His bride, that is how he referred to her. Even after many years of marriage, he was still excited that she was his bride. Whenever she was not near to him, he felt like a part of himself was missing. Over the years what remained of her, were memories of love. For God called her home, sooner than him. He kept her picture after she passed beside his favorite chair, where he would often look at it, after she had gone. He wore her favorite cologne, as it made him feel more connected to all things’ her.’ He often talked about her as though he were talking of the most beautiful, spectacular woman. For to him, that is exactly who she was. It was often heard, his plead with God to take him home to be with her. For every minute without her, seemed as though an hour. An hour seemed as though a year and as the years passed by, a lifetime. For before she had passed, she came down with a disease that stole her mind from her.  Over time, she was put in a nursing home, as he could no longer care for her at their home. This broke his heart to do so, but he was advised it was the best for her under the circumstances. So, he put her in the best home he could, as close to him as possible. Everyday at breakfast, lunch and dinner he sat with her. She did not always remember his name, but she was peaceful when he was near. He would feed her and though this woman was no longer the one he married; he still showed up; loving her all the same. My Grandpa has now since passed. How lovely it will be to see him with his bride again in Heaven. They both loved each other beautifully and deeply. I have spent many years longing for a love like my grandparents. In God’s grace and kindness; I have been blessed with a wonderful husband who referrers to me as, ‘my love.’ Though I know my grandparents love was built on the foundation of their faith, with God at the center. Respect, kindness and a genuine love and care held close no matter what. Through the good and the bad, it is on those principles that made their love so beautiful. My husband and I build our love on that same foundation. Friend, if you want a beautiful love, it must be built with God at the center. Everything flows from that. I pray that your love can be different than the worlds standards of it. I pray it is something special. That it last long after your loves last breath. For a love like that does exist, and it truly is a gift from God. Cherish it as such, with God at the core.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Genesis 2:24 NIV

That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Matthew 19:6 NIV

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.