I saw this story, Real-Life 'Notebook" Couple Dies Hand-In-Hand and I thought, what an incredible story, this couple who died within hours of each other.
I have been privileged in my life to know similar stories. The one I know best is the story of my aunt and uncle who died within hours of each other, December 23, 2008. My uncle Bobby had had Parkinson's for years but my aunt was always healthy. He was doing poorly and hospice had been called in, and there was a hospital bed in their family room. My aunt was sitting on the couch and just died, of a massive heart attack. They took her to the hospital, came back, and my uncle had passed away.
He didn't want to live without her. They had been in love for more than 50 years and had the best marriage I've ever seen. Below, they are in the photo with their son Robert. They also had two daughters.
photo credit Don Hasty
If I could wave a magic wand and wish anything for my children it would be this - that they could find a partner for life that would give them the same kind of love and devotion my aunt and uncle had for each other. Actually, even half as much love and devotion would be more than enough.
Another story I know is my dad's parents. They married late in life but had a very strong bond.
My grandmother Cordelia spent years nursing my grandfather because he had emphysema. They lived on his social security and really didn't have much. When he died, though, she couldn't bear to be in the house without him at night so she would go next door and sleep in her neighbor's guestroom. Within about 2 years after he died, she died.
I wish I had known her. Mom said I am a lot like her -- from the reddish-brown hair, to the sound of her laugh.
Below, the only photo I have of Thompson and Cordelia. I think that's my uncle Bobby with them. [Yes, I had two uncles named Bobby...]
Below, a shot I like much better. She's holding my cousin Frann, the grandchild she kept all the time and knew the best. Now Frann has grandchildren. [Not sure why Cordelia had her dress pulled up and her slip showing, likely just because it was hot and the house wasn't air-conditioned..]
