These golden oldies – both 87 years old – are planning to tie the knot this December after finding love again.
Ouma Joan Baatjies from Southfield and David Clarke from Lotus River fell in love a year ago when they met at David’s sister’s 89th birthday party.
Joan says they grew fond of each other during the pandemic and even though they lost a lot of friends and family, finding each other was the biggest blessing to come out of lockdown for them.
The couple who were interviewed on the HeartFM Breakfast show on Tuesday sounded skaam en oulik as they expressed their love for each other and the big step they’re taking at the end of this year.
Both were previously married for over 50 years to their former spouses and say they were not looking for love when they found each other.
David said Joan was the answer to his prayers: “That day of my sister’s birthday, Joan didn’t have a lift to the party in Fish Hoek and I offered to fetch her and the rest is history.”
Joan says she was very excited to meet David and it was love at first sight.
“I lost my husband 12 years ago so I wasn’t looking for love, love found us,” she says.
David says he was meditating on a Bible scripture that says it’s not good for man to be alone and when he met Joan, he knew she was the one.
“She was alone and I was alone so it seems that God brought us together,” he says.
The couple have 11 children between them, while David has no grandchildren and Joan has 21 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The couple will get hitched on 16 December and still need their wedding attire.
Now in their autumn years, they say they want to spend every moment together “as they don’t have much time”.
David is a retired principal inspector while Joan was a dressmaker.
The wedding ceremony will be held at the Every Nation Church in Retreat.
Joan’s daughter Melanie Erasmus says they are very happy for their parents.
“They both weren’t looking for love but when it found them, they were willing to open their hearts again.
“They enjoy cooking together and being hospitable to people, and having breakfasts at beautiful Cape Town places.
“David loves my mom’s sense of humour and zest for life as well as her amazing cooking and baking skills.
“She loves that he is a gentleman, respectful and that he shows her unconditional love.
“They are truly gems in their own right and together are a formidable force.”