Unfortunately, nothing she did made a difference. Mike rejected her attempts at romance, and Erin grew frustrated. “I’m trying to make up for the past 56 years. Why can’t you accept it?” she asked. “Because this isn’t what I wanted. I just want us to relax and stop trying so hard. We’re old. We’ve had enough romance. Now, it’s time to just be,” Mike replied.
Erin couldn’t understand and asked for a divorce. Mike agreed and moved in with their son, Henry. Their daughters, Alexandra and Marissa, tried to change Erin’s mind, but she was determined. “If the romance is over, there’s no reason to be married,” she said.
Shortly after the divorce was finalized, Erin had a heart attack. Mike rushed to the hospital and stayed by her side, taking care of her. He moved back into their house to help her recover. Their children knew he was there because he still loved her.
As Erin recovered, Mike’s romantic gestures returned, and Erin reciprocated, ensuring Mike never felt unappreciated again. They rekindled their romance and remarried on what would have been their 58th anniversary.