Friends and Lovers

 

Photo courtesy of www.123rf.com

Photo courtesy of www.123rf.com

As anyone that has ever been married knows, it’s not all unicorns-farting-rainbows. Marriage is a marathon, not a sprint. Some fizzle before the finish line while others make it look effortless. Most of us muddle through as best we can without an instruction manual; we experience joys and frustrations, cheers and tears. But, every now and then, there is a real life love story worthy of any romance novel; as a romance author, I am honored to share one of them with you.

This story is about a couple that I will call Mr. and Mrs. Teacher, for they were; he taught science, she taught art. Mrs. Teacher died a few weeks ago, placing The End on the book of their life together. Married for forty-eight years, Mr. and Mrs. Teacher raised four children, the youngest of which was a late-in-life surprise. However, the last several years of their lives together were marked by more of the “in sickness” and “for worse” parts of the marriage vows than most couples will ever face.

For me, one specific incident best exemplifies their relationship. Mrs. Teacher survived several bouts of cancer but eventually, her mind began to slip. One day, Mr. Teacher was driving to the grocery store with his wife riding shotgun. During the journey, she studied the man behind the wheel and announced “You aren’t my husband.” I don’t know if he had ever heard this statement before, or if it was the first time. Either way, I can’t imagine that hearing something like this ever gets easier. Mrs. Teacher’s pronouncement was followed by the question, “Who are you?” Mr. Teacher’s answer was so perfect that it simultaneously rips my heart out and brings tears to my eyes. He told her, “I’m your friend and your lover.”

We never know how we will react to a situation until we are actually in it – I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. I don’t know what I would do if my husband were to not recognize me. I doubt that such a wonderful answer would roll from my stunned lips. I’m pretty sure that I would be speechless, my ears filled with the sound of my heart breaking.

Fortunately, Mr. and Mrs. Teacher’s day out didn’t end on that sad note. I like to think that Mr. Teacher’s words reached some lucid part of Mrs. Teacher trapped deep within her failing body. Later in the day, Mrs. Teacher reconsidered and proclaimed “You are my husband.”

Life is filled with uncertainties and I don’t know what the future holds for my hubby and me. If we are allowed to grow old together, I fervently pray that we will face the joys and depredations of aging with the grace of Mr. and Mrs. Teacher.

Do you have a love story that you would like to share? Tell me about it in the comments – I’d love to read it!

4 comments

  1. Lorelei Logsdon says:

    What a beautiful love story! My husband and I have been together for over 32 years, since we were 13. I like to think we have a great love story, but we have many years to go (I hope).

    • Isabella Norse says:

      My hubby and I have been together around 32 years as well – almost 28 years of marriage plus 5 years of dating. The first years of our story were rough, but it has gotten progressively better since. :-) I’m hoping for many years together as well. The men in his family are not long-lived, so I’m hoping he will break the chain!

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