After my husband left me, I found it hard to start over at 41. Feeling lonely and ready to find love again, I decided to join a dating site. There, I met a charming man named Juan. Hoping for a fresh start, I decided to surprise him by traveling to Mexico. But it turned out to be a huge mistake.
My name is Lily, and I’m 41 years old. After twenty years of marriage, my husband left me, and I was lost. Since I had married young, I didn’t have much experience with dating or making new friends.
I felt isolated and rarely went out. Finding love at my age seemed almost impossible. So, I took a chance and went on a dating site, hoping to change my life.
In my desperation, I signed up for a dating site and began talking to a charming man from Mexico named Juan. He was so confident and charming that I could hardly believe he was real. Our online conversations soon turned into something more serious.
As our connection grew, Juan started inviting me to visit him in Mexico. I was nervous at first. What if he wasn’t who he appeared to be? What if this was just another path to disappointment?
But the loneliness of my daily routine made me want to take a chance. I decided to surprise Juan by arriving in Mexico without telling him.
I packed for a few weeks, bought my plane tickets, and set off on my journey. I was extremely nervous, unsure if he would be the same person in real life as he was online. But I needed to try; it felt like my last shot at finding happiness.
As I boarded the plane, my heart raced with excitement and anxiety. The flight seemed endless as I kept thinking about Juan. Would he be as charming in person? Would he be happy to see me? I tried to calm myself, reminding myself that this was a chance for a fresh start.
Reaching Juan was harder than I expected because he lived in a small town far from the airport. The trip was long and exhausting. After landing, I had to find a taxi to get me to his town.
The taxi driver kept shouting, “Where!? Where!?” because he didn’t understand me. My frustration grew, so I quickly pulled out my phone and showed him the address.
“See? Right here, I need you to take me to this town. How much?” I asked the driver.
“Good, good, let’s go!” he replied, finally understanding.
Traveling had always been a challenge for me, and I often struggled to communicate and had bad luck. But this time, I felt hopeful and determined. The drive was long and seemed endless, taking me through narrow, unfamiliar roads. I watched as the city’s hustle and bustle gave way to the quieter, rural landscapes.
The further we drove, the more anxious I became. I couldn’t shake the worry that I might be making a huge mistake. But I pushed those thoughts aside, reminding myself that I was here to take a chance on happiness.
Finally, the taxi pulled up to a small apartment building. I paid the driver and stepped out, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. As I walked toward the building, I saw Juan just entering his apartment.
“Juan! Surprise!” I called out as I rushed toward him, eager to see his reaction.
At first, he looked startled, and I felt a pang of worry that maybe he wasn’t pleased to see me. But then, his face lit up with a smile, and my heart eased with relief.
“Oh, it’s you! I wasn’t expecting you! Why didn’t you text me about your visit?” Juan asked, looking surprised.
“I’m sorry, I thought you would be happy to see me, Juan. You look even better in person!” I replied, trying to keep things positive.
“Yeah! You too… Lucy…” he said, pausing for a moment.
“It’s Lily,” I corrected him, feeling a twinge of disappointment. He couldn’t even remember my name—maybe that should have been my first clue.
“Lily! Yes, that’s right. I’m sorry, sometimes American names can be confusing to me,” Juan said, trying to smooth over his mistake.
I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. After all, he was still handsome, and his accent was charming.
He invited me into his apartment, and we settled in to talk. The conversation was easy and enjoyable. We laughed and shared stories, feeling as if we’d known each other for years.
As the evening went on, we opened a bottle of wine. With each sip, my nerves began to melt away. Juan was charming and attentive, and I found myself enjoying his company more than I had expected.
Juan nodded in understanding. “Of course, Lily. I’m glad you’re here. You can use the guest room.”
He showed me to the guest room, which was cozy and inviting. I thanked him and settled in, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about what the next day would bring. As I drifted off to sleep, I hoped that this leap of faith would lead to something wonderful.
I looked around, trying to piece together what had happened. The realization hit me hard: I had been robbed. My heart raced as panic set in. How did I end up outside? I struggled to remember the details of the previous night, but it was all a blur.
I stumbled to my feet, trying to gather my thoughts. I had no idea where Juan was or how to reach him. I needed to find help, but my only option was to walk to the nearest public place.
As I wandered, I saw a small café and went inside, hoping to use their phone to contact the police or anyone who could assist me. My clothes were disheveled, and I must have looked a mess. The barista noticed my distress and offered me a seat.
“Are you okay, miss?” she asked gently.
“I… I’ve been robbed,” I managed to say, feeling tears well up. “I need to call someone.”
She handed me the phone, and I dialed the local police, giving them my location and explaining what had happened. They assured me they would send someone to help.
Sitting there, waiting for assistance, I felt a mix of shame, fear, and disappointment. I had come all this way, hoping for a fresh start, only to end up in such a dire situation.
