Two lifelong singles from Bay City, Michigan, who spent decades happily unattached have surprised their families by getting married after meeting in a cardiac rehab program. Al Sager and Susan Guc, who both underwent heart procedures a couple of years ago, tied the knot this week and are now sharing their story to prove it is never too late to find love.
The Bay City Lifelong Singles Who Chose Independence
Before crossing paths, Al Sager and Susan Guc were firmly committed to living life on their own terms. Al Sager worked as a truck driver who was always on the road, while Susan Guc dedicated her professional life to her patients as a nurse.
For his entire life, Al Sager, 65, remained single. Reflecting on his past mindset, he previously explained that observing troubled relationships kept him content on his own. "You see relationships sour and it's like, 'Nah, I don't want that,'" Al Sager told reporters. "... I was alone, but I wasn't lonely."
Across town, Susan Guc, 76, felt entirely the same way about her independence. When considering if she wanted a partner, her conclusion was nobody. "And I was happy with that," she said. "I really was."
A Cardiac Rehab Program Sparks an Unexpected Romance
Everything changed a couple of years ago when both residents required heart procedures. Placed into the same cardiac rehab program, their paths finally crossed.
While exercising on a treadmill, Susan Guc spotted Al Sager on an exercise bike. Although he did not notice her at first, she was drawn to his smile. To capture his attention, she handed him a small rock with the word "smile" etched into it.
"Yes, she threw a rock at me to get my attention," Al Sager recalled.
Initially, Al Sager was baffled by the gesture. He thought she was critiquing his facial expressions, prompting him to investigate further. The unusual icebreaker successfully launched a relationship that ultimately ended decades of singlehood.
Family Shocked as Wedding Caps Off Unexpected Romance
When the couple decided to get married, their relatives experienced pure astonishment. Susan Guc simply described the entire turnaround as "just a fluke."
Family members admitted they never saw the wedding coming. "We were all just shocked," one relative stated. Another family member added, "I about fell out of my chair. I didn't expect that."
- Al Sager: 65-year-old lifelong single and former truck driver
- Susan Guc: 76-year-old lifelong single and former nurse
- Meeting Place: A cardiac rehab program in Bay City, Michigan
- The Icebreaker: A small rock etched with the word "smile"
Now, the newlyweds are hoping their journey encourages others who believe they might be too old to find companionship. "I had thought that, but look what happened to me," Susan Guc noted. Al Sager echoed that sentiment, stating, "Oh, absolutely, it's never too late."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Al Sager and Susan Guc?
Al Sager is a 65-year-old truck driver from Bay City, Michigan, and Susan Guc is a 76-year-old nurse from the same town. Both were lifelong singles who happily lived unattached until meeting later in life.
Where did Al Sager and Susan Guc meet?
The couple met a couple of years ago while participating in the same cardiac rehab program after both individuals underwent heart procedures.
How did Susan Guc get Al Sager's attention?
Susan Guc noticed Al Sager while on a treadmill and handed him a rock that had the word "smile" etched onto it to get him to notice her.