Growing old

Tonight I had the opportunity to visit with a couple in our ward.
As I sat on their cozy couch, listening to their story, I was deeply impressed.

They had each lost a spouse and had children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren of their own.
They met while they were both married and deeply in love with their respective spouses.
Her husband passed away. And later, his wife passed away.

About a year later he came knocking on her door to see if he could mow her lawn. And not long after that they were married. (We were given more wonderful details, but I'm not writing their book...yet)

They have been married for 4 years. She is spunky and funny and sweet. He is quiet, and dignified, and kind. They look at each other with the kind of eyes that I dream Jeff and I will have after years and years of marriage.
They have a special bond. One I can only imagine is strengthened by their shared losses and renewed faith and hope in life and love.

He is dying of cancer.

I have heard him bear his testimony before. During a sacrament meeting filled with two little boys who kept me so busy I seldom heard the speakers-- but his testimony stood out. It was simple. It was positive. It was powerful. It brought me to tears.

And then tonight I was able to sit with him and his wife and feel of their love for each other and for their Savior. They laughed, they smiled, they shared their lives with us.

They showed me what it means to grow old.

And I hope that with each year I have on this earth I will grow. Grow in service, in kindness, in faith, in hope, and in love.

I am in awe. Truly.