| Abstrakt: |
Michelle Trebow, 59: I have dysphagia, which is an illness of the esophagus. It is progressive and irreversible. Eventually I won't be able to swallow at all and will require a feeding tube. Everyone in my family is gone, so I had been totally alone in my illness. But then I met Danny at our assisted-living facility in May. He had just been transferred here from hospice, and the first time we looked into one another's eyes, our souls locked. I love Danny's quietness and his acceptance of the situation we are in. We decided to get married and vowed to take care of each other to the end. The facility director wanted to throw a party. She took me shopping -- we found a prom dress on sale -- and she did my makeup and hair. We married on July 2, 2011, and all of the residents came. Some even cried during the ceremony, and everyone danced afterward. It was the most beautiful day of my life. I'd been married before, but this was different. I realized, it does not matter when you meet the love of your life -- all that matters is that I got to meet him. Danny Clauson, 53: The very first moment I saw Michelle, I thought, I'm going to marry that woman. I was bowled over by her beauty. And then I fell in love with her spirit. Less than a month later, I asked her to spend the rest of my life with me. I've lived a hard life: I've been married before, but it did not end well. Since then, I've been homeless and am now dying from liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis C. I've suffered a lot and was ready to give up. But ever since I met Michelle, I wake up happy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