Desperation took over as I watched people move past, their lives seemingly unaffected by my plight. I felt isolated and overwhelmed, with no way to break through the barrier of language and cultural differences.
Finally, a kind-hearted woman noticed my distress. She approached me with a concerned look and spoke to me in broken English.
“Are you okay?” she asked gently.
I nodded, trying to keep my composure. “I’ve been robbed. I don’t know what to do.”
She quickly grasped the severity of the situation and took out her phone, calling the police for me. While we waited, she offered me a warm drink from the café, which helped soothe my nerves.
The police arrived soon after, and I tried my best to explain what had happened. They were patient and sympathetic, taking down the details and promising to help me.
As they worked on getting me the assistance I needed, I felt a flicker of relief. Though the situation was dire, the kindness of a stranger made me realize that there was still hope, even in the darkest moments.
The man nodded sympathetically and offered me a comforting smile. “I can help. My name is Carlos. I work at the restaurant nearby. Let’s get you inside where it’s safe and call the police.”
He led me to the restaurant, which was a small, cozy place with a warm atmosphere. Inside, he made me comfortable at a table and brought me a cup of coffee. It wasn’t much, but it was a small gesture of kindness that meant a lot.
Carlos used the restaurant’s phone to contact the police and explained the situation. He also offered to help me reach the embassy or consulate for additional support. As he spoke on the phone, he reassured me that everything would be okay.
While waiting for the police, Carlos and I chatted a bit. He was kind and understanding, and his presence helped ease some of my anxiety. When the authorities arrived, they took my statement and began investigating, with Carlos translating where necessary.
Thanks to Carlos’s help, I finally felt like I wasn’t entirely alone in this unfamiliar place. His kindness was a lifeline in my moment of crisis, showing me that even in difficult situations, there are people willing to extend a helping hand.
When I emerged from the restroom, Miguel had set up a small table with a warm meal. He gestured for me to sit, and I did, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. The food was simple but delicious – a comforting bowl of soup and some fresh bread.
As I ate, Miguel sat across from me, keeping a watchful eye. He spoke to me softly, his English broken but sincere. “You okay now?” he asked.
I nodded, taking another bite. “Yes, thank you. I feel a lot better. I can’t believe how kind you’ve been.”
Miguel smiled, though his eyes still showed concern. “You need help. I help. Don’t worry. We find your things.”
After I finished eating, Miguel made a call to the local authorities and to my embassy, explaining my situation and asking for assistance. He kept me informed and reassured me that things would get better.
With Miguel’s support, I started to feel a sense of stability. Although I was still shaken, his help made me feel like there was a way out of this nightmare. For the first time since waking up on the street, I felt a glimmer of hope that everything would be okay.
As I ate, I noticed that Miguel’s kindness was more than just about providing food. His genuine concern made me feel a little safer. The warm meal and hot coffee were comforting, and each bite seemed to help me regain a bit of my strength.
After finishing, Miguel handed me his phone, allowing me to call the local authorities and my embassy. I was still shaken but felt more hopeful with each passing minute.
Miguel sat nearby, ready to help in any way he could. With his support, I managed to contact the necessary services and start working on getting my belongings back and making arrangements to return home.
His simple act of kindness turned a terrifying situation into one where I felt I could start to recover and rebuild.
As I finished eating, I reflected on everything that had led me to this point. Juan, who had seemed so charming and perfect online, turned out to be a far cry from what I had hoped for. It was a hard pill to swallow, realizing he wasn’t who he seemed to be.
Despite the pain, Miguel’s unexpected kindness was a bright spot in an otherwise dark situation. His help reminded me that even when things go wrong, there are still good people out there who can make a difference. It gave me hope that maybe, someday, I would find what I was looking for and that not everyone would let me down.
When I looked out into the hall, I was shocked to see Juan in the distance. He was with another woman, laughing and chatting as if nothing had ever happened between us.
My heart pounded with a mix of anger and betrayal. How could he just move on so easily after what he had done to me? The sight of him enjoying himself with someone new was a painful reminder of how deeply he had hurt me.
Miguel studied the drawing and then glanced back at Juan, who was still with the new woman. Understanding began to dawn on him. He nodded and then motioned for me to wait.
“I’ll help,” Miguel said, his voice calm but determined. He walked out of the restaurant, approaching Juan with a serious expression.
I watched from the doorway, my heart racing. I saw Miguel talk to Juan, and Juan’s face changed from laughter to shock. Miguel pointed in my direction, and Juan’s gaze met mine. The confrontation was intense, but I could see that Juan was visibly uncomfortable.
Miguel returned to me and said, “Juan says he didn’t take anything. But we need to call police. I help you.”
