Relationships in which love never fades are rare, but the love between this couple, who have been sticking to each other for over 67 years, is truly what this generation calls relationship goals! All these years of being in love, the road was bumpy and filled with hardships; however, the joy that love brought was immense, and they kept holding onto each other through it all. It was eight years ago when their relationship took a significant turn.
Grandma unexpectedly went through an AVM. It is a cluster of blood vessels that ruptured in her brain, and the condition required her to go through an emergency surgery. Due to age factors and as the condition was fatal, her journey towards healing was arduous. Everything had to be taught to her just like you teach a newborn. From learning to walk, talk, and eat, she relearned everything, and just one person stood firmly beside her. Even after so many years of being together, Grandpa looked at her with eyes full of love and was entirely devoted to making her feel beautiful.
Seeing this kind of love, the family knew it was rare. It was the kind most people wish and dream of, yet they never experience in life. Things got better with time, and although some days were tough, Grandma’s health significantly improved as time passed. However, it was just for the next few years, as their life took a critical turn when grandpa showed symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. It was not just hard for grandma to accept, but also for the entire family, as grandfather was the life of the party. He was the one who could crack the funniest jokes that would give the family a bellyache, and he spent most of his time playing with grandkids.
Seeing him forget essential things and the spark getting dimmed was tough, as since the diagnosis, he has become moody, and the worst part is that he even forgets Grandma sometimes. Seventy years of togetherness, humans tend to ignore people they love because of a single disease. However, grandma’s love becomes more prominent when he forgets her.
Even at such an age, she never forgets to love and care for grandma, and she clearly refuses the idea of nursing because of her faith that God will make things for the couple. She knows that when everyone had lost hope, she was able to recover from AVM because of her unshakeable faith and knows how God will help through this, too.
On days Grandpa forgets Grandma, she holds his hand tight, like she has been doing for the past 70 years. Holding hands is not just about telling your partner you are and will always be present for them through thick and thin. Although not requiring much effort, these little gestures keep the relationship going and remind you of what love feels like.
The family often sat with the couple they adored the most and asked them the key ingredient behind such a healthy and successful relationship. Grandma replied simply yet powerfully: ‘Stick it out.’ The generation the couple belonged to had its priorities set, and it knew exactly what to value. The sincerity in their hearts and the determination to fix broken things made them cover a long journey of seventy years together.
Love is no longer just an inspiration for the family but also for millions of people who were able to read the story of patience and what love requires you to endure at times. This is the perfect example of unconditional love and a reminder that no matter how tough things get, be present and keep loving!
