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The Love Of His Life

George was sitting in his favorite chair looking out his favorite window. He lived in an old farm house that his wife Betty and he enjoyed throughout the years. George was a farmer and loved growing his crops and living off the land with his wife and kids. Betty was the love of his life and he depended on her to help him with farming, chores of the house, and raising his son and daughter. Without her he would not know what to do. After working from sun up to sun down, he would sit at the table with his wife and children, and give thanks to Our Lord and enjoy a wonderfully cooked dinner, prepared by Betty. He looked into Betty's eyes and he would tell her how grateful he was to have her, and that she was the best cook. Betty would say "Your too kind George, there are better cooks out there." George would respond, " I respectfully disagree." Betty would then smile. They loved holding hands during the weekends and taking walks by the Pond, admiring the birds, and the animals they both loved. It was where they loved being. The closeness they shared, was of true love for one another. George would say to Betty, " My how the years have passed by." The kids are almost done with college and you have done an excellent job in raising them." She would correct him and say, " We have done it together George." The memories he and Betty were making throughout the years would last a lifetime and would always be cherished. George and Betty had their favorite chairs next to the windows facing the pond. As they were aging their mobility decreased, so they sat together, and looked at the Pond from the house. As they sat they would always remind themselves of all the wonderful moments they share together. Time just flew by, and on one weekend, George and Betty's son and daughter stopped by. They noticed their dad talking to an empty chair. They listened close and they realized he was talking to Betty about how much he loved her and appreciated her. As they listen he was asking her, " Do you remember when." Then proceeded to share a memorable story they once experienced. George was suffering from Dementia. It broke their hearts to watch their father reminisce with their mother, who had passed away five years earlier. In George's mind Betty was always there. Their children did not have the heart to tell him she was in Heaven with the Lord... Some things are just better left unsaid... Michael Tor Dedicated to those who have lost a spouse.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 4/26/2024 4:11:00 PM
Dear Michael, this is such a beautiful, so touching read. You have written it so compassionately with great depth of feeling. This wonderful narrative will resonate with many. Working in a care environment, I see this often when a person is talking to their departed love one as if they are in the room with them. They address an empty chair and even sometimes a wall. A lifetime of love remains - love is eternal. Thank you for sharing this poignant piece dear Michael. Many blessings to you :)
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Date: 4/1/2024 5:55:00 AM
Michael, so moved am I upon reading your absolutely wonderful poem! So uplifting it is to read a story of such inspirational love and one that you have crafted so very well. The last line, a perfect ending, says so very much! Tears are flowing!
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Michael Tor
Date: 4/5/2024 5:14:00 AM
Thank you Sir, for your much appreciated remarks. God bless you my friend...
Date: 3/22/2024 1:19:00 PM
Beautifully written Michael, a touch to the heart of all.
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/22/2024 10:44:00 PM
Thank you John, thanks for reading and commenting. Have a great weekend my friend...
Date: 3/22/2024 5:34:00 AM
My dad carries them as a couple in his heart still exhibiting the same compassion mom would have. I would never have known. No reason to correct your protagonist. A sad and poignant write but also a celebration of a wonderful life together. Congratulations on your prestigious honor of POTW! ~ Kim
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/22/2024 10:46:00 PM
Thank you Kim for your much appreciated comment. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs...
Date: 3/21/2024 2:39:00 PM
Congratulations on your POTW win. I just found this win for you. A little late but with a huge "Congratulations" on this wonderful write. I cannot wait to read more from you..... Be blessed as you write away..................
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/22/2024 10:47:00 PM
Thank you Dear. Hugs.
Date: 3/21/2024 2:34:00 PM
WOW!!! What a write/story with a Great Ending. It is great to have you back writing again. "Welcome Back" You have been missed. Dementia like getting older in life can be very hard for many. The golden years are not always so golden. Have a blessed/wonderful day back writing again.................
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/22/2024 10:47:00 PM
Hi Paula thank you Dear for stopping by. You are right the golden years sometimes are not so golden. Glad to be back with my extended family. Hugs...
