The expression on her face tells the whole story.
In a world where dating norms are ever-changing, one thing remains constant – the timeless charm of true love.
This is the sentiment that has captured the hearts of viewers of all ages, as they watch a 78-year-old man’s touching airport proposal, a love story six decades in the making.
As reported by a local Fox affiliate, Dr. Thomas McMeekin had been “admiring” Nancy Gambell from a distance since their high school days in California.
They went on a few dates, but life took them on different paths.
They attended different colleges, married other people, and aside from a chance encounter at their 50th high school reunion, they never pursued a relationship.
Fast forward to the present, with their 60th high school reunion on the horizon.
In Tampa, where McMeekin works as a dermatologist, his staff noticed him “acting like a giddy fool” all week.
The reason?
Gambell had personally reached out to him, expressing her excitement about seeing him again.
This sparked an idea in McMeekin’s mind – he decided to plan a “surprise” for Gambell’s arrival at the airport.
The moment was set.
McMeekin, accompanied by his office staff who were in on the surprise, approached Gambell with flowers, a necklace featuring their birthstones, and a smile that stretched from ear to ear.
They shared a heartfelt hug, after which McMeekin led Gambell to a seat.
Then, with the aid of a cute pillow, he got down on one knee to propose.
“Nancy, It’s been 60 years since we first met. Fifty-six years since we first dated. Ten years since I saw you last. And 20 days since we reconnected,” McMeekin began his proposal.
“You have always been the one I’ve had a crush on since your cheerleader days, which brings a smile to my face, that makes my heart skip a beat. For the last three weeks, I have thought of you every day, every hour, and I’ve longed to see you again… You’re everything I’ve ever wanted in a partner, a lover and a friend.
The scene could have been straight out of a romantic comedy.
Gambell’s tear-filled eyes, the excited squeals from McMeekin’s staff, and McMeekin’s voice trembling as he bared his soul – it was a moment that touched millions of online viewers.
They were reminded that love can blossom at any stage of life.
The reactions were heartwarming.
“I bet they see each other as they were in high school. Remembering all the fun they had. Beautiful,” one person commented.
Another added, “They were meant to be… When two souls are meant to be they will find each other.”
Indeed, even those who don’t believe in soulmates or destiny can’t deny the power of those moments when the heart seems to know exactly what to do next.
Following these impulses can be both thrilling and a bit scary, but it serves as a beautiful reminder of the wonders of life.
As McMeekin and Gambell have shown us, love can strike at any time, and when it does, it’s a sight to behold.
It’s never too late to follow your heart and find happiness.