“We love because He
first loved us." ~ 1 John 4:19
Most people hope for true love
their entire lives. If they find it,
they consider themselves extremely lucky.
But to share a deep love and bond that only grows with age, well, that’s
a beautiful thing.
Harold and Joan’s first date (a fix-up by Joan’s cousin),
was at a party in November of 1944. She
was 19, he was 24. They fell in love
immediately; as if a perfect match. A
storybook romance led to marriage the following spring. Together, they built a family and shared a deep
and loving friendship that blossomed for decades; not something endured but savored.
Recently they shared another
intimate meal at their preferred fast-food joint. It wasn’t their anniversary or a cute
birthday treat. It was simply date
night. The scene conjured up images of
the film ‘The Notebook’ about a husband taking care of his Alzheimer's stricken
wife. If you think those kinds of scenes
of everlasting love only happen in the movies, then these seniors prove
otherwise.
In between his own bites, Harold
fed tiny bits of chicken nuggets to his life-long partner when a much younger
patron approached.
“Excuse me,” the young man
politely interrupted. “I don’t mean to
intrude but do mind if I ask how long you’ve been married?”
Harold patted Joan’s hand warmly
before saying, “If we make it till May we’ll celebrate 75 years of marriage. Unfortunately, Alzheimer's is claiming her
bit by bit. But somewhere in her heart's
memory she knows who I am.”
The young man stood frozen in
place, desperately searching for consoling words. “I’m so sorry,” was all he could manage.
Unfazed, Harold looked lovingly
into Joan’s wizened face and stroked grey hair once fashioned so neatly. “Oh, don’t be,” he said. “We’ve enjoyed a wonderful life! Getting to the finish line with the person
you began the race with is perhaps of the most glorious thing on this earth.”
Before retreating, the young man
wished them well. He fought back tears
as he said, “Yours’s is the kind of love I want in my life."
Harold kindly offered, “God’s
love is so powerful that we’re able to love others. Open your heart and let His Love in - Open
your life and share your love out.”
Over the weeks that followed, the
young man realized a few things.
He realized that when people truly love one another, they’re
willing to put the other person before themselves no matter what problems may
come their way. He learned that the best
way to be loved is to be loving. And the
best way to be loving is to realize that you’re already loved completely and
unconditionally by the most powerful Love in the universe.
Loving Father, make Yourself at home in my
heart. Help me understand the scope and
depth of Your love. And as my life is
filled with a deeper understanding of Your love for me, fill me with the richness
of life and compassion that comes from You alone. Amen
