Little Old Lady and Her Little Old Man

Sat there and watched them, almost blatantly staring.  Little old lady and her little old man. Wanted to go and talk to them but honestly the story in my head would suffice.  

“They’ve been married for 62 years.  She looked longingly at him as she sat waiting - he fetching both of their sodas from the machine.  They were young and involved at an early age and one of their first dates was at a new-at-the-time soda fountain where he paid for both of their Coca-Colas with the money he made washing cars and mowing lawns for the summer”

The reality - well I just don’t know? 

I have seen that connection before though.  My grandfather adored his wife, my grandmother, Berta Marie Martin.  They didn’t have 50 years, but I saw him take care of her as she lost the battle with Cancer - that bitch of a disease.  They still remain the couple I look to when I think of healthy, loving couples.

From that union brought four siblings.  My mother married her high school sweetheart and they were together 50 years before she passed in 2020.  My aunt married her’s as well and they still live and are uniquely happy in a world where so many just don’t seem to find or work for that. 49 years (Fifty in February)!

My Aunt Judy and Uncle Owen - 52 years; 

"They've not all been wonderful and great, but that's life and I can't imagine it being any other way" - Judy

My Uncle Weldon and Aunt Vicky - 43 years married + 7 years dating = 50 years!

"I still get butterflies!!" - Vicky

I’ve never known that.  I don’t know the deep commitment that it takes to keep marriage alive, thriving, full of life and love.  But I still believe.

I sat and watched the old couple, only half listening to the three young men I am working with.  Two of them are married and I’ve asked questions here and there about their relationships.  I do wish them well.  Not giving advice, because even though I think 'failure is experience', it’s not the same as someone who’s weathered the hard and come out on the other side.

Cambrey, my daughter is recently married and I pray for both she and Cody often.  I don’t know their path but I wish and hope the absolute best for them.  And as for me, well I’m still waiting on the “Dude” upstairs to shine his light down on someone special for me.

Maybe in 20 years I'll sit holding the hand of someone who looks at me the same way that little old lady looked at her beau.  With a smile of knowing…

…and a heart full of love.

~ Peace

The Burtle