With Miguel’s help, I managed to use his phone to call the police. As I waited, I felt a mix of relief and anxiety. I hoped that justice would be served and that I could finally find some resolution to this distressing situation.
Miguel’s eyes widened as I approached, the phone clutched tightly in my hand. He looked at me with a mix of surprise and concern.
“Thank you,” I said, my voice trembling. I handed the phone to him, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. “Can you call the police now?”
Miguel nodded, quickly taking out his phone and dialing the number. He spoke in Spanish, explaining the situation as best as he could. I waited anxiously, glancing over my shoulder to make sure Juan didn’t notice what had happened.
Once Miguel finished the call, he looked at me reassuringly. “Police come soon,” he said. “We… stay here, okay?”
I nodded, grateful for his help. “Thank you so much, Miguel. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
Miguel gave me a comforting smile and patted my shoulder. “No problem. We help.”
As we waited for the police, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions—relief, anger, and gratitude. Despite the chaos, I was thankful for Miguel’s kindness and support.
Miguel’s kindness truly made a difference in Lily’s challenging situation, showing that even in tough times, there are people who genuinely care and help. His support provided Lily with the strength and hope she needed to face her difficulties. If you’ve been moved by this story, share it with your friends—it might inspire them and bring a smile to their day.
Ann-Margret cared for her husband – his cause of death broke her heart
I just love Ann-Margret – she is such a warm, sweet and classy woman.
Known for her fiery beauty and undeniable talent, she captured hearts on and off the screen, famously dating Elvis Presley and standing out as one of the few Hollywood stars who truly supported our Vietnam troops.
Yet, despite her iconic career and public admiration, she believes her greatest achievement lies elsewhere…
I just love Ann-Margret – she is such a warm, sweet and classy woman.
Known for her fiery beauty and undeniable talent, she captured hearts on and off the screen, famously dating Elvis Presley and standing out as one of the few Hollywood stars who truly supported our Vietnam troops.
Yet, despite her iconic career and public admiration, she believes her greatest achievement lies elsewhere…
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Perhaps it’s my deep connection to Sweden, but I must say Ann-Margret is a personal favorite. She’s simply incredible and all her work speaks for itself. With her delightful humor and genuine charm, she continues to captivate and inspire.
And her timeless beauty is natural and unpretentious, unlike so many in Hollywood.
As recently as last year, the Swedish-American actress and singer released her debut rock album, Born to Be Wild, as reported by The New York Times.
To say that Ann-Margret has experienced it all would be an understatement. The iconic, two-time Oscar nominee, born up north in Sweden, made her mark with memorable roles in the 1960s classics Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas.
You can read about her electric romance with Elvis Presley here, but the truth is, he was never the man of her life.
Meeting Roger Smith
Even though she dated stars like Eddie Fisher and Elvis Presley, it was Roger Smith who ultimately won Ann-Margret’s heart.
The strikingly handsome, dark-haired actor had made a name for himself with standout roles in hits like 77 Sunset Strip and Mister Roberts. As a quintessential Hollywood heartthrob, he was used to effortlessly winning over women.
But Ann-Margret was not easily swayed.
“Every other woman I met was falling all over me,” he remembered. “But this innocent, fresh-faced beauty only spoke to me when I spoke to her and the rest of the time ignored me.”
The couple first crossed paths in the 1960s, naturally meeting through their Hollywood careers. However, it wasn’t until 1965 that they began dating seriously.
Some reports suggest that Roger initially invited the Swedish star to one of his performances at a San Francisco club. But he also had another trick up his sleeve.
He knew that Ann-Margret was a passionate motorcycle enthusiast. She loved riding and had several bikes at home, along with an entire wardrobe of motorcycle gear.
”When I first started going out with her, there were a lot of guys hanging around. But they didn’t ride motorcycles. So I figured if I had one, it would help. So I bought one and we went out ridning together. It helped,” he told NEA.
By their third date, Ann-Margret was certain that Roger Smith was the man she had always been searching for.
“I knew he would protect me. I knew that I could depend on him. I sensed it completely,” she told People in 2017.
Tears of sadness
The couple tied the knot in 1967 and their marriage was everything Ann-Margret could dream of. But few knows that their union got off to a bad start. During their wedding ceremony in Las Vegas, in a ”cigarette-smoke-filled room at the Riviera Hotel”, the Bye Bye Birdie star started to cry.
”This is not the way I envisioned my wedding,” Ann-Margret told People and added: ”I think everyone thought I was pregnant because I was crying though the whole thing. But we did it.”
Thankfully, the traumatic wedding experience didn’t matter in the end.
Soon, Roger Smith took on the role of his wife’s manager. He believed in her, admired her, and sacrificed his own acting career to support her. Roger felt that Ann-Margret had more “raw talent” than he did, and he wanted to be close to her.
