In the wake of her husband's passing, this tenacious American woman has vowed to fulfill their shared dream of living in Spain.
In a late 2016 shift, the married duo, hailing from Randolph, Vermont, began earnestly seeking escape from the United States. The former anesthesiologist, Madeline, yearned for retirement, feeling financially insecure without sufficient resources to retire early in the US. Her spouse, Jim, an IT professor with international teaching experience in countries like Iraq, harbored a lifelong desire to relocate back to Europe. The growing intolerance in US politics further spurred Madeline's enthusiasm for this idea.
With Jim's childhood roots in Germany, the couple initially considered returning there. However, age-related barriers and other alternatives, such as South America and Portugal, steered them towards Spain. After thorough research, the couple set their sights on the culturally-rich, art-loving city of Valencia, situated along Spain's eastern coast. They swiftly fell in love with the city upon their visit, acknowledging its thriving classical music scene, friendly locals, and walkable nature.
The process of securing a non-lucrative visa, which enabled them to reside in Spain without working, and locating a property became their ultimate goals. The couple bought a two-bedroom apartment in the El Carmen neighborhood in 2017, but delayed their actual move until two years later. During this period, Madeline was barred from vacation, confined by the impending retirement. Simultaneously, Jim, who had already retired, ventured back and forth to Valencia to ensure all arrangements were in place before Madeline's departure.
After bidding their emotional farewells in the United States, the excited couple and their dogs, Cleo and Luna, embarked on the new chapter of their lives in 2019. Adjusting to the carefree Spanish lifestyle proved a perfect finale to their joint journey. The couple spent their first few months in Valencia exploring the country, embracing their new hobby of learning the language, and establishing strong connections with the locals.
As fate would have it, in 2021, Jim was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Despite the grim prognosis, he elected to remain in Spain for treatment, eventually passing away in late 2022. Limiting their social activities due to Jim's weakened condition, the couple discreetly leaned on their Valencian community for support.
Describing the community as her “saving grace”, Madeline expressed gratitude for their compassion and understanding. Although they were far from close family, the tight-knit Valencian bonds remedied her sense of loneliness. It was these closeness and companionship that stood as a testament to her cherished memories with Jim.
Acknowledging the early retirement lifestyle in Spain as a burgeoning trend, the couple's story serves as a model for American retirees seeking a more affordable and fulfilling retirement experience abroad.
In their exploration of potential new homes, the couple discovered Valencia's vibrant news about its thriving classical music scene, attracting Jim's interest. After settling in Valencia, they found joy in exploring the city and embracing the opportunity to learn Spanish as a new travel adventure.
