65 years later and they still make each other laugh. They still look at each other with love in their eyes. And there's something more. A knowing. They know each other. Not the way I know Bryan, and I like to think I know Bryan inside out and all around. But they know each other in a way that one can only know another person after spending 65 years together.
They've been through a lot. A lot. Cancer. Stroke. War. And then the normal stuff that every couple faces. And they are amazing. I love that you can see the compassion they have for one another written on their faces. It's a secret language that can only be acquired through years of experience.
Papa isn't doing well. He has his good days. He has his bad. But yesterday was a great day. He laughed. He drank a glass of wine. He had a nice dinner. And he ate some cake. He showed us all that the key to 65 years is not only love, but knowing two very important words: "Yes, Wilma."
Papa can have troubles with numbers and words at times. Mum-mum does her part to help him get things right. So, when Papa wished Mum-mum a Happy 195th Anniversary she posted signs by his bed reminding him that they have, in fact, been married for 65 years. Papa thought this was a hoot and got a kick out of telling us about his flub. When Bryan told him that would make Papa 200 years old, Papa thought that was the funniest thing... I love hearing Papa laugh. I love seeing Mum-mum's face when she hears Papa laugh.
Mum-mum asked him if she was the same beautiful bride he married 65 years ago. He chuckled and said, "Yes, Wilma." I would venture a guess that he meant that with every fiber of his being. When they look at each other. When they share a moment that the rest of us can only be blessed enough to be witness to, you see the blushing bride and the dashing groom they were 65 years ago.
Hi Jocelyn & Bryan, We don't know each other but my dad is Normans brother Ray. He showed this blog to me this morning and I somehow found it on the internet. I would like to tell you how much my dad loved what you wrote. (it is beautiful) When he read it it made him laugh and cry. It is amazing when you watch couples that have been married so many years how they know each other like you wrote. My parents celebrated 60 years last August, so I know what you mean. Thank you for sharing this with us and the world. Cathy
ReplyDeleteHi Cathy,
DeleteI'm glad this reached you. It was very nice to hear from you. It meant a lot to us to be able to celebrate that occasion with them. They are both very special to us. We miss Papa dearly, but we have many great memories of him to make us smile in his absence.
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