Date: 3/20/2024 10:48:00 PM
Delightful vignette, MT. So many could live there...POTYear...thanks. :o)
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/22/2024 10:48:00 PM
Thank you Arlo much appreciated...
Date: 3/20/2024 9:12:00 AM
Great narrative. I believe my wife is in Heaven. And I work hard to go there too. Nice to hear from you. I have been receiving very few great comments lately.
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/20/2024 7:42:00 PM
Victor I hope and pray your wife is in Heaven. I can not believe your receiving few comments. You have a great following that loves your work my friend. I will try to visit more and leave more comments. God bless you....
Date: 3/19/2024 9:26:00 PM
A wonderful story and wow. I see it's a POW. Congrats
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/20/2024 7:40:00 PM
Thank you Andrea. I appreciate you stopping by to read and comment. Hugs...
Date: 3/19/2024 5:59:00 AM
Heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time. Good to see you posting again Michael. Enjoy your week in the sunlight
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/19/2024 7:09:00 PM
Hi Tom, yes I had to get back to reading and posting miss my extended family here. Thank you for your well wishes they mean a lot. Hope you are doing well my friend. So many wonderful writers like yourself here on the Soup wish I had more time to read and comment. I try to reach out to everyone the new the old the favorites sometimes as you know its overwhelming. I have to make a better effort. I applaud those that comment the most Like Andrea and Gershon, and those that are big community supporters. Thank you for your visit Tom great to see you...
Date: 3/19/2024 5:24:00 AM
What a beautifully sad story. In his mind he was happy knowing she was there, and perhaps she was,in spirit. Who can tell? Congratulations on your POTW Michael. So well deserved ...Hugs
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/19/2024 7:17:00 PM
Hi Maria, it is nice to see and hear from you. I have been away a bit and I come back and see you are back that is great. Your poem Starry Starry Night is one of my all time favorites. I have to go to the 100 best poems and read it from time to time. It was an awesome masterpiece of work. I am always humbled by the poets I admire the most, commenting favorably in what I have written. Again thank you for stopping by. Hugs back and welcome back...
Date: 3/18/2024 9:18:00 AM
Congratulations, Michael on your POTW! I'm sure we can all relate to your devastating scenario. I surely can, my father. One of the heaviest crosses which family and friends must bear in this life rife with woe. Always open to your humanistic outlook always welcome. Robert
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/18/2024 5:54:00 PM
Hi Robert like your dad, many families deal with such heartfelt situations. It is almost a common theme among us. I appreciate your comment and you stopping by to visit. Have a wonderful safe week...
Date: 3/18/2024 5:54:00 AM
Congratulations on your POTW! A bittersweet message in a narrative whose imagery sets the stage for an enduring love that even dementia cannot sever. A sad but beautiful piece. Paulette
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/18/2024 5:58:00 PM
Thank you Paulette it is bittersweet. So many of us have had to deal with such illness in our families. Robert above mentioned his dad, my wife Judy had her mother with Dementia and it so devastating to the people that are family when the Parent that raised you doesn't remember who you are or they from time to time remember and again they forget. Thank you for your Dear comment will stop by to visit your poetry...
Date: 3/18/2024 5:06:00 AM
Hi Michael, Congratulations on this very touching POTW. I've had a few relatives who suffered from dementia and you have done such a wonderful job in this narrative. With their kind of love, perhaps Betty hasn't gone all that far? Blessings to you
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/18/2024 6:11:00 PM
Yes Nancy perhaps she hasn't gone that far...Thank you so much for your valued comments will be stopping by to read your latest Poetry...
Date: 3/18/2024 3:01:00 AM
A sad yet uplifting poem Michael, of how love endures even after death, and in the face of dementia, of course there are negative sides to the disease, but you rightly left them out just for today, the small things in life are what really mattered to George and Betty, congratulations on a wonderful POTW, cheers David
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/18/2024 6:07:00 PM
Hi David cheers my friend and thank you for your lovely comment. Yes the small things in life are what matter sometimes. Hope you are well and will be stopping by to read your latest Poetry...
Date: 3/18/2024 12:39:00 AM
Congratulations on a touching potw!
