I knew from speaking with my father on the phone recently that this visit could be very difficult for my mother. Any concerns I had, however, were erased the minute these two saw each other... Today, I was blessed to witness the most beautiful, touching moment between two people who have loved each other for so long. Words fail me as I struggle to convey the feeling that passed between my parents.
The minute my father saw my mom, the distant, faraway look in his eyes disappeared and recognition returned as love filled his heart. My mother immediately put her head on his chest, and he slowly reached to lay his hand on her head. Tears filled my eyes as I watched this very special moment between these two precious people who have loved each other most all their lives. These two people who together have raised five daughters, who have lived in too many houses to count, who have shared joy and suffered heartache, have attained what many people search for their entire lives...true, unending love.
Although I hesitated before sharing this out of concern for invading their privacy, I ultimately decided that sharing this moment of love between the two people that gave me life is the best gift I can give them in return. I can share their story of love and encourage others to realize that all things do indeed pass, and in the end, if we are blessed, we have each other. Everything else that fills our minds...the homes, the cars, the bills, the laundry, the joys and the sorrows fade away. Even the children that we love with our entire souls grow and begin their own lives. What we are left with is each other, and the love that we have shared and nurtured all our lives. Today, I witnessed this in that small, stark room. And I am blessed.
So beautiful. They are fulfilling their vocation to marriage so well.
ReplyDeleteok, I'm crying. Thanks. xo
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful and heartfelt post billie jo!
ReplyDeletehow amazing for you and your family that you have this example of love in your lives.
thank you so much for sharing this...inspiring for sure!
have a happy day
THIS! THIS is true love. This is what it is all about. This is so precious and beautiful. Remember how our mother's share the same illness? Well, my dear father in law has alzheimer's. You are so smart to grasp every moment you can with your father. (Even when you are tired and super busy.) Continue to Cherish each moment, even the difficult ones.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. What a witness!
ReplyDeleteOh, I am crying too. Beautiful love. In action. Your parents are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteA precious and beautiful witness. A picture says a lot and you captured so much with one shot. Thank you for sharing the reminder of faithful love in our wonderful vocation.
ReplyDeleteMy grandparents are quickly declining and this summer has been tough, especially for my dad who tended to them most of the time. Grandpa has moved some place temporary, but the time is very near when the nursing home will have to be chosen. My grandma is still at home, but everyone fears that the decision will have to be made quite soon for her as well. They are in their early nineties and have been married 69 years. Heart wrenching moments lying ahead.
Thank you for capturing the cherished memory with us and sharing your heart. Sending you a quick prayer and a hug, dear friend.
This is too beautiful for words! What a testimony to love and marriage.
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful my sweet friend. That picture brings tears to my eyes...true love. I have watched my grandmother walk this journey over the past few years and yes it is a heartless one.
ReplyDeleteI have no words. The love in that picture is so heartwarming. I'm glad you witnessed it and shared it with us here. God bless your parents!
ReplyDeleteMy heart is just touched reading this, thank you for sharing because I know it is sometimes hard to know when we should or when we should not. I am so glad you did, it speaks to the power of sticking it out through thick and thin - the greatest of these is love is all I kept thinking while reading about your parents.
ReplyDeleteOh Billie Jo. This is so beautiful and I'm thrilled that you were there to see it. I can tell by your writing how much you love your parents. You are the sweetest daughter. May your parents have many, many, many happy moments like these together in the future. Hugs, tara
ReplyDeleteI read this over the weekend, but couldn't comment from my phone. And now that I am back among the "connected" I wanted to stop here first and tell you how much I loved this post. Your parents' sweet relationship is a beautiful reminder of the commitments we make in marriage and the eternal bond we have with our spouses. Thank you so much for sharing your parents with all of us. They probably have no idea how much they've touched all of us just with that one little moment in their lives. <3
ReplyDeleteThis is true beauty, than you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful moment! My grandparents were married for 59 years when my Grandmother passed away. I watched the life leave him in just 1 year after. It's so sad yet touching how two people can spend their whole lives together and not function after one has passed. I wish your parents happiness and love for their future. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I missed this post, but I am so glad I took the time to scroll through your archives and read this. It totally touched my heart! I had no idea you were dealing with so much. Have you read Colleen Carroll Campbells, "My Sister's the Saints"? Colleen documents her love and loss through her own father's alzheimer's diagnosis. This might be a great read for you...someone who has walked in your shoes and can provide solace through the Faith and Saints. Hugs, dear friend, hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is just so beautiful and touching. Thx for sharing their love with us.
ReplyDeleteThey are blessed to have you, too!
Thank you for sharing this lovely post! That picture nearly brings tears to my eyes! Simply beautiful!
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