Many relationships don’t live long enough to last several decades.
Those that do seem to achieve a level of intimacy many of us only hope to find at some point in our lives.
But this closeness, over such a long period of time, only makes facing death that much harder.
A recent Reddit post detailed the story of an anonymous couple when one partner passed.
[rsnippet id=”4″ name=”DFP/34009881/Article_1″][rsnippet name=”universal-likebox” multi-site=”true”]
The couple’s granddaughter posted a photo of the pair on with the caption,
“My Grandma, 96, with my Grandpa, 100, hours before her death this weekend. 77 years of marriage.”
The heartbreak that the old man must be feeling is unimaginable, and he may still have many years ahead of him. The oldest man recorded lived to be 116 years old.
[rsnippet id=”5″ name=”DFP/34009881/Article_2″]
But death can also bring people closer together.
Many couples pass on at almost the same time, like Floreen and Ed Hale, who died just 24 hours apart after sending more than 60 years together. This phenomenon is referred to as Broken Heart Syndrome.
The stress and heartache of taking care of a sick or dying partner can lead to worse health for both people. This can cause couples to die just days or hours apart.
Many couples cling to each other in these times of intense trauma. Being close and holding hands can be unbelievably comforting.
Jim and Cindy Minnini are another example of a couple that sought solace in one another. Jim was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and shortly after, Cindy had a heart attack.
[rsnippet id=”6″ name=”DFP/34009881/Article_3″]
Both were hospitalized and made arrangements to share the same hospital room. The couple held hands as Jim died.
Of course, some couples are able to heal with the help of these close bonds.
Bernice and John Mullins held hands while hospitalized, and were both eventually discharged, giving them just a bit more time together to say goodbye.
There are many more stories that chronicle the amazing power of love and holding hands. We can only hope that all of us has someone to hold our hand as we face sickness or worse.
For more heartwarming stories of love, like us on Facebook!