Patton Oswalt explains why he remarried 18 months after his first wife’s death

In April 2016, comedian Patton Oswalt tragically and suddenly lost his beloved wife, Michelle McNamara. Oswalt was understandably devastated, and has been open about his grief and the challenges he faced while learning to live without his wife and as a now-single father to their daughter, Alice, now 8.

However, Oswalt was able to find a light in the darkness in actress Meredith Salenger, whom he married on Nov. 4—just 18 months after McNamara’s untimely death.

“It feels like an evolution,” Oswalt told People. “After the darkness, I went through all the ways I had to strengthen myself to try to recognize joy again. Meredith was a beacon I had to reach for.”

Some may question Oswalt’s decision to remarry so soon after his first wife’s passing. But Oswalt and Salenger, along with people those close to them, all believe that it was actually McNamara who is responsible for the two meeting and falling in love. Here’s what Salenger told People about how she and Oswald met:

“When I first starting talking with Patton on Facebook, it was just sort of witty banter. There was nothing to it, but as I started getting to know him better, I looked up Michelle on Facebook and I saw that we had like 15 mutual friends. One of them was my best friend since 7^th grade. I called her and was like, ‘Tell me about Michelle.’ She was best friends with Michelle after college. She was like, ‘I loved her. She’s amazing. She’s so funny and smart.’”

Oswalt said he never expected to be this happy again, and that he feels blessed that his new wife has bonded with Alice as well as McNamara’s family.

“I’ve only ever felt that level of joy once before in my life, and it was so profound and perfect it felt greedy to ever wish for it again,” he told People. “But I did, so now all I can do is show Meredith a level of gratitude and love that’s greater than the joy she’s brought me, and my daughter Alice. Because this is a new level of joy, and a new life, and I’ll always strive to deserve it.”

The comedian took to Instagram to share a photo from his big day. “What’d you guys do yesterday?” he caption the photo of himself along with his gorgeous new wife and his daughter.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbHrkFljpvV/?hl=en&taken-by=balvenieboy

Fans were quick to chime in on Instagram with messages of congratulations.

“Much love Mr. Oswalt! I know it probably sounds silly, coming from a stranger, but you recovering and thriving means a lot to me. Your comedy has helped (and continues to help me) overcome some very hard times. Congratulations!” read one comment.

“The smiles on both those ladies [sic] faces are so genuine, so happy, happily ever after,” said another.

We have to say, we agree. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness for Oswalt, Salenger and little Alice!