Lifetime Loving

This is the story of two hearts nestled in the sands of time. Marie had a gentle spirit. She gave birth twice before the age of 20. Her husband dropped out of her life and her own father suddenly died, soon after that, in a work accident. She was left to support and raise two hungry mouths. She got work where she could but never seemed to make ends meet. Still, the children grew. When her daughter turned 19 Marie had a breakdown. Her fragile spirit crumpled under the pressures of life. She went to live with her daughter. Except for a few short other-family visits, she remained with her daughter for almost 50 years. Even when her daughter married, Marie became a part of the family package.
They were settled in Texas. Then Marie’s dementia became evermore apparent. Apparently, in Texas, it is difficult to find help for struggling senior citizens who have no money. They moved out to The West Coast where such services are more readily available. Marie could now get proper medical attention. In-home services paid her daughter for her care. That was enough to pay the rent. Times were hard for mother and daughter, but they never separated. In all, they were together for 70 years.
Marie passed away two nights ago at the age of 89. I was privileged to be there with the two of them when she passed. It is one thing to be married to someone for so long a time, but these two lived together from her daughter’s birth to Marie’s death. Watching my friend navigate through her grief is heart-wrenching. At 70 she’s having to start a new life without her ever-present mother.
I took my friend to church tonight. This was the first time she walked out the door without securing a sitter to keep her mother safe. That is a freedom my friend is not used to. She will continue to mourn, but my prayer is that she also begins to find joy in the freedoms she will experience.
My friend is amazing.
In my world, there are not many like her.
I love you Buddy!