18 year old Gary and 71 year old Almeda Hardwick of Tennessee are ready
to celebrate their one year wedding anniversary and say they have so
much chemistry despite the massive 53 years age difference between the
pair.
According to USA Today, the relationship began in June 2015 when they met at the funeral of Almeda's son Robert.
"It was like an instant connection. (There was) so much chemistry
there," Gary told USA Today. We both loved music. I had prayed about my
soul mate for like two years, so, you know.
''I was lonely," said Almeda. I had no one, so God sent him to me."
''When I looked into her eyes I knew it," Gary continued. "Her eyes were a dead giveaway."
"His were too ... I knew," she said.
After dating three weeks, they got married on Oct. 26, 2015, inside
Harrell's condo. As at the time of marriage, Gary who had always been
attracted to older women was 17, not yet up to the age of consent, but
his mum permitted the marriage. The pair will celebrate their one year
anniversary by October 26,2 015.
Almeda had been married to her previous husband for 43 years until he
passed away in 2013 while Gary was dating a 77 year old woman before he
met Almelda.
"I just knew she was the one, and she knew I was the one, and we just
knew we were right for each other, so it really didn't matter," he said
"Everybody was happy for us really," said Gary. "Like the day after the
wedding, I posted the wedding pictures on Facebook, and obviously (they
were) shocked that we got married because nobody even knew we were
dating or anything until I posted the wedding photos. They were like,
'Whoa.' But, I mean, they were happy for us. They didn't say anything
about the age difference. Our family and friends support us."
I've never dated anyone my age. Even in school, I was never interested.
... I don't know why. It's just my attraction, my preference I guess,"
he said.
Almelda has three children and eight grandchildren. Two of her
grandchildren, a 22-year-old and a 17-year-old, live with her and Gary.
"It's good," said Gary, describing his relationship with the
grandchildren. "We get along really well. ... We have a lot in common
obviously. Well, we connect on everything," Almelda continued. We've
never had an argument. Never fussed about anything. We always talk about
things we like to do and places we want to go, and we act a fool all
the time. He's always teasing me."
"She gives me respect, honesty, and we're committed to each other," said
Gary. "She takes pride in her appearance (and) herself."
"He's good looking, handsome and he takes pride in himself too," she said. "I couldn't ask for a better husband. He's the best."
More photos and a video of the interview below...
