73

 He hobbled over to me in great discomfort leaning heavily on a cane. He was an older gentleman. He wore blue jeans, cowboy boots, a black jacket and donned a black cap. He started the conversation with these words, "I lost my wife in September. We were married 73 years and I am still not over losing her. I have had a hard time."

He married his wife when she was only 17 years old. There are many people who do not live to be 73 much less remain married for 73 years. Do the math. They were married in 1952. 

It was a far different world in 1952. President Dwight Eisenhower was elected President that year. King George the VI died and his princess daughter became Queen Elizabeth II. Notable events included detonation of the first nuclear bomb in Nevada, the invention of the first transistor radio, and the invention of the classic popular toy Mr. Potato Head. It was a far different world. No cell phones. No internet. No streaming services for music or movies. 

Just two young lovers tieing the knot and starting their marital journey together. Could either have dreamed they would make it to 73 years? Over seven decades of meals shared, private conversations, paying bills, raising children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. In that span of time there were mighty triumphs like having children, wage increases, and major purchases such as automobiles and houses. 

The tears in his eyes betrayed his lingering grief. He told me it was hardest when he is alone and he has time to think. So many memories. So much emptiness without the love of his life. I have noticed over the years that when a spouse, child, or anyone else close dies people rally around in the initial days following. Then people get back to their busy lives. They move on while the grieving cannot. They are forced into a world of sorrow that does not subside quickly. They try to go back to a normal life, but what is normal about the person gone whom you spent decades loving. There is no normal. There is going forward and trying to do the best you can. 

My heart hurt for that elderly man. It made me hold Brenda a little tighter and not take even the routine things for granted. A simple meal turned into a snapshot of the heart. A routine conversation into a moment to communicate my unwavering affection. In about four weeks we will celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary. A far cry from 73 years. What a testimony of love. Not something to be taken for granted. So I tip my cap to that man. I am thankful for his example and reminder to not take my beautiful bride for granted. Not after 34 years or even 50 years. Not sure we can make it to 73, but I want to love her to my last breath no matter how many years it ends up to be.