s how I feel at 77. Barry is 73.

I just turned down a 59-year-old guy and a 56-year-old guy.

Tom’s comment about FFF

As I wrote earlier, FFF is an amazing woman. She stays active via exercise and going out with friends. She dates younger men although her focus now is more on quality than age. Barry is 73. Will he be too old for her although he’s four years younger?

My only advice to her is regarding the book she’s writing. Do a little bit at a time, even now. Maybe 15-20 minutes a day or at night. The editing comes much later. Just getting thoughts down on paper is a big step forward. I will help in any way I can.