Imagine looking into your soulmate’s eyes after nearly four decades of being married, only to hear him whisper, “Will you marry me?”, again! For Linda Feldman, 78, that’s exactly what happened in November 2025, as reported by The Washington Post recently. Her husband, Michael O’Reilley, 77, battles Alzheimer’s, and some days, he forgets that she is his wife. But one truth never fades: In his heart, he knows that he loves her deeply.“He just knows he loves me. That’s a constant,” Linda shared. In a world full of casual relationships, their love endures. It’s a proof that true love outlasts even the cruellest storms.
Their love story
Michael and Linda’s story began in 1979– they first met at Alameda County’s public defender’s office. Recalling the incident, Linda shared, as reported by The Washington Post, “I was told ‘Watch Michael argue. He’s brilliant.'” She did, and magic ignited. Soon, he became her mentor, her friend—lunches stretching into soul-baring talks, even as both were married to others.Years later, divorces cleared the path. Michael asked her out. Hesitant, with a young son and a heart still mending, Linda wavered. But Michael? Persistent as the tide. Knowing her fascination with forensic pathology, he slyly emailed the office: “Anyone for an autopsy?” Only she and one other bit. The colleague fled the morgue pale as death; Michael and Linda? They laughed it off over lunch – which turned out to be their first real date.They soon started dating thus blending their families – his two daughters, her son. Opposites drew them close: Linda, the “neurotic little Jewish girl” craving theater and museums; Michael, the bold Irish Catholic chasing river rapids and thrills. They stretched each other – each introducing the other to their hobbies and world.In 1987, after years together, confusion clouded their kids – “How do we explain Mom and Dad?” – and so, Linda and Michael simply got married in their living room. A friend’s house hosted the reception. No fanfare, just profound promise. Over the years, they travelled the world and grew together as a family. Six grandchildren later, their life pulsed with curiosity, deep talks, and unshakeable companionship. “We could talk about anything,” Linda recalls, eyes misty.
When Michael was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
Seven years ago, Michael’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis shattered them. Michael’s family had a history of this dreaded disease – his brother, his aunt. Once, he mesmerized courtrooms with four-hour arguments from memory alone. Now, words tangled, paths looped endlessly. Linda cared for him at home, her heart breaking as his social spirit withered in isolation. “He’s always been affectionate,” she says. “Holding me, kissing me, whispering ‘I love you.‘ Even now.”Two and a half years ago, she made the anguished choice: a memory care facility. At The Ivy at Berkeley since July, Michael smiles when she enters, pulls her close. Luckier than many, Linda knows -some with Alzheimer’s rage or forget entirely. Their love? It sustains her, a lifeline through grief.
A proposal (again!)
November 2025 brought the impossible gift. Michael drew Linda near and asked, “Will you marry me?” Forgetting that he had asked this question 39 years ago! And Linda said, “Yes”, yet again!Staff overheard, hearts swelling. “Every visit, he falls for her anew,” says executive director Angeles Sticka, reported The Washington Post. They planned a dream wedding: intimate, on January 10, with 25 people – family, friends, caregivers. Florals bloomed, balloons danced, a slideshow flickered memories, and a towering cake crowned with their likeness. Their original album shone. Daughter Sharon Frost officiated -Michael, who’d wed her and her sister, now blessed by her words. “He’s my hero,” Sharon choked out.And Michael? “He was happy through it all,” Linda marvels. Local press captured their love story which is no less than a modern fairy tale.What are your views on their real-life love story? Tell us in the comment section below.
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