I just feel like I want to share this, so I will.

I recently started volunteering at a local food pantry where I met another volunteer named Eddie. He's 85, and doesn't do much of the physical work, but he does so much for the pantry. I am always greeted with hug, piece of hard candy, and a smile. He has one of those magical smiles, like a laser beam smile shooting out of his eyes into your own heart. He's just a warm character.

Yesterday he mentioned that he had stopped to visit his wife. I asked him where she is, thinking she's in a nursing home. He said she's in the cemetery and he visits her every week. In the 10 years since she died, he talks to her and writes to her all the time. He will get into bed at night and think of something he hasn't told her, so he will get out of bed and write something else.

He said all this with such joy. Then it struck me how utterly in love with her he is. They married over 60 years ago, and he is still in love with his bride as much as the day he said "I do," probably wearing his military uniform. May be this hit me because I've only been married for a year, and I hope to have a piece of the love between my husband and me 50 years from now that Eddie and his wife still share.

I know a lot of people on this board and elsewhere who have lost spouses recently, and I wish all of them could experience the peace and joy this man exudes. I've haven't lost a spouse, but we've all lost people (and pets). As the holidays approach, we often miss these dear people even more because there's so many memories around this time of year. Often it can be so difficult to go through happy situations and not be able to physically share them with these people we love so much.

For anyone who's missing someone, remember you are not alone.

THAT IS SOOOOOO SWEET.....AND TRUE LOVE ...............bopeep

It's always encouraging to meet someone who's had that kind of happiness and love in a relationship and can share it with others.

Just :-D

love like that lasts forever.

Well said.

What a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing it and reminding us.....the little things just don't matter :)

It's a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for sharing. It touched my heart.

Thank you for sharing such a moving story. And for reminding me that the precious family members I lost, they are not far away as they seem.

This brought tears to my eyes. My DH absolutely LOVED holidays.
He saw to it that we celebrated everything, Christmas and Thanksgiving, Easter and Valentine's Day, Elmer Fudd's birthday and even Groundhog Day, the day I spilled coffee on his lap to get his attention in a cafe!!. Everyday was a joyful one in his mind, and our kids were always eager to rush home to see whatever Dad had in mind for them to do. In fact, they keep his Christmas gift method even now. He would wrap each present beautifully, put a NUMBER on it instead of a name, then place it under the tree. The list with the number and the name of the recipient was written down in a small notebook that never left his pockets. This drove kids (and wife) mad with anticipation, especially when shaking, smelling, guessing who the present was for didn't bring even a hint from DH.
I'll always miss him, it's only been a little short of 4 years.

What a wonderful story. You may my heart sing.

I lost a SIL last April, and my mom in May. My mom and dad were married for 64 years. I miss her and my dad misses her so much. He asks me when the hurt will go away. I tell him that they were an example of what a marriage should be and that I sure the pain will ease, but she will always be missed.

Thank you for sharing with us. Reading things like this keeps things in perspective. He is truly a wonderful man and you are so blessed to be a friend of his.

Both stories are very moving. Great stories like this are so nice to read.

That is a wonderful story. True love lasts forever.

Thank you for this beautiful story. My grandpa will be gone 2 years December 3rd. He was a father to me. Last night I had this intense craving for a cheese burger and a chocolate milkshake. His favorite.

Thank you very much for sharing.

I'm missing my Grandpa too, Jade. I guess those things keep them with us.

Thank you for sharing this--what a testament to true love.