A lot can change in a year. Just ask Theresa Nist. The Golden Bachelor winner shared a bittersweet birthday post on social media. Keep reading to find out why she almost let her birthday pass without mention.

Theresa Nist Shares Bittersweet Birthday Post

Theresa Nist just turned 71 on August 4. She took to her social media to share a bittersweet reaction to her big day. In less than a year, she got engaged, married and divorced.

The Golden Bachelor alum shared in a lengthy post that she almost let her birthday pass without a post. But she got in her feelings and decided to mark not only her birthday but also a major anniversary.

One year ago, on August 3, she was among the twenty-two women who hoped to be Gerry Turner’s future wife. While her birthday is on the 4th, she revealed that the first night in the Bachelor mansion filmed so long that it was her birthday before they wrapped.

Viewers may remember Gerry Turner surprising her with a cupcake for her birthday. In fact, that’s when many viewers first saw sparks between the seniors. Their connection only grew as the season progressed.

He proposed during the season finale and they quickly tied the knot two months later in a TV wedding. However, their marital bliss was short-lived. They announced three months later in a televised interview that they had decided to divorce. Neither of them was willing to move away from their families and start fresh somewhere else.

Rare Golden Bachelor Photos

While Theresa Nist’s romance with Gerry Turner didn’t last, she doesn’t regret her time on the dating show. In a lengthy caption, she expressed gratitude and her belief that everything happens for a reason.

She said she was especially grateful for the lasting friendship she found with the other contestants. Theresa Nist shared a series of behind-the-scenes photos from the Golden Bachelor filming. The photos featured some of the other women that she’s remained close friends with.

“I am so grateful for the experience and for everything that happened to me. I’ve met so many wonderful people and I’ve made so many new friends, especially with the wonderful women on the show who went through this journey with me, friendships that I cherish and that I know will last the rest of our lives.”

Her social media followers flooded the comments with well wishes, birthday greetings and praise for her attitude. One fan wrote, “You are the kindest, classiest lady (Joan is right up there with you) and I have so enjoyed getting to ‘know’ you here. I learned a lot about the importance of friendship for ‘older’ women by watching the show.”

Let us know in the comments what you think of Theresa’s bittersweet birthday post.