I received the story below in an email and it really touched my heart. Don't know if it's actually a true story but it does teach an awesome lesson and contains some excellent advice.
I saw this elderly gentleman dining by himself, with an old picture of a lady in front of him. I thought maybe I could brighten his day by talking to him.
As I had assumed, she was his wife. But I didn't expect such an interesting story.
They met when they were both 17. They dated briefly, then lost contact when he went to war and her family moved. But he said he thought about her the entire war.
After his return, he decided to look for her. He searched for her for 10 years and never dated anyone. People told him he was crazy, to which he replied "I am. Crazy in love".
On a trip to California, he went to a barber shop. He told the barber how he had been searching for a girl for ten years. The barber went to his phone and called his daughter in.
It was her!
She had also been searching for him and never dated either.
He proposed immediately and they were married for 55 years before her death 5 years ago.
He still celebrates her birthday and their anniversary.
He takes her picture with him everywhere and kisses her goodnight.
Some inspiring things he said:
"I was a very rich man. Not with money, but with love""I never had a single argument with my wife, but we had lots of debates"
"People are like candles. At any moment a breeze can blow it out, so enjoy the light while you have it."
"Tell your wife that you love her everyday. And be sure to ask her, have I told you that I love you lately?"
Be sure to talk to the elderly.
Especially strangers.
You may think that you will brighten their day, but you may be surprised that they can actually brighten yours.
Gosh I love this. I think that is a wonderful love to have!
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful isn't it Minelle!
DeleteHugs and Blessings...
Cat
Beautiful story.
ReplyDeleteI agree Rose!
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Cat
Oh what a wonderful story, thanks for sharing this Cat :)
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Roz
You're very welcome Roz...so happy you enjoyed it! ;)
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Cat
Just lovely and poignant...and good advice.
ReplyDeletehugs abby
I so agree Abby...and definitely...excellent advice. ;)
DeleteHugs and Blessings...
Cat
Oh Cat, what a lovely tale
ReplyDeletelove Jan.xx
It is isn't it Jan. :)
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Cat
Very sweet. Thanks, Cat.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Irishey...happy you enjoyed it. :)
DeleteHugs and Blessings...
Cat
Loved reading this Cat! :) There is a lot to be learned from the wisdom of the elderly. Sometimes they jumble up their stories and tell the same over and over again. But if you listen closely there is always more that we can learn. Certainly we can bring joy to them by being present. Thanks for sharing. Great story! Many hugs,
ReplyDelete<3 Katie T
Happy you enjoyed it Katie...I agree we have a lot to learn from our elders. As I used to tell my boys...learn from my mistakes...make a whole new set so that we can learn something new!
DeleteEven when she frustrates me, I treasure the fact that I still have my mom and she is able to share stories with me...that's more than many have!
Hugs and Blessings...
Cat