My Aunt Priscilla died on November 25th, just three days shy of her 70th wedding anniversary to my Uncle Jerry.  Though I was sad to hear of her passing, I was much more affected by the enormous love which my uncle demonstrated to her up to her dying day.  I spent my entire life marveling at the fact that this couple would always hold hands and kiss each other, according each other immense respect and demonstrating adoration, acceptance and affection that was pure and unabashed.  They never concerned themselves with how others would perceive their public displays of affection.  They doted upon each other over the many decades they spent together, and their communication was like nothing I have ever seen with another couple.

When my aunt became very ill, the family decided to place her in home hospice care.  My uncle bought a whistle and gave it to my aunt, instructing her that she was to blow the whistle any time she needed him.  And by golly, whenever she blew that whistle, he would rush to her aid.  She spent her days with her husband by her side, holding her hand and singing her goofy songs to cheer her up.

The family was certain that Aunt Priscilla was trying to hang in there until November 28th, the day that marked 70 years of marriage for her and my uncle.  But as the day approached, her strength left her body and she was unable to respond.  My uncle felt strongly that she was aware of her surroundings, so on that one Sunday, he told her, “Happy Anniversary, Priscilla my dear.  You made it!’  This completely selfless act spoke volumes of their endless devotion to each other.  My uncle wanted her to pass on with the feeling that she had achieved that mark.  Within three hours, she died.

When my uncle realized that my aunt had passed on, he held her hand, sang a song that began with, “Priscilla Brown, don’t be down…”, and blew the whistle one last time to let heaven know that she was coming.

I don’t think anything speaks of true love more than the love these two very special and wonderful people shared.