Monday, 14 February 2011

A Love Story Close To My Heart



With my Valentine overseas for the next few weeks I decided to focus on another love story I have been a very small part of - that of my maternal grandparents.  I was lucky enough to see so many examples of couples in love growing up and they were no exception, they had a marriage full of love, laughter and support; overcoming breast cancer, heart attacks and crippling arthritis while bringing up 4 children and coming through it as though bonded with superglue!  We celebrated their ruby wedding anniversary (40 years) in 1997 with style and what seemed like most of the village plus relatives from all over the UK came along to join in the party.  

Sadly we lost my Grandad to another heart attack just a few months before we would have been celebrating their golden wedding anniversary and 50 years together.  But even in the grief there were displays of love; a church packed to the rafters and a procession of horses and riders coming to pay their respects for his friendship and help over the years as the local 'go to' man with all things horse related.  We are still lucky enough to have my Nannie - very much alive and full of humour, their love story will continue to be an inspiration to me . . . . 

Happy Valentine's Day to all, hope you each have a wonderful day of love and laughter with, or without your Valentine :-)

To read the love stories of other bloggers taking part in the Valentine's Linky Party head over to our host My Desert Cottage

Take care,
Jem xXx

16 comments :

  1. Victoria14 February 2011 at 15:30

    Those are beautiful photo's! It sounds like they had an amazing marriage:) Have a wonderful Valentine's day even though you can't be with your honey!

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  2. VintageAppreciator14 February 2011 at 16:01

    Such a beautifully worded post Jem! What a dashing couple they made too. The photos are great Happy Valentine's xx

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  3. Anonymous14 February 2011 at 17:35

    Aww thats such a lovely story. I love it when you see a couple who've quite clearly been together forever still very much in love. I hope me and my husband are like that in 47 years!!

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  4. Lynn14 February 2011 at 20:10

    Beautiful love story. Happy Valentines Day, hope you valentine comes home safely soon.

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  5. Annie14 February 2011 at 21:43

    What a beautiful story, it reminds me so much of my own grandparents story who celebrated their golden wedding together. Sadly they are both now gone but not many days pass without me being reminded of them in some way. Thanks for sharing.
    Ann x

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  6. l. c14 February 2011 at 22:26

    such lovely photos!!! happy valentine's day to you too! <3

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  7. Lily's Lace14 February 2011 at 22:28

    When it's your time to pass, your granddad will be standing next to St. Peter at those pearly gates, offering his arm to guide you.

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  8. Cindy S.14 February 2011 at 22:52

    Happy Valentine's Day to you, too! That story shows how amazing love can be :)

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  9. Unknown14 February 2011 at 23:52

    Love can last a lifetime. When we lose one it is so hard for the one left behind. Looks like your Grandmother has a loving family to help her now as she is now one...wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day together...
    Yours Sincerely,
    Shirley

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  10. Jacqueline @ HOME15 February 2011 at 00:09

    Hi Jem,
    Thanks so much for your lovely comment. It's lovely to see another blog from the UK....we seem to be in the minority !!
    What a beautiful post about your grandparents....mine and my parents are all gone now, but I have so many photographs just like yours that give me so many memories.....we are going to be Grandparents in April...YAY !!
    Your blog is lovely and I adore your header. I have a 'thing' about old letter's and postcards at the moment. Just to say that my shutter's were my birthday presents. We have been married for 35 years this year and we have NEVER celebrated Valentine's Day. My husband has always said that Valentines Day is for unrequited love and that our's is requited That's his excuse !!!! haha. I like to think that it's Valentines Day everyday ( well, nearly everyday !!).
    Have a lovely week. XXXX

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  11. Leah C15 February 2011 at 01:06

    A truly beautiful love story! Happy Hearts:)

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  12. Daniella15 February 2011 at 01:54

    That picture of your grandparents is awesome!~
    Thanks so much for sharing!
    xxDaniella

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  13. Christine15 February 2011 at 10:01

    What a sweet tribute to your grandparents. I love love stories like this one.

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  14. Anonymous15 February 2011 at 18:35

    Hi Jem!
    Thank you for sharing this beautiful love story and photos. I hope you had a happy Valentines Day. <3
    Hugs,
    Sabre'

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  15. Anonymous15 February 2011 at 22:11

    Hi Again!
    I just wanted to let you know that I have given you a "Stlylish Blogger" award in my latest post. You can copy the award to add to your sidebar if you like and then answer 8 questions about yourself in a post (but only if you feel like it) It's for fun, you know. :)
    Enjoy!!
    Sabre'

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  16. Karen Valentine16 February 2011 at 16:46

    Hi Jem! Thank you for joining the party and sharing that great photo of your grandparents. It's so nice to hear about love everlasting!
    xo,
    Karen

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Thank you for leaving a note, they make my day! :-)

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