At first she understood. At first she knew he was there. At first they shared memories and tender embraces. Then stroke after stroke took more and more of her mind. Every day for 15 years her husband went to the nursing home and fed her breakfast, lunch and dinner. He was faithful to visit her and see that she had the best of care he could provide. She could give back nothing. No conversation. No reassuring touches of gratitude. No smiles. He read his bible to her. He prayed for her. Her comfort was his comfort. Then one day he buried her. It wasn't long after she went to be with the Lord that Alzheimer's erased the pain of his loss from his mind. And a few years later he died.
"Love endures long and is patient and kind;..." 1 Corinthians 13:4b.
Through sickness and in health, till death do they part. Such love is of God. Never wavering, steadfast, unconditional. Simply loving today, tomorrow, forever. With patience and kindness. This love is what lasts. selahV
[© SelahV Today, 2008]
Well, I just broke down and cried while reading this. Touched me deeply.
Posted by: vicki | July 29, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Vicki, bless your heart. I fully understand why. Know I love you...and send you lots of ((((hugs))))selahV
Posted by: selahV | July 29, 2008 at 02:02 PM
One of the members of my former church was much like this man. His wife developed a terrible disease and died over the course of 12-15 years. It was a slow death. Agonizing death. Yet, he rarely left her side. He fed her. He cleaned her. He talked to her. He read to her. He brought her to church as much as possible. And, more importantly, he loved her, until death, he loved her.
Sure made me realize that I was not nearly the husband I should be! He taught me much about being a husband...and cherishing the gift God has given me. One day, I hope to be as good a husband as he was...and as Mr. V. is to you!
Posted by: M. Steve Heartsill | July 29, 2008 at 07:04 PM
Steve, this is so precious to know. And the amazing thing is I know without a shadow of a doubt that my husband would be there just like that for me. No matter how he felt. I am a blessed woman. selahV
Posted by: selahV | July 29, 2008 at 10:04 PM