The mythical "love with the first kiss"

[pairb]

You would think at my age I should have this figured out, but life always throws us a curve ball now and then. I met my first "love" when I was 17 and she 14. It was 2 years later we encountered one another again and began a relationship. Unfortunately, circumstances surrounding us ended in a disaster which tore me to shreds. This torch burned in my heart for many years and I never found anyone who could extinguish the fire. I was always a "hottie" I suppose even still at 50 and girls were easy for me, yet love was never to the degree I desired. Even when at 36 I married though believing things were "right" I guess I was a victim of the false sense of necessity and that whole thing didn't last long. Not long ago I began giving guitar lessons to a 45 year old girl who happens to be my daughter's tennis coach and a teacher where my daughter and son attend school. Little by little the lessons shortened and the discussions lengthened and eventually the first kiss. In all my life never has the earth moved as it did then and though "old enough to know better" I was bitten just as all those years ago, only now with added maturity. Since that moment she is all I think about and she is ever present whether I am teaching a class, standing on the pitcher's mound, or simply spending idle time. It is mutual and we both realize things so fast usually burn out, but we cannot stay away from one another. What is most important is it is not sexual and I am willing to abstain as long as it takes to reach the moment. We both had our wild times and numerous sexual partners, but seem to grasp or sense the significance of what we have. She has cohabited with a man for over 10 years and the relationship deteriorated long ago. He saw the writing on the wall though typically ignored it all as best he could and she finally made the move to break things. Now she is fearful of the unknown and I want to convince her everything will be alright and that she deserves so much more than the mundane and monotonous life so many seem willing to accept. I do believe this is going to be just fine. Knowing communication is probably the most important ingredient in a relationship we have such an open line shared only with the closest of friends. So, what exactly is my query here? First, does anyone out there believe two worlds can collide as ours have and it be "even better than the real thing"? I am on the downhill side of life and she is not that far behind. Never have I felt my spirit lifted as I do holding her and breathing her breath and what time is left for me I want to spend as much of it as possible with her. Again, I believe it is mutual though she harbors doubts understandably and surely logically. I guess what I am really hoping is to hear real stories from anyone who has lived this scenario or known someone who has. And for all you younger than me remember your time will come and love is eternal. Try and imagine nearly 60 and feeling like a teenager!! Enjoy and input will be appreciated. Thanks!

[gregg]

"First, does anyone out there believe two worlds can collide as ours have and it be "even better than the real thing"?"
Who says it isn't the real thing?

" I am on the downhill side of life and she is not that far behind. "
Did you know that people over 80 are the happiest? Who says it is the downside of life? Only when you quit on life is it on the downside ... no matter the age.

The only caution I have is that you should be careful of her feelings coming out of a 10 year relationship. Good luck!