We watched The Notebook last night...it was so cute! Even Garnet said it was the best chick flick he'd ever seen :) Of course, I was a blubbering fool and crying through most of it...I can't help it, I'm a romantic. I love older people in love! I won't ruin it too much for those who haven't seen it but it definitely tugs at the heart!
It reminded me of an experience that I had at the gym the other day. I was waiting for my last weight machine - before going home. Usually, I just find something else to do while I'm waiting but since this was the last one of the day (and I had already been there for an hour and a half) I decided a break wouldn't hurt. I was also drawn to the couple using the machine I was waiting for. I've seen them there before and they've always intrigued me - but I've never had an excuse to watch them.
They are probably close to 80 years old. She was in a wheel chair and he had to hold her while she got out of the wheelchair and onto the seat of the machine. She was obviously in pain, and every movement took every ounce of strength. I tried not to stare - but it was so amazing. He brushed back her hair and gave little words of encouragement. He counted every repetition with her and they giggled with each little grunt that she gave. He pulled out an old worn notebook and wrote something down, then smiled at her and touched her cheek. He waited while she rested for a minute and then gently helped her out again and down the line to the next machine. They smiled at me and thanked me for waiting, I said it was my pleasure. After I was done my set the man leaned over form the next machine and said 'you must be strong to do that much' and I winked and said 'at the rate she's going - she'll be there in no time' ...then I reached down and touched her knee and said 'you deserve a good break after this!'
It was such a simple but beautiful encounter, I am still intrigued by them. I wonder what happened to her - or if it's simply old age. I wonder how long he's been bringing her and helping her build her strength. Mostly, I am just in awe of their connection and love -- and the giggles they shared together through the pain.
I'm just an old romantic....
xo J
4 comments:
thats a really sweet story jess.
i went to the notebook earlier in my pregnancy...i NEVER cry at movies and i rarely cry anyway...but i was holding back my tears for the Notebook.
finally, i couldnt hold back anymore so i resigned myself a few tears, but was pretty much sobbing...and the movie ended IMMEDIATELY.
i was soooo embarassed. my friend was rubbing my back and saying "its alright" and on the way out of the theater people in the next line up were commenting on what a tear jerker it must be...it was horrible.
i was sooo embarassed. but it makes for a good story.
thats so funny amanda...garnet said a few times 'wow, it's a good thing that we didn't see this in theatres, honey!'...
well i don't know what it is with us, sister, but I also am a total romantic! I loved that movie!...and yes cried, well bawled! lol!....and that is so cute about the elderly couple in the Y. There is just something about seeing people who have been in love for so long! ah, Beautiful! :)
yes, hill we are hopeless romantics ;)....nice to see you are still alive babe
love you
Post a Comment