The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

The Official Student News Media of Southeastern Louisiana University

The Lion's Roar

    Instructor finds true love

    For this 62-year-old social work professor, the best is yet to come as she looks forward to spending the sunset of life with her newly found “knight in shining armor.”  
    With Valentine’s Day around the corner and romance in the air, Linda Deamer inspires dreamers of all ages to learn from adversity, find inner peace and never settle when choosing a lifelong partner.
    After a 25-year marriage disintegrated, Deamer fought to rediscover herself and to find peace and contentment with her situation. Through adversity she tapped into unknown skills and developed a strong relationship with God.
    Deamer has spent 34 joyful and blessed years working as a social worker. She emphatically affirmed that had she been given the option to go back in time, knowing all of the hardships ahead, she would do it all over again. Before switching to full-time social work instructor at the university in 2008, Deamer worked for the Department of Children and Family Services, caring for abused children.
     “It’s my faith that got me through that period of time. I had developed a close relationship with God and was able to find balance,” said Deamer. “What I learned is that adversity is a wonderful time for growth and development. I learned to just be content with where I was and who I was.”
    In late 2012 Deamer had a chance encounter at Lowes with her new husband, Donald Hart, when he expressed to her, “I think about you all the time.” What followed was a two-month period of what Deamer described as “wooing,” during which Hart wrote her letters, called her, sent her gifts and dedicated a variety of songs to her, such as Charlie Wilson’s “I Think I’m in Love.” The couple officially began pursuing a relationship in February 2013.
    “I told people I was waiting for my knight in shining armor, and he arrived,” said Deamer. “Sometimes we think we want things, but when prayers come into fruition, no matter how long the wait, God’s timing is always perfect.”
    As Deamer described the qualities which sealed her attraction to Hart, she declared their connection to be a “divine one.”
    “Donald is a very kind, compassionate man who is God-fearing, which is important,” said Deamer. “He is family-oriented and hard working. He is a busy man even though he is retired. He is one of the most generous people that I know and very selfless, as far as giving of his time and resources to others.”
    Throughout the year all of the pieces began falling into place for marriage, retirement and happily ever after. The pair were married on December 29, with Hart retiring two days later. Deamer confirmed this would be her final semester teaching at the university.
    “I think we were both very mature at the time of the engagement and knew what we wanted,” said Deamer. “Our stages in life, our ages, what we’ve accomplished, we knew this was the time.”
    With a bright future ahead, Deamer expressed her deep sadness in leaving behind her students.
    “It’s been a wonderful experience working with the students,” said Deamer. “I love my students, and I feel like I’m making a difference.”
    With Valentine’s Day marking the season of love, Deamer had some words of advice for the younger generation, specifically young women.
    “Don’t look for other people to make you happy. Have a sense of joy with who you are and bring that into a relationship,” said Deamer. “You need to be content with who you are until you find that mate with whom you can find a sense of fulfillment. We live in a world where we want instant gratification, but being patient is so important.”
    Reluctant to retire after 40 years of work, Deamer made the decision with plans to care for her parents, spend more time with her two grandchildren and travel the globe with Hart. She also plans to continue pursuing her passion for social work through volunteering in her community.
    “I am very proud to be 62 years old, alive, very active, able to contribute and to get married. It’s never too late to find your partner,” said Deamer. “I am a very blessed lady, and I can say that my life has been wonderful. I am at such a good place. My latter days will be my best days.”
     

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