"This Thing Call Love".

This Thing Called Love

What is this thing called love?! There are a million different answers to the question.

Don’t you just love a great love story? I do! I enjoy the fantasy of today's romantic comedies found on TV, in Movies and Soap Operas; I like escapism as much as the next person. But, let's get real! Let's separate fact from fiction; what you see on TV and in the Movies is not real love and it never will be. I want to talk you about the heart-to-heart kind of love.

I'll going to share a true and lasting love story with you; it’s the treasured love story of my Grandparents Richard and Birdie Bass. My Grandparents had a 67 year good ole fashion meet you at the school dance love affair which stood the test of time.

They were born and raised in the Texas countryside with and old fashion value system. On many occasions my Papa and I would have our one-on-one heart-to-heart talks and he'd tell of his love at first sight encounter. He saw my Grandmother from across the room at a church choir practice; he said he knew in his heart she was the one for him. Just so happened that my Grandmothers brother and Grandfather were good friends, but didn’t know he had a younger sister. My Grandfather told her brother how much he wanted to meet her and take her to the school dance. My Grandmother Brother said it was ok with him but he would have to ask their Daddy and then ask her. My Grandfather was chivalrous and respectful he got permission.

Love at first sight did it exist for my Grandfather and the rest is a 67 year history of love. My Papa eventually asked my Grandmother to the school dance and of course she said yes. Twenty-five cents was a lot of money in the 1930’s, but he purchased her ticket and reaped a lifetime of love and true happiness.

I loved my Grandparents they were loving and kind to us and we maintained a close relationship. For years I’d sit at my Grandfather's feet and listen to him impart wisdom but my knowing and understanding of all that he said would come years later. My Grandparents adored each other she respected him and he took care of her. I saw an enduring love that's almost non-extsistant in today's society.

Texas is a beautiful countryside with all four seasons. The weather changed often without warning and so it is in marriage, they loved through all kinds of weather. They loved through severe electrical storms and various weather conditions. I remember the sudden weather changes well; one late Sunday evening my Grandparents ask my sister and I to pack-up the car. It's was time to leave Itasca and headed back to Waco. The Sky was overcast filled with heavy dark cloud but no rain in sight.

As we begin our journey back to Waco it started to rain, within minutes the rain became violent. It rained so hard the car was being tossed from side to side we begin to hear the thunder roaring and see the lightning strikes, it was frighten. My Grandmother begin to talk to my Grandfather he quitely reassured her that everything was going to be alright. I recall that day as if it were yesterday. I was sitting in the backseat behind my Grandmother and my sister was sitting behind my Grandfather and Papa kept kept telling us that we'll need to drive through the storm and that everything was going to alright. We drive through that storm and made it out just fine.

They love through the great depression, sickness and disease and the deaths of love ones and the births of beautiful babies. They love through High School and College Graduations. Their love was strong it endured my Grandmother's illness, eventually her illiness put her in a Senior Citizen Home and yes my Papa was right there to stand by her side. They committed to love from the start their love was real and endured to the end.

I watched my Grandfather at 85 drive to see my Grandmother each day, he could barely see over the steering wheel. I put a booster pillow in the driver seat, this allowed Papa to see the road better. Papa was determined to get to her no matter what. He'd spend hours at Ms. Birdie bedside holding her hands and stroking her forehand. He was a wonderful comfort to her. Due to her illness she could no longer speak but she responded with her eyes she understood his love.

I'd visit my Grandmother often. Upon my arrival my Grandfather was in his favorite spot sitting by her bedside reading her healing scriptures from the Bible. They had the kind of love that looked passed her weight and dress size. Theirs was the kind of love that looked pass my Grandmothers partial balled head and the fragile grey strands that remained.

Theirs was the kind of love that looked passed how much money was in their bank account. Theirs was an enduring and endearing love. Theirs was a heart-to-heart kind of love that made you sacrifice your own needs for the needs of your Children.

Their marriage was not based on convenience or obligation or career advancement it was genuine, it was pure love. Their love was inspiring they had a special way of communicating not just talking. Their love was founded on biblical principles. They trusted each other and they were patience with each other, my Grandmother preceded my Grandfather in death in June 2001.

After her passing Papa talked often of his love for her; his eye would fill with tears as he spoke of how much he missed her love. And at other times he’d break out with a big smile as if he knew a secret; he cherished her. My Grandparents has that's real thing call love.

I'd like to hear about your heart-to-heart.