By LEE CONE
This story is so bittersweet, it’s hard to believe it’s real.
You might remember New Zealand woman Rachel Anderson and her first husband, Kristian. Because he once made her the most beautiful video, it went viral, and ended up on Oprah.
Here it is:
This heart-wrenching video gained nearly 800,000 views — and the love story behind it caught Oprah’s attention while she was here on her Australian tour.
Oprah surprised the couple and the show’s viewers by giving the couple a cheque for $250,000 live on air, to allow the family to spend time together as a family on a trip to the US.
When Kristian lost his battle with cancer, a devastated Rachel battled to face the day without him — described the experience as “like living in a black hole”.
“I remember waking up the first morning after he died … seeing his wardrobe open and his clothes all there,” she told Oprah. “Just realising that was it. That was all that we had left. He was gone.”
But Rachel, a woman who had supported her husband through his diagnosis and his debilitating treatments, had found love again in the most surprising way.
Dairy farmer Richard Evans saw Rachel on New Zealand television when she was in the country promoting, as Oprah’s Where Are They Now revealed this week.
And this is where things get really lovely.
Rachel appeared on New Zealand television to promote a book she had published from Kristian’s blog — and Richard Evans, a dairy farmer from New Zealand’s south island, saw her on the show and knew he needed to get in contact with her.
He sent a letter to her church in Australia, which was forwarded to her. The next time she was in New Zealand, he flew to Auckland just to take her out for dinner.
“He turned out to be the most incredible man,” Rachel told Oprah on the show.
The pair fell in love — and married in January this year.
Rachel and Richard’s wedding. Photo via Facebook.
“He has a daughter that’s in between the ages of my children, so between us, we have a five-year-old, a six-year-old and a seven-year-old,” Rachel told Oprah.
What’s that water stuff coming out of our eyes?
Top Comments
It's hopeful to hear there's life (and love) after losing your spouse. Look at Rove McManus, Carrie Bickmore and, now, Rachel Anderson. Despite the tragic loss of their partners, I believe they're very lucky people.
Geez Michelle, I wonder why you can't find love?? Astounds me that you could make a beautiful love story about your lack of prospects!! Not surprised really!!
I think marrying again so soon is a bit odd. Not that I know the woman or care. But ISSUES. Those poor kids...daddy died but don't worry I found you a new one!! Some people just CAN'T be alone.
the story is sad, but also beautiful. And when you are a Christian,( like this newly married, happy couple) you can ask for and expect miracles. Miracles are God's reward for being faithful to Him and not giving up on life.
Touche !! Nicole. You hit the nail on the head.
Rubbish
My cousin married 1.5 years after his beautiful wife passed away. We all thought the same thing too soon? But no he just realised how short how presciprion living was especially when it came to showing his daughter don't give up. He met a fabulous woman and to begin with proceeded to walk away under the illusion people would judge. They are now married with two beautiful children and she has made his life and his daughters life so very happy. He didn't need more want another partner at that point but also realised his wife's passing showed how life can be cruelibg taken away. She took them out of the darkness and into the light of the living. It sounds to me your the one that needs to have a relationship and are feeling envious of those that get it more then once.