Long-time Love

About a week ago, my husband and I made a long day’s drive to see my parents.  They are in their late eighties and I hadn’t seen them in over a year.  Mostly we talked and ate.  While we were there, we celebrated our 35^th wedding anniversary.  My mom made reservations for the patio of a local restaurant and all my siblings plus a cousin joined us.  We had a delightful time visiting.  For dessert we celebrated with a delicious strawberry cheese pie.  My mom reminded us that they had just celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary.

Sixty-five years is a long time.  I began thinking about it on our long drive home.  From our car CD player, we heard the lovely song, “Longer” by Dan Fogelberg, a song that was sung at our wedding.  I always think of our special day when I hear that song, but this time it occurred to me that it is so much more appropriate for my parents.  I am touched by the little ways they look out for each other.  Sure, they have their arguments just like everybody else.  However, there is something extremely special about such a long-term close relationship.  They know each other so well.  My parents still hold hands.  The tenderness I see between them touches my heart.  My mom constantly watches out for my dad and worries if he is out of sight; he has fallen recently and now walks with a cane.  My dad makes tea for my mom most evenings, putting it in her own special teapot and cup.  Age brings physical problems; they take turns putting drops into each other’s eyes.  There are smiles and looks that are reserved only for each other.  They now take joy in simple things.  They love to go for a drive in the country and discover new places or simply sit in their chairs and watch a favorite TV show.   I look at them and I know what love is.

I think this song could have been written for them.

"Longer"

By Dan Fogelberg

Longer than there've been fishes in the ocean
Higher than any bird ever flew
Longer than there've been stars up in the heavens
I've been in love with you

Stronger than any mountain cathedral
Truer than any tree ever grew
Deeper than any forest primeval
I am in love with you

I'll bring fire in the winters
You'll send showers in the springs
We'll fly through the falls and summers
With love on our wings

Through the years, as the fire starts to mellow
Burning lines in the book of our lives
Though the binding cracks and the pages start to yellow
I'll be in love with you
I'll be in love with you

Longer than there've been fishes in the ocean
Higher than any bird ever flew
Longer than there've been stars up in the heavens
I've been in love with you
I am in love with you