That Kind of Love

I hardly made it through mass on Father's Day.  I was crazy emotional and felt I was going to lose it at any moment.  

Doug and I sat behind this adorable elderly couple.  We often see them at mass.  They sit in the same place each week.  It is obvious to anyone who sees them that they have been together for their entire lives... I imagine they were high school sweethearts.  They love each other unconditionally and are incredibly cute.  They seem very devout.  They both pray so hard before mass and participate fully.  Their faith is not a spectator sport.  The husband has always seemed so in love with his wife... gently leading her into the pew, holding her hand during mass, his hand on her shoulder on the way up to communion and holding hands on the way out of mass.  The wife is always very quiet, with a gentle smile on her face at all times.  

Right before mass began, the husband leaned back to say something to Doug and I.  He whispered that his wife has early Alzheimer's and he was needed as an Eucharistic Minister.  He was asking if we would make sure she got back to the pew after communion.  He said she would know to go to communion and would be fine, but wanted to make sure she made it through all the people and back to 'their spot'.  We agreed and I started crying.... and pretty much didn't stop until we were out of the church.  

The readings got to me... the music got to me... the father's day blessing got to me... and this couple really touched me.  I cried during the whole mass... with no tissues in sight!

She made it back to the pew fine after communion and knelt down to pray.  He came back to the pew, knelt down by her and held her hand.  Ahhhh... more tears.  What an amazing love!!  You can tell that he will be taking care of her someday and he wouldn't want to do anything else.  They are a true example of the vows we take when we get married.  I'm sure they have been through a lot in their life... the wrinkles on their faces speak volumes.  Their faith was so clear.  Here they are, praising God and loving each other.  In a world where people get married and divorced like it is no big deal, this was amazing to see.  I bet they could give everyone a few lessons on how it is done.  Wow.  I'm still in awe... and still tearing up when I think about it.  I hope we sit by them again.  I'll bring some tissues next time.