Sitting on a couch at the Laguna Woods Village TV studio, Dennis and Evette Glauber, ages 97 and 93 respectively, had their hands touching, with canes discreetly stashed away. Their eyes sparkled with the delight of cherished memories as they prepared to recount their journey as a couple that began 37 years ago.
The couple, originally from South Africa, relocated to Laguna Woods in 2013. Dennis, an anesthesiologist with a deep love for music, reminisced about the pivotal role played by his best friend Sam, a radiologist, in bringing Dennis and Evette together. However, their paths did not immediately converge romantically. Initially, Sam married Evette, while Dennis tied the knot with Ruth.
The narrative unfolded as Evette shared how both couples, each with children, developed a close friendship over time, eventually immigrating to the United States, returning to South Africa, and then resettling once again in America.
Tragedy struck when Sam passed away in 1983, followed by Ruth in 1984, leading Dennis and Evette to find solace in each other’s company.
Dennis emphasized the seamless blending of their families, highlighting the absence of any distinction between “biological” and “step” children.
Music remained a central theme in the Glaubers’ lives. During their time in Seattle prior to moving to Laguna Woods, they actively participated in the city’s chamber music scene.
In the Village, Evette curates much of the programming for the Community Concerts series at the Performing Arts Center, while Dennis crafts engaging program notes. Recently, he authored a book titled “In My Anecdotage: Tales from a Very Long Life.”
Sheryl Strich, the host of Village TV’s show “How We Met,” conducted the interview with the Glaubers, maintaining a minimalistic approach with props and allowing the couples to narrate their own love stories.
The show, which features two couples per episode, has showcased a diverse array of stories since its inception in August, with a total of 14 couples interviewed thus far.
In a similar vein, Jim and Jeanne Costello, aged 62, married for 21 years, shared their journey from childhood acquaintances in Long Beach to rekindling their connection later in life after previous marriages.
Strich, a retired podiatrist with a background in media studies, underscores the importance of friendship, trust, compromise, and deep affection in sustaining enduring relationships, drawing insights from the couples she has interviewed.
The show, airing on Village TV and YouTube, invites couples interested in sharing their stories to reach out, reflecting Strich’s commitment to capturing and celebrating the joyous moments of couples’ lives.
Strich’s own love story with Ajit Gidwani, a fellow resident, blossomed gradually from friendship to partnership, epitomizing the essence of a meaningful connection built on shared experiences.
Through “How We Met,” Strich aims to preserve and illuminate the cherished memories that couples hold dear, infusing each narrative with a radiant glow of happiness and nostalgia.