I Will Keep My Vow

Before marriage, one of the most important conversations Robyn and I ever had was the divorce discussion. You know, "Worst case scenario... let's say that we're miserable, we don't get along, we're having no fun, life is awful, and we basically hate each other. We have no kids, no real commitments. Even if it's 10 times worse than what I just said, is divorce an option?" Both of us emphatically said "absolutely not", and the rest as they say is history. It was a question I already knew the answer to; even still I needed to know that she felt the same way I did. The marriage vow is before God, a solemn commitment. It cannot be broken.

Robyn's grandma has suffered from Alzheimer's for 10 years, including the last 5 miserable years when she hasn't recognized her family. Grandpa is amazing. Even though she doesn't know who he is, he faithfully spends 9-10 hours each and every day at the nursing home. He doesn't leave her side. He continues to touch her, caress her, kiss her, hold her. He whispers sweet nothings into her ear. He feeds her. It's love. It's his vow. It cannot be broken. Today was their 62nd wedding anniversary. I don't know about you, but I can't fathom how long 62 years is. It would be a few years longer. They fell in love on April Fools' Day, 1940, but then he went off to war, which delayed the vow. Weeks ago, he called his priest and arranged a ceremony set for today, asking for all family members to be there. Being the Tuesday afternoon after a holiday weekend, I quickly decided that I couldn't go, work would be too hectic.

This morning, this link was in my email box. I opened it up, it was about marriage, (specifically Dan Haseltine's grandparents - Dan is the lead singer for Jars of Clay and a writer for Relevant Magazine) and I immediately walked into my boss' office and requested the afternoon off for a family commitment. I'm so glad I did. I picked up my beautiful bride (she's so hot) and arrived at the nursing home a little before 2pm.

I had no clue that this was so much more than a little party. The entire staff and all the residents of the home were in the courtyard. Every family member was there. The priest preached of the wedding at Cana, how Jesus saved the best wine for last, and prayed that God will give the best to this faithful couple as their marriage entered the 63rd year. He renewed his vows, in front of us all, to his wife who doesn't even recognize him. He kissed his bride.

They danced. I cried like a baby. She's still all he talks about. He's still madly in love with her. It is not a sickness, he is not delusional. He gave her his vow 62 years ago, and he has faithfully kept it. He has given his life for her. He has pursued her constantly, from April 1, 1940 until even today. And he'll continue to pursue her until the day Alzheimer's takes her life. What a great example of Jesus' love for the church. Even when we are staring off into space, when our minds are elsewhere, when we are lost, isn't He there to pursue us with an amazing love that we cannot fathom?

Give your wife or fiance an extra hug and kiss in celebration of a man who meant his vow. Thank God for Grandpa Labe and his amazing commitment to his commitment. Now if you'll excuse me, fellas, I need to go hug my wife and renew my vows to her, remind her of my love for her, and whisper in her ear that I will never walk away from her--I will keep my vow.