Facing the Winter ( Growing Old )

This article by Dr James Dobson appears in 'Today' (Oct 3):


My mother and father were married for 43 years in one of the most beautiful, loving relationships the world has ever seen.

When my mum turned 50, my father was beginning to think about the passage of time.

And he wrote a poem on that day that he called 'Your Birthday'. This is what it said:

"The whole world singing, now that Spring has come.
I saw a robin in the morning sun. Among the pale green leaves and bursting buds, I heard His talk. But it is Autumn, where we walk."

"'Tis true for us, the Summer too is gone.
Now, whiplash winds arise, and further on the ice and sleet and cold and grim assault to pierce us through. Does Fall in Spring time frighten you?"

"Impotent shines the April sun so fair, to melt the wisps of frost within your lair. My dear I know you feel the threatening gloom, but I'm with you and hand in hand we'll face the winter too."

The Winter did come for my mother and father, and now both of them have passed away. But my dad kept his promise and they faced those difficult years together. Even the ageing process is easier, when it is experienced in the context of love.