Michigan Singles Find Love Later in Life

Steve Hartman, a CBS News correspondent, brings moving stories to viewers through his segment, ‘On the Road.’ In this feature, Hartman shares an unexpected love story.

Al Sager, a 65-year-old from Bay City, Michigan, had always embraced singlehood. ‘You see relationships sour, and it’s like, ‘Nah, I don’t want that,’’ Sager shared with CBS News. Despite being alone, he never felt lonely.

Similarly, across town, 76-year-old Susan Guc was content with her solitary life. ‘If there would be anybody out there, who would I really want?’ she mused. Ultimately, she needed no one and found happiness in this choice. Guc worked as a nurse, dedicating herself completely to her patients, while Sager spent much time on the road as a truck driver. They were well-known in Bay City for their commitment to remaining unattached.

This week, however, marked a dramatic change as the two tied the knot, surprising their relatives. ‘We were all just shocked,’ one relative expressed. ‘I about fell out of my chair,’ another added.

Their story began a couple of years ago when both required heart procedures and found themselves in the same cardiac rehabilitation program. It was there that Guc noticed Sager as he pedaled away on an exercise bike. Captivated by his smile, Guc made a move to gain his attention by handing him a rock etched with the word ‘smile.’

“Yes, she threw a rock at me to get my attention,“ Sager recounted, humored by the unconventional gesture. ‘I thought she was trying to tell me, ‘Hey, you don’t smile enough,’’ he said.

Despite the initial surprise, Sager decided to pursue a potential connection with Guc. Today, the couple radiates happiness and holds a hopeful message for those who believe it is too late to find love. Guc expressed a change in perspective, saying, ‘I had thought that, but look what happened to me.’ Adding to this sentiment, Sager affirmed, ‘Oh, absolutely, it’s never too late.’