Strength

I met an old man who loved his wife. Loved her with the love they write about in great literature, they film for the movies, and which every person believes is too good to be true. He was gentle in actions and words, frail in his age and soft in his good humor. I imagine him in sweaters, silently drinking tea, walking slowly in the fall, taking naps in a large arm chair. I recently heard that his wife was getting ready to pass on. And I found out that the morning she passed, as her breathing grew labored, he held her hand, leaned in close and told her it was time to leave. And so she did. In my minds eye I remember his soft and gentle manners, his frailty, and I am moved by the strength of an old man to give the love of his life permission to move on. I am changed: I see him as a stalwart, as strong arms, a surging wave, a radiant leader. He demonstrated a strength of the soul and a supernatural fortitude that transcends his physical countenance and anything that I would have the gumption to exhibit. He is worthy of respect.

I have gained a powerful loyalty to and respect for

a real man of power in God,

who without even knowing it has

completely transformed

my definition of

strength.

10/4/11