by Klaire Reynoso
Love stories do not follow a timeline. For Goodwin Living residents Norman Hicks and Candace Stiklorious, connection arrived in an unexpected but meaningful place: Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads (GHBC).
After decades devoted to their family and careers, experiencing many changes and loss, Norman and Candace each arrived at GHBC [in 2020 and 2023 respectively] with full lives behind them, anticipating new chapters ahead. What they did not expect was to find companionship through shared interests, conversation and community.
The two connected through the campus play reading group, a resident activity designed to bring people together through storytelling. Shared interest quickly grew into friendship, and eventually something more when the pair became an official couple in 2024.
Norman, age 86, and Candace, age 80, shared their story and reflections on finding love later in life.
Q&A with Norman & Candace
Can you tell us how you first met and what your first impressions of one another were?
Norman: Candace was sitting in the Bistro [one of the dining venues at GHBC], and I thought she was cute.
Candace: Norman was in the middle of writing and sharing his first play, “God’s Waiting Room.” I thought he was clever and brave to be writing his first play.
What helped you feel ready to open your heart to companionship again?
Norman: After my wife died, I was very lonely, especially when eating alone. I mentioned this to Candace, and she said I could call her whenever I wanted company during meals.
Candace: I was divorced after twenty years of marriage, and for years busy raising two kids, working as a nurse and going back to school. Norman was the first guy I was really attracted to in all those years.
How has living at Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads supported your relationship or helped it grow?
Norman and Candace: The very fact that at GHBC you are living under one roof with 500 other older adults certainly helps to facilitate social interactions. In addition, GHBC has so many activities that provide opportunities to meet, talk, and share common experiences. These include movies, games, sport activities, discussion groups and lectures, as well as excursions to museums and other trips. For instance, we went to France together in 2024 on a trip with other Goodwin Living residents!
What do you most admire or appreciate about one another?
Norman: Candace is fun to be with, relaxed and easy to talk to, and friendly with everyone.
Candace: I admire Norman’s commitment to helping others and his involvement in social and political issues.
What is your favorite way to spend time together?
Norman and Candace: Going out to dinner with friends, watching movies on TV, dancing and helping each other with shopping, everyday errands and appointments.
Norman’s passion for storytelling remains an important part of his life at GHBC. This month, his play, “God’s Waiting Room,” was performed on campus. The story follows a recent widower navigating life, purpose and unexpected companionship in a senior living community.
While Norman began writing the play before meeting Candace, themes of resilience and emotional renewal closely reflect experiences that he and many other older adults face.
Norman: The play was largely written before I met Candace. However, it explores how someone adjusts after loss, including finding love again.
Candace: Reading the script helped me understand Norman’s emotions and sense of humor in a deeper way.
What advice would you give others about love or companionship later in life?
Norman and Candace: You can build on your experiences from your past life; you are more relaxed approaching relationships. Romance is still very possible when you are older. It may not be as intense, but it is still wonderful. You may be surprised when it happens, so do not feel guilty.
Love Can Begin Anywhere
Norman and Candace’s story is a reminder that companionship and joy can emerge in every stage of life. Communities like Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads provide opportunities for residents to connect through shared interests, engaging programming and daily interactions that help relationships grow naturally. As said in Norman’s play, “the real goal is to have meaning in your life, no matter what the age.”
As Norman and Candace discovered, sometimes the next chapter of your life brings unexpected and beautiful connections.
Learn More About a Life of Purpose at Goodwin Living
At Goodwin Living, we are proud to support residents as they build friendships, rediscover passions and enjoy meaningful experiences, sometimes even finding love along the way!
Learn more about the vibrant community and connections to be found on our Goodwin Senior Living Campuses.
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Klaire Reynoso is a Marketing and Communications Intern at Goodwin Living. She helps plan, write and support the internal and external campaigns in all areas of the organization. She has lived in Northern Virginia all her life and joined the team in January 2026. When she isn’t working or studying, she enjoys traveling to NYC, attending jazz clubs and going to museums.
