She was so beautiful. Not a flashy beautiful. Not a Hollywood, glitzy beautiful. But a hometown beautiful. A "beautiful" without all the makeup, glamour, and falseness. And I was introduced to her.

Her personality sparkled. She was gentle. She was sweet. She was caring. She was kind. She was so much fun to be with. We talked. We laughed. Though we were strangers to one another, we both seemed so comfortable together, like life-long friends. We thoroughly enjoyed being together.

We didn't always agree. Of course. But it was okay. When there was some kind of disagreement, it wasn't a stumbling block. It wasn't confrontational. It was simply an opportunity to talk and discuss our opinions. Each of us let the other have the space to be honest and sincere and open.

We met again, and being with her was more delightful than before. She was smart. She was quick. I loved her smile. I loved her style. It felt so good to be with her. She had a marvelous sense of humor. Her idiosyncrasies were charming. And she was so beautiful. She was too good to be true.

And we met again. And again. Each time it seemed our get-togethers were more gratifying and pleasant than the times before. We both sensed our relationship was something special. There was a real connection. An immediate bond. Being with her just seemed so right.

But, I'm an old guy. And she is younger. A good deal younger. How is it we strike it off so magically? Can this really be happening to me? I pray it is happening to me!

Can I actually be falling in love at my age? Have I actually fallen in love again? Could it indeed be happening? Really? After all these years? My head is dizzy with such thoughts.

But I wanted to be with her. More than anything. It felt so good to be with her. We always had so much fun together. Parting was always painful. Neither of us wanted to say good-bye.

I sat up in my bed. My mind was racing. I tried to sort out all the thoughts swirling about so uncontrollably in my head. What is this? What's happening to me?

After a few moments, I figured it out.

This wonderful, beautiful woman was a wonderful, beautiful dream. I can see her in my mind's eye right now. I recall so fondly our times together. Such happy times they were. Those moments were precious. Oh, so precious. And as real as anything I can think of.

It was such a marvelous dream. Seeing her, knowing her, spending time with her. Truly priceless.

I'll always remember that beautiful woman and the marvelous moments of joy we shared together. She made a difference in my life. And I don't even remember her name.


[This is a true story.]