Charlie & Betty, 1939
She walked down the brightly lit hallway her slow steps muted by the industrial carpet and low conversations in the nurses station. Her frail frame weighted down by the knowledge that this would be the last time she would see her husband of more than 70 years.
He lay in the dim light of the hospital room, his head propped up on a thick pillow. She perched on the edge of a chair near his raised bed making her already petite frame seem even smaller. Reaching up she slipped her hand into his and the years melted away.
Tears formed, she fought them back, dragging in a deep ragged breath she shook her head and quietly said, “Did I ever tell you how we met?”
She smiled as she described a trip to the Hippodrome (a roller skating rink in Southern California) the hottest skater on the floor (Charlie) and a shy beauty (Betty). Grandma’s girlfriends were all in agreement, Charlie was a keeper. In addition to his devastating roller skating abilities, curly blonde hair and rakish smile he had a sail boat and a Ford V8.
Charlie & Betty, 2010
She was fuzzy on the details of how she snagged him, but a year later they were married, and nearly 72 years later she held his hand, caressed his forehead and leaned in close to whisper… “Goodbye Pop, I love you!”
21 Comments
Jolynn, what a beautiful description of what we witnessed the day she kissed Pop goodbye for the last time. Thank you for this.
Love you,
Auntie
Jolynn, what a beautiful description of what we witnessed the day she kissed Pop goodbye for the last time. Thank you for this.
Love you,
Auntie
Jolynn, what a beautiful description of what we witnessed the day she kissed Pop goodbye for the last time. Thank you for this.
Love you,
Auntie
Thank you for such a touching tribute, JoLynn. He had a special place in my heart.
Thank you for such a touching tribute, JoLynn. He had a special place in my heart.
Thank you for such a touching tribute, JoLynn. He had a special place in my heart.
you made me cry. thank you for that.
you made me cry. thank you for that.
you made me cry. thank you for that.
Tears. What a blessing their example is to all of us.
Nearly bubbled!! am sure they both appreciate what you have said and done ,, sooo much mate, ,, proud of you and no doubt they are as well.
Keep ahold, get ya arse inti gear and get back ti the good things you do!! (sorry for the language Aunty,,, LOL)
Nearly bubbled!! am sure they both appreciate what you have said and done ,, sooo much mate, ,, proud of you and no doubt they are as well.
Keep ahold, get ya arse inti gear and get back ti the good things you do!! (sorry for the language Aunty,,, LOL)
Nearly bubbled!! am sure they both appreciate what you have said and done ,, sooo much mate, ,, proud of you and no doubt they are as well.
Keep ahold, get ya arse inti gear and get back ti the good things you do!! (sorry for the language Aunty,,, LOL)
Jolynn, you have a gift of writing and of loving. Thank you so much for the words you expressed. I cried and relived memories and knowing that I’m doubly related makes me feel even more emotion. Be sure to give Aunt Betty lots of hugs from me while you are there. And if you need to refer to me as Mary Jane, that’s ok. I understand. I called myself that everytime I went to the hospital to see him, hold his hand, kiss his forehead and tell him how much I loved him. What a wonderful man! I think he was an example of what Jesus would have used for a Father, Brother, Uncle, Grandfather and Man in the human race. I love you Jo. Keep on writing. You’re really good at it.
Jolynn, you have a gift of writing and of loving. Thank you so much for the words you expressed. I cried and relived memories and knowing that I’m doubly related makes me feel even more emotion. Be sure to give Aunt Betty lots of hugs from me while you are there. And if you need to refer to me as Mary Jane, that’s ok. I understand. I called myself that everytime I went to the hospital to see him, hold his hand, kiss his forehead and tell him how much I loved him. What a wonderful man! I think he was an example of what Jesus would have used for a Father, Brother, Uncle, Grandfather and Man in the human race. I love you Jo. Keep on writing. You’re really good at it.
Jolynn, you have a gift of writing and of loving. Thank you so much for the words you expressed. I cried and relived memories and knowing that I’m doubly related makes me feel even more emotion. Be sure to give Aunt Betty lots of hugs from me while you are there. And if you need to refer to me as Mary Jane, that’s ok. I understand. I called myself that everytime I went to the hospital to see him, hold his hand, kiss his forehead and tell him how much I loved him. What a wonderful man! I think he was an example of what Jesus would have used for a Father, Brother, Uncle, Grandfather and Man in the human race. I love you Jo. Keep on writing. You’re really good at it.
Absolutely touching sweetie. You are gifted in some many ways. Love you, Neener
Absolutely touching sweetie. You are gifted in some many ways. Love you, Neener
Absolutely touching sweetie. You are gifted in some many ways. Love you, Neener
I read your blog again with much more attentiveness as I feel more fragile myself after my tumble down the stairs.. Thank you for your wonderful insights about life and relationships.
The little things that make life big do not escape your attention!
Love you
I read your blog again with much more attentiveness as I feel more fragile myself after my tumble down the stairs.. Thank you for your wonderful insights about life and relationships.
The little things that make life big do not escape your attention!
Love you