“Above all virtues, love binds them all together in perfect unity." ~ Colossians 3:14
Peter Burkhardt’s wheels rolled
over the wet sidewalk splattering cold rain into his face. His jacket gave up
on keeping his body dry a while ago; there's just no point in heavy clothes on
a rainy day. The only thing that keeps him warm is his legs pumping. Eyes
bathed in the passing countryside; he presses on thinking of the warmth at the
other end.
A part of him is jealous of the car drivers,
safe behind shatter-proof glass and painted steel. But at 95 years old, his
license application wasn't approved and he hasn't had a car for years. Anyway,
cycling burns fat and saves gas. He
enjoys the rain and the reunion at the end of his hour-long journey most of
all.
Clara has dementia and was placed in a nursing home to
receive much-needed care. Unfortunately, the only nursing home that accepted
her was more than ten miles away.
“No problem,” said Peter. “I just want to see her and hear
her voice. She’s no longer the same, but I know she recognizes me sometimes and
gives me a very nice hug now and then.”
The daily pilgrimage isn’t the usual gesture that fills our
social media timelines but it’s one that most lovers can only grow envious of.
It’s actually one of the simplest.
Aside from the length of the trip, Burkhardt also wants to
raise awareness of the conditions of the bike lanes. While the ride is never dangerous,
there’s plenty of room for improvements, especially on the narrow railway
bridge.
His ride home brings sadness. “I’m still in love with her,”
he muses. “I miss her, even on her bad days.” Proving once again that a lover’s
pain should only be of their parting, reaffirmed and strengthened by the
separations. And ones that make reunions so very sweet.
His children are proud of what their Dad does every day and
encourage him to continue. His son Wouter said, "They keep each other
alive with this. I hope my father inspires others too."
Love’s enemy is emotional indifference.
Peter’s love for Clara is one of protector, a ride-or-die
connection that has blossomed for more than six decades. Real love stays in
quietness to uplift, celebrate, and comfort. Real love will be okay with
sadness and kiss the scars hidden from others.
True love is the greatest blessing heaven can give. It’s
rare. Treasure it. Never let it die.
Jesus, help me to love others better. In a
world that thinks love is acceptance and tolerance, show me how to be authentic
and genuine in love and in sharing Your Word with others by example in a kind,
compassionate, and generous way. Amen
