Paul Radman and Jane Vandekar’s romance proves that love finds its path, no matter the twists and turns along the way. The pair, who live at Edgemere, the premier senior living community in Dallas, felt an instant attraction when they met by chance one night — though it took eight years for them to go on their first date.
A Chance Encounter, an Eight-Year Wait
Fifteen years ago, Dr. Radman, a retired endodontist, attended a lecture at the Nasher Sculpture Center. The widower, who prefers aisle seats, was approached by “an extremely beautiful, tall blonde,” who asked if anyone was sitting in the seat next to him. His response was an enthusiastic, “Yes! You are!”
After the lecture, Radman offered to walk Vandekar, a former model and retired businesswoman, to her car, and they discovered that though the parking lot was vast, they had unknowingly parked next to each other. Their promising connection seemed meant to be. The next day, Vandekar told her friends that she was eagerly awaiting a phone call from the “great guy” she met when he returned from his trip to Portugal.
Life had other plans. While on his European cruise, Radman met someone else, and that phone call was delayed. Happily, when he finally reconnected — eight years later — she hadn’t forgotten him.
At the time of their reunion, Radman was preparing to move into Edgemere. In another twist of fate, the Edgemere sales team was attempting to play matchmaker, suggesting he meet a woman they had recently taken on a tour of the community, whom they believed would be a perfect fit for him. To everyone’s surprise and delight it was Vandekar — and Radman had already taken her out the night before.
With that serendipitous push, their relationship took off. They began spending more time together, and when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, their bond only strengthened. With restrictions in place at Edgemere and Vandekar isolated in her Uptown condo, the new couple were limited to phone calls and bittersweet visits reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet.
“I’d drive by and call Paul, telling him to come stand out on the patio and wait, so that he could see me waving at him,” Vandekar recalls. Realizing that love and companionship were more important than waiting for the world to return to normal, she soon moved into Radman’s Edgemere home. “We decided, well, at least we’ll be alone together.”
“The moral of the story is that COVID isn’t all bad,” Radman says with a smile.
Thriving at Edgemere
The couple is now flourishing at Edgemere, enjoying a rich and engaging lifestyle filled with social opportunities, intellectual stimulation, and wellness activities. Radman, now 92, served as the President of the Residents’ Association for two years and remains on the board. He starts his day with a few miles on the stationary bike, followed by breakfast and a packed schedule of lectures, concerts, and social gatherings.
Vandekar is happily busy as well, particularly enjoying the community’s “current events” discussions and the art shows.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, they look forward to celebrating at Edgemere’s special dinner. Beyond holidays, their lives are filled with visits to museums, concerts, and family gatherings. With several of Radman’s children and 11 great-grandchildren nearby, there’s never a shortage of family events.
The Secret to Happiness at Edgemere
Radman believes that Edgemere’s vibrant community plays a crucial role in helping residents age well. The combination of daily social interactions and the ability to walk unimpeded along its long hallways, rather than relying on elevators, like in high-rise communities, promotes both mental and physical well-being.
“Living alone in an apartment can get pretty dull,” he says. “Here, there’s always something happening and new interesting people to meet. The ability to walk, socialize, and engage in activities keeps us feeling young and healthy.”
Radman and Vandekar’s story proves that love can blossom at any age, and Edgemere is a perfect setting for seniors to thrive and live life to the fullest every day.
To learn more about Edgemere, visit https://edgemerelife.com and schedule a tour of its beautiful and inspiring campus.