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/18/2024 6:05:00 PM
Thank you Karen for your much appreciated comment...
Date: 3/17/2024 7:56:00 PM
Hello Michael, What a great portrayal of enduring love and the passage of time. The tender moments shared between George and Betty evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Your words beautifully capture the essence of a lifelong partnership built on love, gratitude, and shared experiences. I loved the twist at the end, revealing George's struggle with dementia, adds a layer of poignancy and serves as a a reflection of the fragility of memory and the enduring power of love. Michael your poem is truly deserving of recognition as the Poem of the Week. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor my friend. - Blessings, Daniel
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/17/2024 8:05:00 PM
Daniel your comment was impressive to read. Thank you so much for the admirable words you used. Your one of the best writers in conveying expression and I thank you for your valued comment.
Date: 3/17/2024 6:54:00 PM
Yes, ' some things are just better left usaid. ' Especially when someone is dealing with this disease. Having those memories is a good thing, it keeps the mind active, even if they're unable to fully remember everything. Michael, your words touch my heart so deeply. This is a tender, yet emotional dedication, to those who no longer have a spouse. Congratulations on Poem of the Week. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/17/2024 8:07:00 PM
Hi Brandy thank you for your comment. It was nice to read and appreciate. Hugs back...
Date: 3/17/2024 9:55:00 AM
Congratulations on your well-deserved POTW honor, Michael. It touched my heart to read it. Enjoy your special week of recognition, my friend. Bill
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/17/2024 8:18:00 PM
Thank you so much Bill. Your kindness and generosity is much appreciated by me. I'm heading over to read your poetry...
Date: 3/17/2024 9:06:00 AM
Congratulations Michael Tor on POTW! Touching. Good to see you back ~Anaya
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/17/2024 8:19:00 PM
Hi Anaya thank you for your well appreciated kind words. Glad to be back a lot of catching up to do. Hugs
Date: 3/17/2024 7:43:00 AM
Take your rightful spotlight for POTW, Michael. A PS glitch giveth and taketh away from me. lol Hope you're healthy and happy. Hugs.
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/17/2024 8:22:00 PM
Hi Lin thank you for asking I am doing better. Missed everyone here and have to do a lot of catching up. Thank you for stopping by will see you soon...
Date: 3/17/2024 7:34:00 AM
A. Lovely dedication Michael, a well deserved honour of POTW, congratulations to you. Hope you're keeping well. Tom
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/17/2024 8:30:00 PM
Tom so nice to see you my friend. I am doing better managing everything. Making some lemonade with those lemons I have been dealt, God is good and if anything good came out of situation is being closer to God and appreciating everything more in life. Hope your back and nerves are better it seems like we all have challenges sometimes in life, I always remember that some have it much worse than I do. See you later buddy...
Date: 3/17/2024 7:04:00 AM
Back with BIG congrats on POTW, my friend. Glad to see you in this space, Michael. Enjoy your special week.
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/17/2024 8:23:00 PM
Vijay thank you once again my friend...
Date: 3/17/2024 6:50:00 AM
welcome back Michael! So good to read you again. :) Congratulations on the honor of POTW! :)
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/17/2024 8:26:00 PM
Thank you Linda for the welcome, so well to see you again. I will be stopping by to read your latest Poetry. Thank you for stopping by...
Date: 3/15/2024 11:43:00 PM
Welcome back, Michael. Glad to see you posted this fine Narrative poem for us to read, my dear friend. I've missed you and your poetry but am glad to have you back. I followed you so I can keep up with your poetry as you post. Amen to your final line, Michael. Just because we they don't see her; doesn't mean she isn't there and he can see her. My heart goes out to all who have lost someone they Love. Have a pleasant weekend, my dear friend. Bill p.s. I FAVed this one for my list. :-)
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Michael Tor
Date: 3/18/2024 4:06:00 PM
Thanks for the fave Bill.I really appreciate your support. I read Toms new addition to Milton's Creek and saw he added you and your wife Sara to the adventures. You have become the Towns Baker, so nice to see Tom adding you on. Your well Liked here Bill in the Poetry Soup family. God bless you.
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