Wilfred wooed Thelma for five years before he married her. Letters diverted from a disapproving mother didn't cool his determination. His constancy continues now from the place where she lives full time and he lives day times. Her thick brown hair is still lush, but grey. A stroke ten years ago changed the direction of what they had envisioned for their golden years. They have gone far past plans A or B.
Their view is one we can only partially empathize with as we look inside, and they look out with acceptance.
Fifty nine years of deciding to honor their vows is an epic story. The prairie yields many similar stories. The staying power of love thrives here. We have seen it up close ourselves. Too close. Perhaps roots grow extra deep in this lonely sod?
Thelma was a stunning young woman on the outside. Being in her presence for even a short while reveals a woman who is stunning on the inside, too. I was the one who felt visited. And blessed in her presence. All heaven will welcome one such as she. She stays because we need her light and love.
3 comments:
You honor with your words, Kathleen.
My Love, Your Pictures and Words tell such "real" stories.
"If a picture paints a thousand words,
Then why can't I paint you?
The words will never show the you I've come to know.
--
If a man could be two places at one time,
I'd be with you.
Tomorrow and today, beside you all the way.
If the world should stop revolving spinning slowly down to die,
I'd spend the end with you.
And when the world was through,
Then one by one the stars would all go out,
Then you and I would simply fly away"
I think David Gates of Bread wrote this song for me! :)
Kathleen- I so enjoy the way you can reach into a persons soul with your words. Love for 50+ years? My wife and I are on our way.
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