Last Sunday was a dull, rainy day. I was feeling lackluster. I had just finished teaching at the church and was on my way back to my car, mulling over what I was going to eat for lunch.
An elderly woman approached me at the church with questions about available mass times. We began a conversation. She asked me if I was on my way to meet my husband and children. I smiled and told her that I was very much single and very much childless.
"Oh!" She seemed surprised. "Well, you're still very young."
I smiled at her. "I hope to meet the right person someday."
"You will. I did."
She went on to tell me more about herself. I learned that she was a widow of two years. She told me about her deceased husband, Sam, and how much they loved each other. Her eyes were shining while she told me about him. I learned that she was only a seasonal visitor. Then she told me something that took me by surprise. She'd fallen in love again.
"I never thought I would feel like this, not after my Sam. We were married for forty-seven years. I feel almost foolish, but I think I've really fallen in love." As she said the words, "I think I've really fallen in love," she seemed youthful. She seemed like a young girl. She glowed, and it was beautiful to see.
I said to her, "Love is ageless. Love can happen at any time. It's timeless."
I asked her about this fellow who seemed to capture her heart. I was intrigued by the whole situation. I was intrigued that a stranger would open herself to me like this, and I was intrigued that this elderly woman was experiencing the same types of feelings that young lovers do. Not just the feeling of love, but to fall in love and be giddy about it. It was beautiful.
She expressed some concerns. She had a friend in her hometown who was ill.
"I need to fly back and care for her. I can't leave her. I don't know how he'll take that. I'll be gone for a very long time." She lowered her eyes. She appeared saddened at the thought of him abandoning her.
"If he's right for you, he will understand, and he will wait. He will stay in touch, and you two will be reunited."
"Yes, that's true." She looked up at me. Her eyes brightened. "You're right. Thank you for saying that."
We parted ways, but she left an impression on me. It was her hope. It was her sparkle. It was the idea that love is still possible.
I hope that whatever happens, she receives happiness, and that this man she's met in my small town brings her the same love and happiness that Sam did.
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