KUCHING: Love knows no boundary. It may sound unusual, but it is a fact. For those who have journeyed far in life, love may seem like a distant memory, a shadow of their youthful days.
However, in their twilight years, their hearts reopen to embrace a love that is not bound by appearances, wealth, or age, but instead by pure and genuine feelings.
Who would have thought that at 81 years old, a woman could still exude such charm and personality to capture the heart of a 66-year-old man?
This is the love story of Molly Teo, 81, and Richard Wong, 66, who found each other as soulmates at Rumah Seri Kenangan over a year ago, culminating in their union as husband and wife yesterday (January 2).
When met by reporters, Molly recounted their love journey, which began with Richard’s bold move to propose to her, asking her to be his lifelong partner.
“Richard took the first step to approach me, and then we stayed together (until marriage),” she said.
Molly revealed that she accepted Richard’s proposal because she was touched by his kind personality. He treated her well and spent quality time with her at Rumah Seri Kenangan Kuching.
She also mentioned that sharing the same religion made it easier for them to deepen their spiritual understanding together at church.
“We share similar values, which makes it easy for us to interact. At night, we can pray and read the Bible together,” she explained.
She added that their shared hobbies, such as singing, further enhanced their bond. They also enjoyed dancing (poco-poco) together to the songs they listened to.
“I am also touched because Richard always listens to the songs I sing without ever getting bored, especially my favourite song, ‘Oh! Carol,’” she said briefly.
For Richard, their compatibility and the sweet moments they shared at Rumah Seri Kenangan inspired their love story.
Richard’s loneliness was replaced by Molly’s presence, which brought new light into his life.
Without hesitation, Richard mustered the courage to pick the flower from the garden of Molly’s heart.
Both Molly and Richard were previously married, but their spouses passed away due to age-related reasons.
Molly, who began residing at the welfare home in 2005, met Richard, who had just moved in over a year ago.
Never imagining that love could bloom again in their later years, this elderly couple exchanged wedding rings once more, filled with hope.
Their wedding ceremony took place at the National Registration Department (JPN) office, witnessed by Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK), Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, and Sarawak JPN director Mahathir Bujang.
