Most people would agree that the love stories we see in the movies do not exist in real life. Well that isn't true. My grandfather had a very real love story, one which I will never forget.
To my understanding my grandfather was in love at a very early age, older teen, early adult. And the woman he loved was just as much in love with him. But because they had different religions and their parents were very strict, they were not allowed to get married. Because this hurt my grandfather he moved from New Jersey to here in Pa. It wasn't until his late 30's that he met who would become his wife, my grandmother. They shared the joy of having two boys and were honestly in love with each other. My grandmother struggled with an alcohol addiction which caused her depression issues to become a big influence on their marriage. My grandfather distanced himself and engaged in work. As the boys grew to adulthood, my grandparents relationship was very strained. It was when my parents had me, that my grandparents finally got divorced.
I am not sure how old I was but I do know I was a baby when my grandfather moved back to New Jersey. A few months after being in New Jersey he had called my parents to come visit him. While they were there he introduced them to his new wife. And yes, it is the woman he was in love with way back in his younger years.
Her name was Edna and she had never married. Her sister had told my grandfather that Edna waited for him this entire time. Edna knew in her heart that she had one true love and was willing to wait over 20 plus years to see if he would come back.
Growing up I remember being around Edna and my grandfather and have always admired their relationship. They would sing to each other, feed each other, admire each other with loving eyes, and talk with complete respect to each other. They made me realize what true love really was. It also made me realize that what is meant to be will be.
Longing for that kind of relationship, I made choices to rush into relationships in hopes that it would happen but it never did. You cannot force that kind of love, especially when you don't even love yourself (which I did not).
But I do have a love story of my own. It took me to be almost 40 years old to have it. My boyfriend and I have known each other since 2nd grade. We were friends and nothing more. During our high school years we both suffered from depression. This caused us to not graduate with our class. Unfortunately the rules back then were, you cannot attend your graduation without being able to receive a diploma. He and I attended summer school together and that is where we really became close. The night of our graduation he asked me to go to the movies. We had a blast. I am forever grateful for his kindness and taking my mind off what could have been a really miserable night for me. When summer school was over he moved to California to go to college.
18 years later.... I was at our local Farmer's Market engaged in kids crafts when I looked up and saw a man standing at my table. Looking to see if he was with anyone or any children, I realized that he was alone. I kept going about my business until he said, "Amy?" Oh my goodness that voice! I would recognize it anywhere. I ran around the table and hugged him so tight. All those years I have wanted to thank him for helping me through some of the toughest years of my life and here he is standing in front of me.
After a few months we started dating. It has been 4 and a half years. What I love about our relationship is that it has grown tremendously. Our friendship, our love, our trust, and our respect for each other only keeps growing. We may not feed each other (that may come when we are old...LOL) but we do sing together our favorite songs on the radio, we do have googly eyes according to my 7 year old, and our simple gestures have people noticing that our relationship is genuine. Our acceptance of each other is unlike any relationship I have ever been in. We treat each other as an equal. It is what I have always wanted but couldn't find it. There was a lot I had to go through in order to get to where I am now. And I had to learn how to love myself. Although it was very trying at times, I would not have changed anything. I am grateful for each experience for it has brought me to where I am now.
Have faith my friends, true love is out there. Anyone can have a love story. We all have to be at the right place in our journey to have it but once you do, it is so worth the wait.
Wishing you much patience, hope and love!
Amy