He gets up a little earlier this morning. A lady is coming to visit, so he was told. With some help, he shaves, showers, and puts on the best outfit he has in the closet. He even picks out a bow tie that matches the color of his trousers.
Now sitting in the foyer, he anxiously awaits. He gets up now and then to stretch out the stiff joints. Well into his late seventies, arthritis has taken its toll. But he moves about OK, albeit slowly with the assistance of a trusted metal cane.
“How are you today, Charles?”
He turns around at the sweet voice of a woman - a little confused.
“Fine! And you are!?”
“Anne! You look dapper today!”
He searches his memory but does not recall ever seeing this woman before. She certainly looks attractive with silver hair fashionably coiffed. Behind the spectacles dwell engaging but endearing brown eyes. Her cheeks glow with a touch of makeup and red lipstick outlines a pleasant smile.
“Did you sleep well last night?” she asks.
“Yes,” he mumbles as his stomach flutters with a thousand butterflies.
“It’s beautiful outside. Want to go for a walk?” she asks.
“Uh…sure!”
The garden outside is simple and well kept. Rose bushes line a gravel path and the early blooms fill the air with a sweet fragrance. Songbirds above perform melodious compositions and a bumblebee or two romance the flowers of amour. The couple finds a bench at the corner of the garden and under the warmth of the morning sun, they sit and hold hands. He feels an instant bond with this stranger and in a world of confusion, he finds peace. The softness of her skin, the kindness in her tone, and the tenderness of her touch give him hope. She rests her head on his shoulder and he gently places his hand on her arm. She gives him a peck as he hands her a single rose. Their hearts beat as one. Charles is captured by the magic of love.

Charles and Anne have been married for over fifty years. Dementia that began ten years ago relentlessly drains Charles’ mental aptitude of a teacher to that of a toddler. And over the last few years, even basic daily activities have become monumental tasks for him. Without children living nearby to help and being of poor health herself, Anne has no choice but to have her husband institutionalized. But she makes the effort to visit him daily – rain or shine – without fail. Though he no longer recognizes his wife, Charles falls in love with her all over again every day – just like the day he first met her.
They walk back to the nursing home’s foyer, still holding hands.
“Will I see you again?” Charles asks.
“Of course, dear!” Anne responds.
Anne helps her husband to his room then kisses him good-bye. As she turns to walk away, Charles asks: “what’s your name?”

Dementia is like a thief in the night. It robs the unsuspected victim of his or her priced possession and dignity. It is insidious but brutal. Death is often slow for the afflicted and emotionally painful for their family. It comes in different forms. It is a cancer of the mind. It imprisons one’s soul and debilitates one’s body. But the emotions of the heart are still there – just trapped within the cocoon of a damaged brain.
Sitting in the rose garden of the nursing home, due to Charles’ dementia, Anne knows that between them is a distance too far – a distance caused by the loss of a lifetime of memories. But for a moment every day, their love for each other closes the gap and the distance momentarily disappears.
True love is patient and kind. It does not boast nor envy. It keeps no record of wrongs. It’s patient, hopeful and faithful. It’s the only thing that connects heaven and earth. It bridges the gaps and it endures dementia and decay. Through love, any distance can...disappear.
Happy Valentine!
2/14/2020
(1 Corinthians 13)