An American Valentine Story
by Ace Moore, Winter Texan at Palm Resaca Park, sharing An American Valentine Story
Special to Welcome Home Winter Texan
The Beginning of a Timeless Romance
Dan O’Connell met Kathy in 1952 in La Grange, Illinois, a suburb just outside Chicago. His family lived only two blocks from hers. One afternoon, 11-year-old Dan was climbing a tree nearby when he spotted Kathy walking out her front door.
“It was the first time I had taken notice of a girl,” Dan recalled. “And I was smitten!” This was the beginning of their American Valentine story.
A Missed Connection in This Valentine’s Tale
As time went on, Dan developed deeper feelings for Kathy. During his junior year of high school, he decided to ask her out. Instead of calling from the family phone, where his brothers might overhear and tease him, he walked a mile in the rain to a pay phone.
When Kathy answered, she couldn’t talk and quickly hung up. Dan assumed she wasn’t interested. As a result, the moment passed, and they never went on that date, missing their American Valentine opportunity.
Two Separate Love Journeys
Eventually, Kathy married a Navy serviceman on Valentine’s Day in 1964. They settled in a small town in Wisconsin and raised two children together.
Meanwhile, Dan had made a promise to his father: no marriage until he finished college. After earning his degree, he married a woman named Kathleen in 1966. Together, they raised four children. His marriage lasted 38 years, until his wife passed away from ovarian cancer.
Coincidentally, Kathy’s marriage also lasted 38 years. Tragically, her husband died suddenly from a brain aneurysm. Their separate paths reflected a journey of parallel lives.
Reigniting a Classic American Love Story
For years, neither Dan nor Kathy was looking for love. However, a friend encouraged Dan to check out classmates.com. Curious, he created an account and discovered Kathy’s profile. After some hesitation, he decided to send her a message.
Initially, she didn’t respond. Dan, once again, felt the sting of rejection. But to his surprise, Kathy replied later on. That single message rekindled a connection that had been dormant for decades.
Soon, they were talking on the phone every night. Their bond grew quickly. Just a few weeks later, Dan showed up at her home with a couple of roses, got down on one knee, and proposed.
“Oh, it’s so sudden… OK!” Kathy said with a smile.
“We both had KitchenAid mixers, so we must be a perfect match,” she joked. A humorous connection, but fitting within their American Valentine story.
A Second-Chance Romance
At the age of 65, Dan and Kathy began a brand-new chapter together. They’ve now been happily married for 18 years. Their connection, built on shared values and life experiences, brought them closer than ever.
They also shared a passion for travel. Their honeymoon took them to Ireland and Scotland. Later, they visited Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, and even sailed around the horn of South America.
Finding Their Forever Home in a Winter Texan Love Story
Eventually, the couple began searching for a warm, welcoming place to retire. That journey brought them to Brownsville, where they discovered Palm Resaca Park.
“We loved the Park and decided we wanted to spend the rest of our lives there,” Kathy shared. “You’re only as old as you feel. Hey! Eighty is the new 60!” their American Valentine adventure continued as retirees.
Their story is just one of many heartwarming Winter Texan stories that bring joy to the community.
Love That Lasts a Lifetime
Today, when you see Dan and Kathy walking hand-in-hand through the park, it’s easy to feel inspired. Their story serves as a reminder that love in your 80s can be just as meaningful as in your teens.
It’s about cherishing the little things, laughing often, and continuing to build new memories.
This American Valentine love story proves that love doesn’t have an expiration date, it only grows stronger with time.
