In olden times, marriage was considered a contract that only ended when a death occurred. At the end of a couple’s vows, as they stand and promise to love one another forever; through thick and thin…through good health and bad…highs and lows, they were stating their vows as a lifelong commitment to each other, only to be broken if one of them dies. In wedding vows today, the wording may be different. ‘Until death’ is often replaced with sweeter sounding sentiments such as; forever, for all time, for eternity, from this day forward, from now until the end of time, etc.
The sad reality is though, that divorce rates in 2024 were said to be between 40% to 50% for first marriages…and yes, I found that number in an early morning internet search…so don’t quote me…but that’s not my point this morning…I do have one, I promise…
This past weekend, I attended a funeral…a double funeral. Two of my neighbors, and long time fellow church congregation members died. I had the privilege of knowing them for the past 24 years…and they not only watched my girls grow up, they watched my husband grow up too. They were the first in our neighborhood…they raised a beautiful family together, filled with children, grandchildren and even a few great grandchildren. They were in their mid 90’s, and had been married for 69 years. They upheld their marriage vows in the most poetic way…they died within 24 hours of each other.
After the funeral, I remembered this photo/saying that I stumbled across online after my husband died, and I smiled. This couple didn’t live long without their spouse. They truly spent their lives together, until death do us part…and the beautiful thing is, they are reunited for eternity.
I felt compelled to write about this today…more so the ‘early morning-can’t sleep-random thoughts rolling around in my brain’ reasoning…but also because I think when someone in our lives die, we grieve. This couple was dear to my heart…and my condolences go to their family. To suffer the loss of a loved one, is heartbreaking, and this family has lost two, amazing people. They left behind a wonderful legacy, and they will be forever missed.
It’s 5:00 am…I sure hope some of this made sense…if it didn’t, I thank you for sticking it through to the end. Grief brain is real…and that’s ok. I hope you have a wonderful day filled with love and light. Talk soon…
Branches of Hope 