Holding hands
When I'm out riding my bike, I often see a very elderly couple walking, and they are holding hands. The husband has a hard time walking, yet he leads his wife. I have the impression that he takes care of her, that she would really be lost without him, like she might not know her way back, or, without him, would never know to take a walk.
When I see them, I see them from the back. They hold hands tightly, as if their hands fit perfectly, like a wooden carving of some kind that matches up impeccably, perhaps worn down to this perfect fit like no other.
God has said that love itself cannot be seen and yet can be evidenced. It can reveal itself, and love does reveal itself as this couple walk along. The continuity of their lives made into one life together reveals their love.
How many years have they been married? Sixty? Seventy? How many children did they have, and are they all living? Are they each other's last remaining friend? How many memories do they share, and how did they meet, and was it hand-holding that made their marriage last?
I think so.
I can imagine them as sweethearts, and they are sweethearts still.
They pledged their troth to each other and kept their pledge.
Of course, they walk along and have no idea of my existence. They have no idea of how their hand-holding sweetens my heart.
Do any of us know how and when and how much we affect another's heart?
Comments
I am very sensitive to this "holding hands". They sweeten your heart and they are blessed by your sweetness, you looked for each other.
And this is high literature:"They hold hands tightly, as if their hands fit perfectly, like a wooden carving of some kind that matches up impeccably...".
Thank you, Emilia.
Bravo, ladies!
You tug at my heart strings, Gloria, with this post.
"How many years have they been married? Sixty? Seventy? How many children did they have, and are they all living? Are they each other’s last remaining friend? How many memories do they share, and how did they meet, and was it hand-holding that made their marriage last?"
This is so evocative. There is a gentle sadness, here, as we wonder about all that has filled their lives and is now "past." And there is the power of the love that is present. You could call it total dedication.
Beautiful heartwarming comments, all.
Ah, had to respond to this one..
Exactly what Chuck said... we reflect on what may have gone on in their past... and then observe the power of the now. Beautiful!
It gives me hope for the future..