They were sitting across from me at
The restaurant, a striking white haired
Couple, married more than fifty years.
As we chatted I sensed the love
Between them.
The gentleman complimented his wife,
Carefully choosing words to describe her,
Words like faithful,
Loving,
Committed,
Devoted,
An outstanding mother.
He tenderly related how he would come home from a
Tiring day at the university where he taught and
See the lights in the window and smell the
Delicious meal waiting for him.
As his wife greeted him warmly at the door, fixed up
Just for him, he was overcome with gratitude,
Blessed beyond measure.
His devotion to her only increased when she
Was struck by cancer.
(Which she thankfully survived.)
I saw the shy pleasure on his wife's face as he
Commended her.
I felt almost like an intruder as I observed the
Strong connection, the affection between them.
I could have been envious, wondering why my
Years with Jack had been so few.
But instead, I rejoiced with them,
Applauded these coupled ones who
Still treated and treasured each other after
Fifty six years as though they were newly wed.
(Muriel is battling cancer again, and George is faithfully tending to her needs. They have been isolated for months now. All of us who know the Martins are blessed.)