WHAT IS TRUE LOVE?

It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 am, when an elderly gentleman, in his 80's, presented
to have sutures (stitches) removed from his thumb.

He stated that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before
someone would to able to see him.

I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.

On exam it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, we began to engage in conversation. I asked him if he had a doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.

The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.

I then inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer Disease.

As we talked, and I finished dressing his wound, I asked if she would be worried if he was a bit late.

He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised, and I asked him, "And you are still going every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?"

He smiled as he patted my hand and said... "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of love I want in my life."

True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

* DEAR LORD, You are Love and from You alone can we really learn what true love is. And so help us learn how to love each other completely and unconditionally. As husband and wife we have our own shares of imperfection.And yet, Lord, You love us just as we are with all our flaws and weaknesses. Teach us, therefore, to love and accept each other without reservation. Inspire each one of us to go out of our way to make the other feel needed, appreciated and special. In good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, let us give each other the security of feeling truly loved.

Beyond all, for Your faithfulness, make us hold hands and voice a psalm of gratitude and praise.Lord, we thank You that we can always feel and see Your love and glory everywhere!