69 Years

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It was just a little grocery store cake. It was just another couple holding hands.

But it was not just another anniversary.

There he was, this little old man in his wheelchair, with a constant flow of portable oxygen hooked up through his nasal cannula, smiling as his wife walked into the room. When her eyes found his, her smile lit up her whole face. His eyes left hers for only a brief moment as he watched his family come down the hall behind her carrying that inexpensive grocery store cake, littered with orange flowers over the top. It was a precious celebration to be able to witness. Just a simple family gathering in the facility dining room where I work as a caregiver, but it was a time filled with love- 69 years’ worth to be exact.

I stood back and watched the scene play out for a few moments, smiling to myself as the little group offered cake to any of the other residents or staff that wanted to partake in their party. I, too, was handed a piece right before the family got ready to leave. I stayed at that table for a second or so, offering my congratulations to the couple and I asked the man-

 “What’s your secret to such a long marriage?”

His eyes never left hers as he answered “I picked a good one. You don’t need a secret if you’ve got a good one.” Then he laughed and turned his head toward me, “Plus, she’s always right.” That earned him a giggle from his bride and a kiss.

Tears shone in the wife’s eyes as they got ready to leave. Her husband had severe memory issues and was actively dying. This would more than likely be the last anniversary celebration they’d be sharing. She leaned in toward him, so that her small voice could reach his ears, and said “I’m going home now, I’ll see you tomorrow. I love you.”

He grabbed her hand and replied “Be safe, Babe.” Then he kissed her goodbye.

That’s it. That right there is what I want in a relationship.

People have been asking me lately about my relationship status, or lack thereof. By people I mean, co-workers, friends, family members, even some of my residents that I give care to everyday. I guess it is a little odd that an almost 20 year old girl doesn’t have a boyfriend; but it’s downright counter-cultural of me to reply that I’ve NEVER had one.

Call me what you will- legalistic, sappy, pathetic, hopeless-romantic; hey, I don’t care, but I’m waiting. I’m waiting for the man that the Lord brings to me. I’m waiting for a relationship like that couple had. I’m waiting for a life so filled with Jesus and love that others are blessed through our marriage.  I’m waiting for grocery store cakes with cheesy-looking orange flowers. I’m waiting for “Be safe, Babe.” I’m waiting for eyes so focused on me that the rest of the world disappears into the background noise. I’m waiting for, Lord willing, 69 years together. I’ll push him in his wheelchair, or he can push me in mine. We can sit side-by-side at the facility window and count the squirrels running up the trees. I’m waiting for a man that will still want to hold my hand even when it’s old and frail. I’m waiting for what they had. 

If you're reading this, my future husband (whoever you are), I'm waiting for you. So be ready for the long haul!