Jim and Pat Hulett have been in love for more than 65 years now. They looked positively smitten in the Copper Trace library, cozied up next to each other with smiles beaming behind their masks.
When asked about the secret to maintaining such a long-lasting love, Jim quipped that it lied in “being away from each other for a few years.”
There is some truth behind the joke though. After meeting each other through their parents’ mutual friendship, sparks flew between them. But after dating Pat for a couple of years and earning his dental degree at Indiana University, Jim shipped off to serve as a Navy dentist in the Korean War. During his service, he transferred to Camp Pendleton, the major West Coast base of the Marine Corps. All in all, Jim was away from home for about two years.
It turns out absence really does make the heart grow fonder because as soon as Jim reunited with Pat, he proposed to her. When asked how he popped the question, he chuckled and said, “Well, I was shaking, I remember that much.”
Jim proposed where their love story began — in the living room of Pat’s family home. Then they went to their parents’ country club to break the good news.
After tying the knot, they went on to start a family of their own. Jim and Pat now have six grown children. And their love is as strong as ever.
“We’ve just always treated each other with respect and love,” Pat said. “It’s pretty simple really. We’re blessed to have each other and such a beautiful family.”
They became part of the CarDon family about a year-and-a-half ago after Pat suffered a stroke and went to Copper Trace for rehab. While she recovered, Jim moved into the Assisted Living community. Pat is now in good health and living happily with her hubby. They’re grateful to CarDon and Copper Trace for making them feel at home and comfortable, especially during this difficult time.
“We’re very happy here,” Pat said. “Everyone is so nice, and they’re keeping us safe from COVID. We’re looking forward to the restrictions lifting so we can get back to book club and playing bridge. But Jim and I are so lucky that we can be together right now and be part of such a caring, loving community.”
