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Finding Mr. Wright

HAVING BEEN BLIND FOR MORE THAN 17 YEARS, Earnie Wright knew right away that his neighbor Dorothy was beautiful. He knew it from the touch of her nose, the feel of her skin, even her lovely collarbone. Their initial conversation was about the laundry service at their complex. A seemingly simple topic, it was enough to forge a strong bond between them, and they quickly became inseparable.

Soon enough, Earnie was sneaking into Dorothy’s apartment every night. A proper lady, Dorothy would check the hallway to make sure no one was looking. A month later, Earnie proposed.

It’s been almost a year since that day, yet both still remember it clearly. “I simply said, ‘You are Dorothy across the hall, and I am Earnie across the hall. Let’s get married,” Earnie says. While most wedding proposals come as a surprise, this one was even more shocking to Dorothy, who had just turned 89 and had been single for more than 30 years. Earnie, her new 91-year-old neighbor across the hall, had recently moved to San Diego to be closer to one of his sons. She knew it would be news to their families, all of whom—except for her granddaughter Rachel—knew nothing of their affair.

“Are you serious or something?” was all Dorothy could muster. “I’ve got to think about this,” she said. “This is a big step.”

A week later, however, she said, “Yes!” 

Earnie and Dorothy were married at the City Administration Building on August 11, 2008. City workers, visitors and people all around were cheering for the happy couple. They celebrated over lunch at The Fish Market with a few family members and friends.

Today, they are still sweet on each other and dearly in love. They hold hands through the entire interview and talk fondly about their mutual passion for reading, classical music and sing-alongs. They enjoy the comfort of knowing every night that they are there for one another. They share lots of laughs with neighbors in the building, especially at the mention of other single women who have been pining for Earnie. 

“They can try all they want, but they will never get me to give up my Dorothy,” he laughs.

When it comes to marital advice, Earnie is just as lighthearted. “You have got to laugh!” he says without hesitation. “A good sense of humor is very important.”

“It’s not what you think about old people getting married,” Dorothy adds with a sly grin. “The sex is great!”
 

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