“Now in Roger I’ve found all the men I need rolled into one — a father, a friend, a lover, a manager, a businessman,” the actress told Rex Reed in 1972.
“It’s perfect for me. I couldn’t exist without a strong man.”
Smith helped Ann-Margret redefine her career played a pivotal role in guiding her away from the ”sex kitten” persona, understanding that she needed to evolve beyond that to maintain a lasting presence in Hollywood. His strategic decisions allowed Ann-Margret to embrace more complex roles, which ultimately led to her breakout performance in Carnal Knowledge in 1971.
By supporting her in what she wanted, Roger Smith found he liked himself much better. Being with Ann-Margret mattered more to him than all his childhood dreams of becoming a famous actor.
”When I met Ann-Margret, I felt happy for the first time in my life,” Smith told New York. ”Once I found Ann-Margret, I couldn’t stand to be without her and, surprisingly, she couldn’t stand to be without me.”
Substance abuse & injury
Throughout their long marriage, Ann-Margret and Roger Smith were incredibly close, both personally and professionally. They experienced high peaks together but also faced significant challenges. For example, Ann-Margret grappled with substance abuse and a life-altering injury.
The Viva Las Vegas star During parts of the 1970s, the Viva Las Vegas star struggled with an addiction to pills and alcohol, finding it difficult to separate fantasy from reality.
In 1972, she suffered a devastating fall from a 22-foot platform while performing in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, breaking nearly every bone in her face. Before a shocked audience at the Sahara Hotel, Ann-Margret fell into an orchestra pit, narrowly escaping death.
She underwent facial reconstructive surgery, requiring her mouth to be wired shut and a strict liquid diet to help her recover. But as if by a miracle, Ann-Margret made a remarkable recovery. But just 10 days and 59 stitches after the terrifying accident, she made a triumphant return to the stage, riding her gleaming Harley-Davidson motorcycle and roaring back to the spotlight with her signature flair.
Her husband, Roger Smith, also played a crucial role in her recovery. When the accident happened, he piloted a stolen plane from Burbank, California, and rushed her to surgeons at the UCLA Medical Center, ensuring she received immediate care.
Roger Smith illness
Ann-Margret’s marriage to Roger Smith took a dramatic turn in 1980 when he was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, an incurable neuromuscular disease. The illness often left Smith unable to even get out of bed in the mornings. Traveling across the country was out of the question, and the disease affected the couple both personally and professionally. Smith, who was the mastermind behind managing Ann-Margret’s career, had to step back due to his health.
By 1985, Smith’s illness went into remission, allowing Ann-Margret to reignite her nightclub career. Smith supported her as she returned to the spotlight, helping her revive her popular Las Vegas shows. For a while, things looked brighter.
When Roger Smith’s symptoms eased, the couple made one final attempt to have children of their own. Before that, Ann-Margret had lovingly embraced her role as stepmother to his three children from a previous marriage.
Sadly, Ann-Margret’s biological clock was ticking faster, and despite consulting numerous fertility experts, they were unable to conceive. They did everything they could, but never had children together — a fact the actress has said is one of the greatest disappointments of her life.
Cause of death
Ann-Margret and Roger Smith remained together until his death in 2017.
The beloved actor and manager passed away at age 84 at Sherman Oaks Hospital in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, from complications related to myasthenia gravis.
Before his death, he had also struggled with Parkinson’s disease for many years.
His condition meant that Ann-Margret had to take a break from work to care for him. She showed total commitment to her partner during his lengthy illness.
”I kept saying no, no to everything because I was taking care of him. If you’re a spouse, if one of you has a broken wing, the other takes over,” she said.
Ann-Margret was, of course, heartbroken after her husband’s passing. Yet, she managed to find something positive and she managed to move on with her life.
”When I look back at my life, I am most proud of my marriage,” Ann-Margret told Closer Weekly. “We both wanted it to work. And it did work. We were together night and day. We loved each other and we were always in each other’s corner.”
That New York photo
To truly appreciate the love story of Ann-Margret and Roger Smith, just look at a photo taken on January 1, 1985, in New York.
It captured the Hollywood couple radiating elegance and charm at a high-profile event, showing them both at the height of their careers. But this image is more than just a glamorous snapshot. Roger’s steady gaze and Ann-Margret’s serene presence reflect their deep bond, both personally and professionally.
The rich green curtains in the background give the photo a royal feel, making it a true portrait of Hollywood royalty. What makes this picture even more powerful is that you can see the signs of Roger’s battle with illness. Though not yet fully overtaken by his condition, there’s a quiet awareness of what’s to come. Despite this, the image stands as a beautiful testament to their enduring love.
It’s more than just a memory—it’s a moment frozen in time that celebrates their strength, elegance, and the legacy they built together.
Share this story with someone who appreciates timeless love, and let’s remember how this remarkable couple faced life’s challenges with grace.
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