Love never grows old
Have you ever been deprived of the one thing that your heart beat the most for?!
Have you felt completely empty after you've lost your most prized possession?!
well I have and this is my story!
My name is Theodore.
I'm an old wizened man who's children have taken pleasure in disowning. I am a solivagant awaitng my journey of love to begin from where it has been left off.
35 years ago, I fell in love with a rare diamond that would reflect love, even when a huge ray of sadness had fallen on it.
she was my most prized possession. The minute I laid eyes on her, I knew we were destined to be one.
After a year of us falling in love, We got married and had beautifull kids. she was overjoyed with the thought of starting a new family.
It was all so perfect. But then 5 years ago, it all changed.
You see life isn't in favour of eveyone all the time. It had to show us both sides- the happy one and the dreaded one filled with ounces of sorrow. Unfortunately, the happy days for us were over.
My precious wife Sofie, had been plunged into the world of a person controlled by a disease.
It was Alzheimer's disease that had crushed her memories and twisted her brain in all ways possible. It was alzheimer's disease that built an indestructible wall between us.
And that's when the nightmare began! She slowily started forgetting things. She turned into a child- a needy child, who's life depended on another soul to be taken care of. She was unable to remember things including me.
Our children had completely washed off their hands. They weren't strong enough. At least thats what their excuse to me was.
I didn't think much of it. I was more tormented with the idea of losing my Sofie.
I still couldn't let go of my jewel. I fed her, cleaned her, dressed her and comforted her.
At times she would wail in the nights, howling in pain, telling me that she didn't want to forget me or the memories we made. I would hug her as tight as I could and whisper sweet things into her ears as tears would slide down my cheeks.
The pain didn't stop. It just went on and on and on.
Eventually it took over her. she became hollow. she forgot all about me. At times when I tried to explain to her who I was, she would look at me with eyes that were filled with confusion. Her curious eyes would search me up and down, trying to figure out if I had a connection with her in any way. But her memory was crushed into pieces, so eventually she gave up searching for my identity.
It came to a state where Sofie had to be admitted at the hospital.
She was getting worse.
On January 2, 1998 at around 5:48 am, I received a call from the hospital. I rushed over as fast as my weak legs could carry me, to see for myself if what the doctor told me was true.
I had to see for myself if the painful words he mouthed was as heartbreaking as it had sounded.
I entered room 5. It seemed darker than usual- maybe because the light of her smile was no-more.
I nervously walked over and saw my Sofie laying lifeless in bed.
I couldn't hold my pain in any longer..I immediately broke down. I felt my heart shatter into a million pieces. I fell on my knees at the side of her bed, clutching her hands and wept like a child who had just lost his mother to a demon.
'How dare that demon take Sofie away from me?!'
I kissed her wrinkled cheeks as my tears rolled down and fell on her beautiful face.
I felt someone's hands on my shoulder. I turned around only to face the nurse who had tears in her eyes as well. she hugged me and told me everything would be fine. But I didn't believe her. Not even for a second!
How could anything be fine anymore when Sofie had left along with my heart.
A few days later, my children gathered for her funeral. They mourned just like everyone else. They tried to comfort me but it wasn't enough.
I returned home feeling hopeless and alone.
My eldest daughter offered me a stay at her three bedroom apartment but I refused.
I couldn't leave the old cottage that me and sofie had created tons of unforgettable memories at. So I decided to return to our house which would never feel as warm and welcoming again.
After a few weeks of mourning. I started visiting the park. It became an habit. I went there almost everyday in search of peace. It was the same park me and Sofie would have our little picnics at. I would take my violin along-the only instrument I was able concur at producing a few imperfect melodies. I would sit on the old wooden bench that seemed to be fading with time just like me.
It was my favourite place because I could see the two maple trees who stood a feet feet away from each other.
Those maple tress....
I cannot explain what comfort they gave me so I've written a short poem about them.
Its for Sofia..
I know somewhere up above in the heavens, she will be glad to see an old chap like me taking effort to write her a poem. At least that's what I think this is!
So here goes nothing..
'To the love of my life,
Who left me in a state of loneliness
I'm still that shabby old man,
Trying to master the art of making new friends.
I visit the park,
And sit on that comforting wooden bench
And take out my violin,
For the need of melody, to satisfy my quench.
I play for my two friends,
The two red maple trees
Who remind me of a once happy couple,
Who was none other than you and me.
My life after you, was similar to a gas chamber,
Filled with the air of melancholy
For I was a lost soul,
Who found relaxation in solitude and harmony.
But these two maple trees,
Seem to put a smile on my face
When they dance to the tune,
I so mistakenly play.
Their branches would sway,
From the left to the right
While their leaves would bear the colours,
Of the morning sunlight.
Their leaves would mingle,
With each other as one
Dancing to the melody,
I would let from my violin run.
I visit the park,
Almost everyday
To meet my new friends,
And let my violin play.
Their branches would sway happily,
When I'm done for the day
Murmuring words of thanks,
For the melody that I played.
I come here everyday,
To see you and me
Dancing to the pleasure of the music notes,
Oh how much I miss you my lovely dear Sofie.'
-Don't worry my dear Sofia.
I'm sure I will join you in the heavens soon.
until then I ask that you wait for me my love. So we can continue our simple little love story till the end of time-.