Tribute To Jerry

There is an older couple that live across the street and I love to watch them with each other. I would guess they are in their mid to late eighty's. The man's name is Jerry and I am disappointed that I do not know the woman's name. They put a smile on my face because they love each other so much. She is not in the best of health and hasn't been for some time. Jerry brings her out in a wheel chair and walks her up and down the sidewalk and he will stop so she can look at a neighbor's flowers or a cat in the window. He is so patient and nurturing. When the weather is more comfortable to be in he will load her frail little body up in their truck and take her fishing. He always tells me about how she loves to go fishing. When he talks about her there is always a sparkle in his eye. Some days he works out in his garage and she will be there with a lap blanket carefully tucked in around her and Jerry close by. She always waves at me. I really don't know how he does it. He takes care of the yard by himself and one time he told me about how much she loves the roses that are planted in their front yard. Now when I see him out cutting the roses I know they are for her. He once told me that her memory is pretty bad and that she often forgets simple things but he is always amazed that somehow she remembers Kristin's name and our dog Lacey. She use to always tell me what a good dog Lacey was. I haven't seen her around lately and this morning a firetruck came to their house and Jerry left in his truck right after they did so I am saying a little prayer for them. That kind of love is so inspirational to see. No one knows their story quite the way they do and knowing how everyone experiences difficult times in a marriage just makes me wonder how they did it. He is so caring and loving toward her that I know she must be an incredible lady. I hope she is alright because Jerry would be very lonely without her. My own parents are getting up there in age and they do not tend to each other's needs. Mom takes care of dad, period. Good days or bad days mom waits on him hand and foot. She says he's lazy but I think she just has him spoiled. This morning I went out to their place and helped out around the house and visited. Nothing much changes. I get updates on my brothers and sadly, that is about the only way I know how they are doing. My friend Linda came by to see me today and I was so happy to see her. I have not seen her in so long so it was nice to visit and get a little caught up. She is leaving for Italy in October but when she gets back we'll try to get together for coffee or lunch or something. We use to work together in the grocery business and she is one of the few people that I missed when the store closed two years ago. Some days it hits me harder than others how important it is to stay in touch with good friends. The days come and go so quickly, but sharing time with friends help to make them more memorable and just maybe I would feel a little better about these laugh lines I'm getting.