Wednesday, February 13, 2013

A Love that Lasts Forever


The bright flowers in the old man's basket caught my eye 
as I drove down the busy road on my way to somewhere.



I wanted to stop, to watch this tender act of love unfold, 
but it was a busy, busy day... so much to do, so many deadlines to meet.  

In seconds, 
my heart captured this tender moment, 
and here I am, days later, still reflecting on the scene.
 


I've played those few seconds over and over again in my mind, 
touched by what I saw 
and the feelings it drew from my heart.

Funny how our minds can do that, 
remember as though it is just happening.
And still... I long to stop.



I was focused on the familiar road ahead, 
yet very much aware that I was passing the cemetery 
with its carefully placed stones and stately trees lining the perimeter. 

I quickly glanced to my right as I drove by, 
knowing that for whatever reason, 
the view of this landscape brings solace to my soul.



What I saw in those few short seconds 
was far more than I had ever expected.

There... an old man in a wool winter coat and gentleman's hat...
walked rather briskly, 
his long strides defining his haste to go somewhere. 
His slightly bent frame revealed hands wrapped around handles of a modified walker,
a wire basket attached to the front.

There, in the basket, lay the bright bouquet of fresh flowers, 
a stark contrast to the somber grays and whites of this cold and dreary winter's day.




Instinct whispered to me... slow down 
 as I sensed something quite wonderful happening within my view. 

Mindful of deadlines to meet with cars pressing behind me 
on their way to their own somewhere
I did not slow down, 
though deep within my heart I wished that I could. 
Perhaps it was better that I did not,
never would I want to intrude on such a private mo
ment.





I can only imagine the portion of this story 
that I did not see:
The old man, intent to reach the grave of his Sweetheart  
before the approaching storm, walked briskly as he pushed his walker. 

The sweet and abiding love they shared... still deep and vibrant within his broken heart,
beckoned him to leave this token of remembrance... 
a sweet bouquet of flowers.



Perhaps this was not his first such visit... 
my imagination tells me it was not.
 
The love of his lifetime had passed on...
long before his heart could bear to part with her.

Can two hearts so intertwined ever  bear to part?



My own heart skips with joy 
that I have such a love in my life. 

Still living and breathing, 
he walks with me side by side... sharing my everyday. 




Though reason tells me, we too, will part in some distant future, 
I know in my heart it will be but for a season.
He is my forever  love...
how sweet will be the reunion.

I wonder if he'll bring me flowers.


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33 comments:

  1. Hi Carolyn such a heart warming post, my hubby bought me red roses for valentines day - very sweet. Happy valentines day to you.

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  2. How beautiful! My hubby is making dinner tonight.... something with prawns, and noodles.... he knows how I hate the hallmark idea of holidays and yet he finds a way to make me feel special and loved.

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  3. Jen @ MuddybootdreamsFebruary 14, 2013 at 8:24 AM

    And a happy V Day to you also.

    Jen

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  4. What a beautiful story...
    thanks you for sharing this with us!
    Hugs and Happy Valentine's Day my new friend,
    Beth P

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  5. Beautiful, made me cry. Found you through Elisabet at Mossberry Cottage. xo

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  6. That was a lovely story Carolyn !
    Funny enough .. and not to take anything away from your story here.
    Husband and I made our "final arrangements" together, yesterday.
    At one of the most beautiful old cemeteries in Canada right here in Kingston.
    In fact it has been designated as a historic site with our first prime minister buried here.
    The heart of the matter ? ... we made our plans with the adviser with such humour and laughter that the building must have wondered about us ! LOL ...
    We were facing our death together, with a sense of humour, love, and a pinch of respect .. but the humour ? that was the best part : )
    Joy

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  7. Hello Carolyn, Happy Valentine's Day to you and your love, too. I so loved this post, it reminds me not to take anyone for granted, especially our spouses.

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  8. So sweet. And sad. I hope each of us find a love like that in our lives. Happy Valentine's day!

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  9. Sandy @ french laundry 132February 14, 2013 at 9:24 PM

    Very sweet post! Perfect for Valentine's. *sniff* We should always remember to slow down.

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  10. Donna@Gardens Eye ViewFebruary 14, 2013 at 11:49 PM

    And did he bring you flowers? I am sure he did....those forever loves are such a special thing...I have one too and am so thankful every day that he is in my life!

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  11. What a lovely story and a great reminder that we shouldn't take our other half's for granted and cherish each day we have with them. Did you get all those lovely flowers for Valentines Day? My name isn't appearing on the comment - but it's Rosie here from leavesnbloom.com

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  12. I'm greatly touched by your story. Its sad when a deeply entwined love has to be torn asunder by whatever reasons.

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  13. So glad you enjoyed my words, Karen. And happy that your honey gave you roses!

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  14. You have a sweet hubby, your dinner sounds divine.

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  15. Hope your tears are filled with joy! Leave a link so I can visit you!

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  16. Humor is often such a blessing, isn't it?

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  17. I agree... we are always in a hurry to somewhere... makes me wonder "what else am I missing?"

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  18. Yes, he did... we had a lovely evening.

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  19. Rosie, I must admit I bought the mixed bouquet myself to accent this post, but my honey gave me the sweet tulips. It actually snowed for several days after seeing the old man with the flowers at the cemetery. In my perfect world I would have gone back to find where he placed his bouquet. I did go back, but couldn't find the flowers. I did capture an image of that beautiful rock wall. I'm quite certain that the memory of this whole experience is much better dancing in my mind than any words can convey... I'm still touched by it.

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  20. Thank you... so glad you enjoyed it.

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  21. I'm indebted to you for allowing me to accompany you on such a heartfelt journey. Beautiful!

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  22. Very touching and beautifully illustrated with your photos. It's a reminder that true love endures. Have a great week! Deb

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  23. Carolyn, you could soften the heart of, of whom, I don't know, but you have choked me up.

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  24. Thank you, David. So glad you enjoyed this... I'm still reflecting on the experience... and it makes me smile.

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  25. Thank you for your kind words, Carole.

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  26. Beautiful, beautiful post, even if you didnt' stay to see it all happen. Going to visit a loved one's grave seems to be a lost act, but it shows such devotion.

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  27. You witnessed a sweet, tender moment indeed. Always a good practice to love tight those we cherish.

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  28. So touching a post Carolyn. Beautiful words and photos, a story that brings a tear, some joy, and of course, hope.

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  29. We write for ourselves, I suppose. After reading this beautiful post, I am convinced that we also write for each other. How could you have known that I would read this exactly now, as I grieve for a dear friend who is living her very last days? Your story was quiet, still and calm, and I am comforted. Thank you.

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