Most lovebirds spend their Valentine’s Day on a romantic dinner or a nice night out but for one man in Bellwood, he spends the holiday at the cemetery.
Robert Mathers and his wife, Jean, almost celebrated 55 years of marriage.
But lung cancer cut Jean’s life and their relationship short in 2007.
The two wed in December of 1953, six months after they met.
They called Bellwood home and raised five kids.
“We had a good life a real good life,” Mathers said.
His daughter, Michelle Bollinger, said when her mom passed away, he would visit her grave–sometimes three times a day.
“Snow storms, rain, even when he was sick, he rarely missed a day coming to see her,” Bollinger said, “He wasn’t depressed he just wanted to be with her he just loved her so much.”
In September he suffered a stroke, forcing him to stop driving and rely on others for rides to the cemetery.
“I got to hitch a ride you know a neighbor or something like that,” Mathers said.
Bollinger said he finds a way to stop by as often as he can.
And he wouldn’t miss being by her side on February 14th.
“It’s my valentine. And it’s been a good one,” Mathers said.
Mathers said the secret to such a strong love is never going to bed angry.
And to those who may be uncertain…Mathers said true love really does exist.
“It is attainable you ge the right woman you can’t go wrong,” Mathers said.
