True Love: A Tale of Unconditional Devotion

"My parents were married for 55 years. One morning, my mom was going downstairs to make dad breakfast, she had a heart attack and fell. My father picked her up as best he could and almost dragged her into the truck. At full speed , without respecting traffic lights, he drove her to the hospital.

When he arrived, unfortunately she was no longer with us.

During the funeral, my father did not speak; his gaze was lost. He hardly cried.

That night, his children joined him. In an atmosphere of pain and nostalgia, we remembered beautiful anecdotes and he asked my brother, a theologian, to tell him where Mom would be at that moment. My brother began to talk about life after death, and guesses as to how and where she would be.

My father listened carefully. Suddenly he asked us to take him to the cemetery.

Dad!" we replied, "it's 11 at night, we can't go to the cemetery right now!"

He raised his voice, and with a glazed look he said:

"Don't argue with me, please don't argue with the man who just lost his wife of 55 years."

There was a moment of respectful silence, we didn't argue anymore. We went to the cemetery, we asked the night watchman for permission. With a flashlight we reached the tomb. My father caressed her, prayed and told his children, who watched the scene moved:

"It was 55 years... you know? No one can talk about true love if they have no idea what it's like to share life with a woman."

He paused and wiped his face. "She and I, we were together in that crisis. I changed jobs ..." he continued. "We packed up when we sold the house and moved out of town. We shared the joy of seeing our children finish their careers, we mourned the departure of loved ones side by side, we prayed together in the waiting room of some hospitals, we support each other in pain, we hug each Christmas, and we forgive our mistakes... Children, now it's gone, and I'm happy, do you know why?

Because she left before me. She didn't have to go through the agony and pain of burying me, of being left alone after my departure. I will be the one to go through that, and I thank God. I love her so much that I wouldn't have liked her to suffer..."

When my father finished speaking, my brothers and I had tears streaming down our faces. We hugged him, and he comforted us, "It's okay, we can go home, it's been a good day."

That night I understood what true love is; It is far from romanticism, it does not have much to do with eroticism, or with sex, rather it is linked to work, to complement, to care and, above all, to the true love that two really committed people profess ".

Peace in your hearts.

In the face of profound loss and grief, the story captures a touching moment that reveals the depth of true love. After the passing of their mother, the family gathers to mourn and share memories. Amidst their pain, the father's grief is particularly palpable as he remains silent and distant during the funeral.

Seeking solace and understanding, the family engages in a conversation about the afterlife, and the father, overcome with emotion, insists on visiting the cemetery. Despite the late hour, his children recognize the significance of his request and accompany him.

• At the gravesite, the father tenderly caresses his wife's tomb, offering prayers and sharing a heartfelt realization with his children. He reflects on their 55 years of marriage, highlighting the many trials and joys they experienced together. From changing jobs to moving homes, celebrating their children's successes to mourning the loss of loved ones, they shared every moment.

• SUMMARY

With tears streaming down their faces, the children embrace their father, deeply moved by his words. He explains that he is happy because his beloved wife passed away before him, sparing her from the agony of burying him and the pain of being left alone. He expresses profound gratitude for their shared life and the love they shared, emphasizing that true love encompasses commitment, support, forgiveness, and selflessness.

This poignant realization of true love resonates deeply with the children, as they gain a profound understanding of its essence. They depart from the cemetery, comforted by their father's words, and return home, grateful for the meaningful day they had shared.

The story leaves readers with a powerful message about the nature of true love, emphasizing that it transcends romanticism, eroticism, and physical desires. True love is found in the everyday moments, in the unwavering support and dedication between two committed individuals who share their lives and face the challenges and joys together. It is a love that perseveres, even in the face of loss and grief, leaving a lasting impact on those who experience it. Ultimately, the story implores readers to find peace and cherish the true love they have in their own lives.