True Love

Chris and K.B., May 25, 2013

A year ago I was absolutely thrilled to squeeze in a trip to Regina, SK, so I could be at my friend K.B.'s wedding. Mere months later, I hopped on another plane to attend her funeral service. Today, I am crying for her husband.

They were so happy together. Theirs would have been one of those decades-long marriages that their kids would look at and say, "I want a marriage like that." It would have matured into one of those strong oaks that provide shade and comfort to those around them.

I didn't know Chris then. All I knew was that K.B. knew he was the one for her from the moment they met, that there was undeniable "chemistry" that did not fade with time.

I remember hugging Chris goodbye at the reception and thinking (but, thank god, not saying) two things:

If she loves you, I love you.
If you break her heart, I will curse you unto the seventh generation.

It never occurred to any of us that Chris would be left bleeding.

Having come to know Chris through this dreadful sadness, I have come to see why K.B. loved him, how worthy he was of her, and how deeply he embraced the essence of her being. And this just makes it all the more painful.

I honestly don't know how he will get through this, but I know he will. I wish there were some human way to help him, but I can't think of any.

If I could reframe the two thoughts from their wedding day, they would be:

Because she loved you, I have gained a friend I would otherwise never have known - what a gift!
I am so sorry that your heart has been broken. I pray for your healing and comfort every day. 

Chris has written his own post about this anniversary. You can read it here.