I don’t fear leaving this world; I only fear Keith being alone in it. If I could choose, I’d outlive him, not out of selfishness, but out of love. Still, life writes its own endings. I can’t choose when my story ends, but I pray he’s never left to walk it without me.
You trying to make me cry. That's most loving thing I've ever read. I can identify with that because my wife and I have been together for more than 50 years. I'm a number of years older than she is. I know it's most likely I'll be gone before her and she's going to be alone. We have no children..
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Jenny,
Your tribute to your grandparents moved me to tears. What a tender, heartfelt remembrance. I believe there’s a heaven where we’re reunited with those we’ve loved and lost, and your grandparents are surely together there, surrounded by eternal peace. Thank you for sharing this memory!Jenny,
Thank you for that. You really took me back. When my Maternal Grandparents (God rest their souls) celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, one of the days events was a renewal/recital of their wedding vows. During the renewal, they were both visibly emotional, as they stood across from each other, holding hands, and reciting those words that they said to each other, what was certainly a lifetime ago.
When it came time for my Grandfather to say his part, he shattered. He couldn't find the words that would have ever measured her meaning. This man who fought against the Nazis in WW2, couldn't imagine remembering what his life was like before her, or what it would be without her, going forward. He managed to get "I can't," out of his mouth, before all he could do was hold my Grandmother in his arms and weep, before a significant gathering of friends and family.
Even though the rest of us joined him in tears, we weren't surprised. We always knew that if the universe had so much as an ounce of cosmic decency, he had to pass before she did, because he wouldn't make it without her. We knew it would be difficult for her, but impossible for him. He may have been a rock, but she was his heartbeat...his anchor. That was the only time in my life I had ever witnessed the man cry.
As life would have it, he did eventually pass before she did. About a month before my Grandmother passed, she had told my Mother that she had experienced an extraordinary dream. She told my Mother that during this dream, my Grandfather was reaching down for her, and that they just couldn't quite reach each other...just fingertips apart. We all mused with a bit of sadness, that even Heaven was hard on him without her.
What you wrote made perfect sense to me the minute I read it. Thank you for sharing that personal insight. Even though I teared a little writing this, it was quite a memory to revisit.
This place (AZB) certainly has it rough spots...but you remind me that I wouldn't trade this collection of perfectly imperfect souls for the world.
Wow, just wow! My dad just turned 95 yesterday, the same day I learned my cancer was back. What a beautiful world we live in full of ups and simultaneous downs. As Alli, Mark and I share our personal afflictions and trials, the urgency to get these great pool stories told intensifies and inspires us to press on.Jenny,
Thank you for that. You really took me back. When my Maternal Grandparents (God rest their souls) celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, one of the days events was a renewal/recital of their wedding vows. During the renewal, they were both visibly emotional, as they stood across from each other, holding hands, and reciting those words that they said to each other, what was certainly a lifetime ago.
When it came time for my Grandfather to say his part, he shattered. He couldn't find the words that would have ever measured her meaning. This man who fought against the Nazis in WW2, couldn't imagine remembering what his life was like before her, or what it would be without her, going forward. He managed to get "I can't," out of his mouth, before all he could do was hold my Grandmother in his arms and weep, before a significant gathering of friends and family.
Even though the rest of us joined him in tears, we weren't surprised. We always knew that if the universe had so much as an ounce of cosmic decency, he had to pass before she did, because he wouldn't make it without her. We knew it would be difficult for her, but impossible for him. He may have been a rock, but she was his heartbeat...his anchor. That was the only time in my life I had ever witnessed the man cry.
As life would have it, he did eventually pass before she did. About a month before my Grandmother passed, she had told my Mother that she had experienced an extraordinary dream. She told my Mother that during this dream, my Grandfather was reaching down for her, and that they just couldn't quite reach each other...just fingertips apart. We all mused with a bit of sadness, that even Heaven was hard on him without her.
What you wrote made perfect sense to me the minute I read it. Thank you for sharing that personal insight. Even though I teared a little writing this, it was quite a memory to revisit.
This place (AZB) certainly has it rough spots...but you remind me that I wouldn't trade this collection of perfectly imperfect souls for the world.
My absolute best to you and your Father.
