A True Love Story

In a time when the word "divorce" is all too common, stories of couples who were so clearly meant to be together are even more heart-warming.

Today's love story comes in the form of Norma and Gordon Yeager. The two were married 72 years before passing away in the hospital together--holding hands until the very end. Their children say Gordon stopped breathing first, but his heart continued beating, almost as if his heart was beating through hers in those final moments as they continued holding hands.

I'm no expert, but I believe that shows the power of love.

Like any other couple, the children said, the two had the occasional argument, but knew the life they were building together was bigger than all of that.

I'm not always sure if I believe there is an element of fate to relationships that feel "meant-to-be," but it's stories like this that make me feel there is simply no explanation beyond something far greater than all of us which guides us all. The thought that these two people loved until the very end is touching, but more amazing to me, is thinking about all the things that had to fall into place for them to meet, to fall in love, to marry.

What if one had been born just five miles from where they were? Would they ever have met? If they had, would their experiences in a slightly different life have brought them together, or prevented them from even becoming friends? What are the odds that something like this could happen completely based on coincidence? I'd say pretty tiny.

 It's like something Nicholas Sparks would write...in fact, that seems quite similar indeed to the movie The Notebook, which is arguably one of my favorites (for the record, the book is slightly different, definitely worth a read!).

As I'm watching the rain fall on this dreary fall day, this is a nice glimmer of inspiration. I can only hope that one day, when I'm too old to know who I am, I will have found peace in lasting love.

If you'd like to view the full story, please check out this video.

Congratulations Are In Order!

The bride's sister took this great photo

This weekend, I had the honor of attending the wedding of a beautiful couple. The blushing bride was my "Big Sis" in Pi Phi, and was an amazing friend and mentor to me as I grew through times good and bad. Needless to say, I admire her in many ways.The dashing groom proudly sported his Marine colors, and makes a perfect match for Julia.

Julia is one of the most beautiful souls I've ever met. She constantly amazes me with her grace, patience and commitment to her faith. These qualities, of course, are paradoxical with the intensity with which she supports the Bears, and she can certainly make her displeasure known when they are losing.

I haven't known Matt long, and I can't say that I have had a chance to really get to know him, but Julia has told me enough about him that I feel quite comfortable saying that he is perfect for her. Just in the way they interact, anyone can see how much joy he brings her (and she, him), and how comfortable they are together. They share laughter easily, but naturally just click on the more serious matters in life.

Their ceremony was solemn, personal, and so heartfelt. Similarly, the reception was romantic, yet fun. I, of course, had no shortage of tears during both.

During the reception, arguably one of the most memorable moments occurred during the traditional father-daughter dance. I was seated with a group of other former Pi Phis who had made the trip. As the music began and the bride joined her father on the dance floor, our entire group nearly instantaneously burst into tears. We all began to look around the table and noticed that each of us was crying (minus one Pi Phi's husband, who had the misfortune of being the only male seated at our table), and giggled a little.

Then came the moment that defined the reception for us. As the father-daughter dance ended, the bride took the microphone and asked her dad to return to the dance floor. She explained that she had one more song to dance with him since she had long regretted not dancing with him during a high school dance (I missed the explanation here, but I'm guessing he volunteered to chaperon the dance). The song "Stealing Cinderella" by Chuck Wicks came through the speakers, only this time, our table was rendered near inconsolable. We cried, wiped our tears, and cried again, but noticed again that everyone at our table was doing so. This inspired a fit of laughter on all accounts, but the laughter didn't stop the tears.  In case anyone at the reception had been wondering where the "sorority table" was, there was no longer any question. The server looked bewildered with a side of concerned when he spoke to the next table and pointed to us, saying, "that whole table is laughing and crying...I don't know what to do!"

I have heard of people laughing and crying at the same time, but I never actually thought it could happen. I'm sure my brain was incredibly confused as to the proper response to such emotional contradiction. Leave it to Julia to show me anything is possible!

So here's to a beautiful wedding, an inspiring couple, and a very happy, blessed married life together. Congratulations, Matt and Julia!

Current Reads

Looking for a good book? I've got plenty of recommendations...after all, I read like it's my job (anyone looking for a book critic?? That would be another one of my dream jobs!. Here are a few of them (no spoilers, I promise!):

1) At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks- I read this one in about 3 days, and during those few days, it was like an appendage. I was completely attached. The book follows Jeremy and Lexie through their whirlwind love story after a chance meeting. I laughed, but I cried even more. Talk about a tear-jerker! This is a great book for the beach, and great to read before bed if you don't mind staying awake a few more hours than you expected because you just can't put it down!

2) The Thank You Economy by Gary Vaynerchuck- If you are starting a business, already own one, or have anything to do with sales or marketing, this is a must-read. Not only does it discuss effective ways to increase your customer loyalty and building a relationship with your customers, but it does so with humor. This is not the typical, dry, boring econ book; it's entertaining and informative. Awesome.

3) Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair by Pablo Neruda- I'm not usually big on poetry, but I started reading Neruda's poetry not long ago, and I can't get enough. This is my favorite collection by him, but be warned, the poems aren't appropriate for kids! I read them in the original Spanish, and I recommend that if you can, but they are just as beautiful in English--give it a try!

 Up next on my list: Baggage Claim, Mother Theresa: Her Essential Wisdom, Wuthering Heights (loved it the first time, so I'm reading it again!) and The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela.