59 Years Together

Few people when they say "I do, for better or for worse" looking into the eyes of their love at the altar, think that 59 years later this young, beautiful person they're marrying could be bed-bound and not able to move.  That that loved one may not know who they are, may not even be able to talk to them or kiss them back.  That they may not be able to tell them if they are in pain, hungry or cold.  That they may have to be fed each meal, changed, showered, and picked up to be put in a wheel chair.  That they might have to brush their teeth, put their make-up on, wash their face and dress them.  That they might have to turn them every 2 hours and check for bed sores, and that they might have to see a frown on their aged face and not be able to know what's wrong and help them.    

Not everyone will go through this, but my grandparents are going through all the above right now.  After 59 years of marriage my grandpa would still say "I do" to his stunning young bride even if he knew what the last 15 years of her life would be like.  He has been a husband who loves his wife even when his wife can't show him love back.  But I really think that she does love him.  I know she does, I see it in her eyes.  I'm convinced when she feels his touch and hears his voice her heart flutters and longs to tell him she loves him and that "It is well with my soul," because of their Lord.   Just because her brain is being racked with the fatal disease of Alzheimer's, doesn't mean she doesn't know her loved ones faces or voices.  Once in a while she will smile at the love of her life, my grandpa, or lift her eyebrows when he talks to her, and maybe even try to move her mouth to answer.   Every once in a while she will mumble something and he'll catch the name of one of their children or something funny, and sometimes, in her cute way, she will tease him.  There are still joys and happy times even with his bride in this state, they are the joys of "For better or for worse."  

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing,

And obtains favor from the Lord."

Proverbs 18:22

What a heritage my siblings and I can carry with us to the altar of our marriages and pass on to our children's children.  We thank God for this beautiful example of love He has placed before us all. 

"For better or for worse" because of the grace of God.

Their wedding day ready to head off on their honeymoon.

Happy 59th Anniversary Grandma and Grandpa, we love you and are so thankful for you!!!