A Circle of Life....

The sunflowers that I nurtured all summer bloomed this week

Today I went to the Crow Wing County Courthouse to apply for our marriage license. While I was in line, a gentleman by the name of Nelson was in the line next to mine. After hearing me discuss my marriage license to the person at the desk, he gave me a glance, and with tears in his eyes said to me, "Sweetheart, I am here to fill out my wife's death certificate.....we were married 66 glorious years." I went about my business, raising my right hand, stating everything was true to the best of my knowledge, paid my $110.00 to the state and looked for my keys and cell phone. When I was about the leave, I saw the man sitting at a nearby table quietly crying. It was painfully obvious that the death of his wife was very recent. He said to me, "Could I have a hug?" I gave him a hug and his wish for me was a marriage as long and fun as his was....

I will never forget that man.

A few days ago, I organized a collage of engagement photos into a frame. In one opening I insterted the quote, "I can't remember a time until now that forever didn't seem long enough." Sean and I are 26 and 24. Logically we know, we will not live forever. In a few days, we will say the words, till death do us part. I wonder though, how many newly married couples ever really live like they don't have forever. Ever since I met Sean, I thought that forever with him still isn't long enough. The man at the courthouse though, reminded me that life is a journey. He walked beside his wife for "66 glorious years." I can only hope that Sean and I are that lucky. On a day that nothing could sadden me, I stood beside a man who felt like nothing could make him happy again. Everyone has a story...