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Thursday, March 31, 2011

A Tie



44 days after losing his sweetheart on Valentine's Day, my granddad's heart decided, yesterday, that enough was enough. After 62 years of marriage, I suppose forty-four days was more than anyone could take. Although losing both of them within forty-four days, is a bit more than my heart can take.

I can vividly remember a conversation I witnessed, as a young adult, between the two of them. They were bickering, in that way that people who've been married for a lifetime do, about their health and each others lifestyle attitudes. Each believed they would live longer than the other. They ended the conversation by saying to each other, "Well, we'll see won't we?" And since that day, I have sat quietly wondering, from time to time, who would be right. Never in all my thoughts, did I ever consider the outcome would be like this.
 My grandparents, winners of the Kroehler Picnic three-legged race 1946.



There is only one way I can call this race. 

A tie.


I'll be away for a few days, until then,
~Be well friends~

33 comments:

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

Oh Andrea my heart goes out to you...I feel your pain my friend. Its not often in this life that you see that kind of love. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Maura XO

Anke said...

Andrea, I am so very sorry for your loss.

Dianna said...

Aw...... I am so, so sorry. What a beautiful tribute to your grandparents.

In June, my in-laws will have been married for 69 years. And although it isn't spoken, I think everyone in the family wonders how long one would survive without the other.

Love that picture of them!
Sending comforting thoughts your way.

MJ said...

OH Andrea, I am so sorry. This feels so sad, yet peaceful in some ways. My thoughts are with you and your family as you move through this. Many many blessings...

Harvest Kitchen Sisters said...

beautiful... love springs eternal. The picture is beautiful and my heart goes out to you and yours.

Chris at Red Gate Farm said...

Andrea my thoughts are with you and your family... what a wonderful memory of two people that are dear to you... and a beautiful photo as well.

~Chris

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

How much can a heart take? 44 days of being without her were just enough, I guess. And now, they are re-united.
I am filled with such sadness that you have to go through this again so soon. It is so hard to lose someone, yet in this story, it fills me with joy to think of them together again....
J and I send our condolences to your family.

LYLAS
xo, misha

TexWisGirl said...

Oh I am so sorry, but glad they are reunited again after a short distance separated them. What a wonderful photo of them... Together again.

Dawn said...

I have tears.
Truly sorry your loss.
But you're right...it is a tie. They are together yet again.
Hugs

Tami said...

What a wonderful legacy they left, it really is all we have in the end. May you continue to feel their love during this time.

Michelle @ Give a Girl a Fig said...

I've only recently "met" you...but wanted to say I'm so sorry for your loss. I know exactly what you mean about your heart aching for him after your great grandmother went to heaven. I felt the same way for my grandfather...

Take good care...xo

Nancy said...

How sad. I'm sorry, Andrea. Big hugs from Nebraska.

ain't for city gals said...

Tears of joy and tears of sadness, Andrea. I once read that the reward for good people is to pass peacefully....i think both of your grandparents did and I can only think your grandfathers last thought was how happy he was going to be seeing your grandmother again. ...take care, my friend..

Dandy said...

Oh my gosh, I'm a total mess. What wonderful love they must have. That picture is gorgeous, I love how joyful it is.

I'm so sorry, what a loss.

I'm so glad they have you as such a wonderful legacy of their love.

Vintage Country Girl said...

I am so very sorry for you. I still have all 4 of my grandparents...all have been married 60 years. I have no idea what I will do when one goes...please know I'm thinking of you, even though we've never met...and how great that you have that wonderful picture. Blow it up and hang it up for all to see!

Osage Bluff Quilter said...

So sorry for your loss. I guess it's true you can die of a broken heart. They are now having races in heaven toether!
Blessings

Joan said...

So sorry for your loss. How sad for you to lose both of them so close together. But your grandparents are together again now and forevermore. Their love for each other will live on in you. God bless you. Take care of yourself. Hugs and prayers, Joan

Lollie said...

I am so sorry you had to loose them both so close together. What a beautiful love they must have had, that he couldn't live with out her. I'm getting all emotional. I hope more people can experience a love so strong. What a beautiful legacy they left for you and your children:)

Ashley said...

Such a beautiful photo, and lovely words. I'm so sorry. My heart goes out to you and your family. I know it can't help much, but you have my deepest sympathy.

Deb said...

Oh my dear, I am so sorry. It's wonderful to think that maybe they are together again now. Take comfort that they had a long and happy life. That's a wonderful photo of them.

Staci@LifeAtCobbleHillFarm said...

Andrea I am so sorry. What a wonderful photo and stories to share.
My thoughts are with you.
Staci

Lisa ~Suburban Retreat~ said...

Oh Dear Andrea ... I am so sad to read this post! My heart aches for you and you will be in my prayers! xox

Rural Rambler said...

Andrea I am so sorry. That picture of them racing is, OhMyGosh I have no words. It's just the bestest picture. The smiles. The fun they are having. Keep that picture tucked close to your heart. I will be thinking of you and saying prayers for your family.

Mary, Windy Meadows Farm said...

I'm so sorry to read this sad news...I know your heart is heavy. I hope it helps to think how happy their reunion must have been. It helps a broken heart to know that families are forever, and they will always have each other. -Mary

The Fairy's Apprentice said...

I'm sorry, Andrea, my heart is close to you. Hope you'll be fine.
Camelia

Verde Farm said...

Andrea, I am crying as you have touched my heart. I work with the elderly and I am always amazed how often this happens when life long love is interrupted by one leaving. True love I believe. I am so sorry for you and your family but I know they are running that 3-legged race right now. Big open arms to you my friend.

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

Beautiful post. I'm praying for you.

miss lady*cakes said...

My condolences, Andrea. This was a beautifully written tribute. I aspire to find a love like theirs; its what I want the most in my life. So, I thank you for sharing this story, and reminding us all how bittersweet this Love, this Life can be.
Peace.
Kendra

Elle Bee said...

That is certainly the best finish to this race I can think of for a couple so sweet. You are in my thoughts and prayers Andrea.

Cheryl said...

What a lovely photo to have of your grandparents!
So sorry for your loss!

Flat Creek Farm said...

Oh Andrea, I am so sorry to hear this - very bittersweet. It's truly as though they couldn't live apart for very long. Loads of hugs being sent your way at this time from all of us (critters & humans) to you and your family. I totally adore that photo of your grandparents. The very meaning of priceless. -Tammy

Wren said...

Sending you warm thoughts during this time of loss. I love the photo you chose..so special. Keeping you in my thoughts..

Dog Trot Farm said...

Andrea, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. What a touching love story your grandparent's shared. In death they are reunited. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Julie