Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Two People

The image is seared into my mind, where I will hold it forever.

He was weak. But his footing became more sure when his wife took his hand, twisting her fingers with his.

This, after 38 years of marriage. After kids, houses, jobs and retirement, grandkids. After twenty years with his multiple sclerosis; her surprise double-bypass.

After a recent, incurable cancer diagnosis for him.
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As I dropped them off for his treatment, when they entered the building before me, they locked hands.
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In one second, I saw what marriage is.
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Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad. I love you so much.
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And Happy Birthday, too, Mom. You're an inspiration.

39 comments:

Tabitha Bird said...

Beautiful Janna. M post today covered something very similar. Great minds think alike :)

Thank you for your comment on my blog :)

Slamdunk said...

Fantastic story. What a wonderful image that must have been.

Rebecca Nazar said...

Happy Anniversary! What a great love story.

Woman in a Window said...

Love, yes, and support. Partnership is written all over them.

Yes, best to your mom, and more good thoughts and strength for your dad.

xo
erin
(sweet, what you sent my way. thank you~)

Unknown said...

Janna that was beautiful. I love to be reminded that love never goes away it only grows with each year you stay together.

Beautiful, simply beautiful!

Heather Sunseri said...

Beautiful story of love, Janna! They are a blessing.

Ian S. Johnston said...

Wow! Powerful and beautiful. Thanks for the imagery, Janna. This is so well written I could see them in my mind's eye for a moment (and I usually have trouble with such visualizations). God bless you and your family! And Happy Anniversary to your folks, too!

Jody Hedlund said...

Beautiful, Janna! What a wonderful model you've had!

Wendy Paine Miller said...

Reached in and grabbed my heart this morning. Thank you.
~ Wendy

Jessica Nelson said...

Oh my goodness, this is making me tear up. What a beautiful post.

Janet said...

Beautiful!

MedSchoolWife said...

This is absolutely beautiful. Gives all of us newly weds a reminder of all the things we have to look forward to.

Anonymous said...

made me want to cry!!!!!! My absolute favorite line...and what I think I might steal to use one day in a wip...

"In one second, I saw what marriage is."

LOVE THAT.

That is so awesome, and your parents are so blessed to have that...and you are blessed to have them.

Angie Muresan said...

Oh this is beautiful, Janna. This tribute to their love brought tears to the surface. Happy Anniversary to them!

Melissa Amateis said...

What a wonderful tribute, Janna. Happy Anniversary to your parents and Happy Birthday to your mom!

Patti said...

That's a lovely tribute and I couldn't agree more.

Deb Shucka said...

So much love, theirs and yours. May it hold you up in the days to come.

Lydia Kang said...

What a lovely tribute. Happy Anniversary!

Terri Tiffany said...

Boo hoo! You touched it perfectly. That's what marriage is and you have been so blessed to see it and be part of it.

patti said...

Oh, thank you for sharing. This is priceless...
Patti

myletterstoemily said...

you really encapsulated the crux
of a good marriage. you are there
for each other, period.

Tana said...

That's heart-wrenchingly beautiful. I'm praying for them.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Thanks, everyone. Your kind words mean a lot.

Joanne said...

A beautiful tribute to very special people in your life. Marriage is such an amazing journey, isn't it?

Karen said...

Janna, this post just drips with love and admiration. After reading, I too admire your parents and their love touches my heart. Congrats on their anniversary and your Mom's birthday! Will pray for them and you in what the future holds. Blessings**

ps-they are daaarling!

Billy Coffey said...

This was such a wonderful tribute. How blessed they are. And how blessed you are, too.

Jennifer Shirk said...

What a wonderful post! I have tears in my eyes!
Happy Anniversary to your parents! And happy b-day to your mom!

gael lynch said...

Janna, the universe has brought us together, I'll bet.
My husband, Tom, and I have been together for almost 38 yrs., married for just about 33. He was diagnosed with spino-cerebellar ataxia (mouthful, right?) about 20 long years ago.

We didn't get it, then, but the years have informed us, that's for sure. We are still wild about one another...and our kids, like you, have learned that in the end? Love is really all that counts! Thanks for the reminder. Your words are beautiful!

Barry said...

Beautifully said. I know that feeling.

Jeanette Levellie said...

Sniff. Gulp. Catching a sob as it escapes.

I have nothing to complain about. Thanks for reminding me, dear.

I love and admire you, and your parents.

cousinjean said...

Janna,this is beautiful. Your mom and dad are incredible. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Unknown said...

I wanted to stop by once more and thank you for your sweet comment over at my blog! I appreciate all your insight and advice. I plan on showing you rather than telling you!!! I promise!!!

Arlee Bird said...

It is beautiful to see a long-lasting truly caring relationship. It can be done. Come to think of it, I have a few friends that have now been married that long. Wow!

Lee
A to Z Challenge Reflections Mega Post

Nadine said...

This post made me cry. Absolutely beautiful and touching.

Karen Lange said...

This is so sweet. Thanks for sharing it. Do hang onto that image, for it will mean more than you know as time goes on. My Mom passed away about three weeks ago and I'm thankful to have a photo montage of my life with her that runs through my head often. It's bittersweet, but I'm ever so thankful for it. Will be praying for you.
Blessings,
Karen

septembermom said...

So beautiful Janna. All the best wishes and prayers for your lovely parents. They are a loving couple and an example to all.

Inklings and Notions said...

Praying for you all.
There is nothing quite so beautiful as a love that has endured.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Hang in there, Janna.

Capri K @ No Whining Allowed said...

Oh Janna, I love this. It's true, true marriage is not all about flowers and romance. It's about enduring everything else together. That is true love.