Marriage

     My eighty-eight year old father recently had a bout of food poisoning or something like it and was in bed, nauseous, dizzy, sweating and having diarrhea. Before we knew what it was, it seemed serious. I ended up calling 811 at the suggestion of a friend and had a productive conversation with a nurse. We came to the realization that perhaps calling an ambulance would be best. My father did not want to go to the hospital and let us know it in no uncertain terms. So my mother did something totally unexpected--- she got into bed with my dad to talk to him and offer comfort. It seemed like the most natural thing in the world to her and to me, it was beautifully sweet. It was a photograph that I wish I could have captured and it is a picture that will stick with me forever.

     When I take my parents to church on Sunday they often hold hands and seem so content to be there together, sitting side by side, singing together, as they have done for almost their entire lives. To see my old dad, unable to stand for long, standing and loudly singing "I Vow to Thee My Country" with my mum at his side brings tears to my eyes. Again I wish I could preserve these images forever but I will have to be content with the ones in my mind’s eye.

     There is something so lovely about a marriage that has lasted decades and has withstood the rigors of life. They haven’t had perfect lives or a flawless relationship, but to me they represent faithfulness, patience and perseverance. Their story is not yet over but they show us all what it takes to be there until the end. Just love.