I watched as they walked hand in hand down the terminal to the baggage claim. Slowly making their way together each shorter from years of experience and I could see the love after 32 years together.
Mel, 85, and Betty, 87, have been married for 32 years, each on their second marriage, and have lived together in retirement for 21 years. Settling in Boca Raton, they joked with me about the politics of their retirement village and the notoriety gained from Jerry Seinfeld. Mel assured me he kept his nose out of the politics.
I was lucky enough to sit next to this couple on my journey from Ft. Lauderdale to Washington D.C. Mel one seat away and his bride across the aisle. Mel offered Betty the seat between us but she reassured him, she liked the space.
They reached out and held hands as the plane took off.
Standing no more than 5’5”, Mel had lost most of his hair and shuffled as he walked. His black Nike shoes where the only thing out-of-place.
Mel and I started talking just before takeoff and continued the majority of the flight.
They were on their way to visit their niece dance at the University of Maryland; she is a professional dancer with a traveling dance troupe. The incredible part of the story was their nephew, the dancer’s husband, is actor Bill Pullman. I was stunned.
We talked for a little about their nephew but for the most part about Mel and his life.
Mel fought in WWII after his freshman year of college at Vanderbilt University and returned home to finish up his schooling following the war. He was a gunner for the 8th Air Force and bombed Germany during the war. The Gregory Peck movie “Twelve O’clock High” was based on what he did during the war.
He heard I was going to D.C. and told me I had to visit the World War II monument and the dedication to the Air Force. He hadn’t been able to go but requested I visit for him. I know it was a casual request but I’m going to see the Air Force memorial for Mel.
We talked about sports and his career as a jeweler before retiring as our flight passed. He was interesting and had very heated views on the Colts move from Baltimore to Indianapolis. He had season tickets for years before the team was moved in the middle of the night.
Shortly after taking off, Betty asked Mel to adjust her air because she was cold. Without complaint or hesitation Mel stood up (before the seatbelt sign was turned off) to adjust Betty’s air across the aisle.
After returning to his seat, Mel informed me that Betty had been in poor health recently and they had to move into an assisted living center. His demeanor was uncomfortable talking about her health because it showed how much he cares about her. He quickly changed the subject to prevent tearing up and feeling more venerable around a complete stranger.
Thirty-two years is a long time. Mel and Betty have been retired nearly as long as I’ve been alive. I couldn’t imagine loosing someone I’ve spent a lifetime with. I was enamored with Mel and his constant support for his wife. If she needed anything he didn’t hesitate to make her trip more comfortable.
We talked for nearly two hours but Mel taught me more through his actions. He demonstrated what it meant to be in love and to be a good husband.
As we filed out of the plane, Mel grabbed Betty’s hand and together they walked unaware of the rush all around them. All that mattered to them was staying together as long as they could.
James Buce 