As we were leaving Uruguay, on the way to the airport, I sprained my ankle. Although it was sore, the swelling was minimal and I walked on it through all the airport mazes required to get home, where I promptly slipped on a wet root walking our woodland trail at home and severely twisted it again. The next morning, it had swollen greatly and could bear no weight. I’ve been on crutches, a walker, and the last several days, in an orthopedic boot (Yay!). As a result, Linda has been waiting on, nursing, and encouraging me throughout with no apparent flagging of her spirit. She’s even volunteered to drive me to the ‘Y’ to swim as well as to play music in a jam session last week.
When I read many of the sweet Valentine sentiments and think about the way love is portrayed in most media, I seldom see the sacrifices portrayed that people make that aren’t so lovely. A couple come to mind.
• A friend of ours recently shattered her ankle in a fall, but throughout her recovery, she still takes care of her husband who is bed ridden since having a stroke several years ago. In addition, she cares for her live-in sister who has severe dementia and is unable to contribute to any household demands. Our friend serves with a boundless love that exceeds my comprehension.
• Another friend texted me with the news that her husband had shattered his hip in a fall. Although she works full-time, she is bearing most of the burden for his care as well. Although she, too, is worn down and discouraged, she serves with deep love.
• I know several parents who work in jobs that keep them apart, either in shifts or in different locations, but are doing work that allows their family to maintain stability for their children. There are also many families who choose to live without many comforts or luxuries so that one parent can stay home to provide care or stability.
All of these, and many more, are acts of love that don’t get celebrated in the boxes-of-chocolates/cards-and-flowers/go-out-to-dinner photos in social media posts and other media.
I don’t consider myself a very patient patient. I’d rather serve than be served (which is likely more of an issue with my pride than actually being a humble servant). But having to be helped with going to the bathroom, having meals brought to me, and sitting while I watch my normal responsibilities done for me has heightened my appreciation for the un-glamourous, grind-it-out tasks that deep love asks of us.
I want to thank Linda for her heartfelt, cavernous love.
But I also want to acknowledge every one of you who are living out YOUR deep love in the seemingly small, un-noticed, grind-it-out moments of commitment. At some point, whether in an official capacity or not, you said “I do.” And meant it. The way you live your life may not translate as being romantic, but is a declaration of profound love that can never be fully appreciated by anyone who is not receiving it from your heart.
Thank you!
~ Charles