Merle
I was waiting at the church. It was a bright Saturday at the end of October in 1994 and my bride and groom were running late. I turned to see this man come into the sanctuary at Holy Rosary… he was moving a little slowly and carrying a most wonderful wedding portrait under his arm. Curious, as always, I asked him if he was there for the wedding? He looked somewhat confused and said he was there for Mass. He thought it was Sunday. I asked him about the photograph and he introduced me to his late wife.
John was 94 when we met and Merle, his true love, had been gone for 3 years. They must have been married for close to 70 years if I can go by the photo… he carried it everywhere he went. I have friends who had seen him at Lloyd Center… always with Merle tucked in beside him.
John and his Merle are gone now but the pictures remain as does the legend of love.
Raise your glass to the love that lasts…
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What a great story. In this age of unprecedented divorce rates, it’s always amazing to me how this generation could connect with one person for a lifetime. A love that lasts… man, that takes some work.
The photo he’s carrying around is amazing. She looks like a Hollywood starlet. I wonder who photographed her? It looks like a 1930’s era photo. Beautiful bridal portrait.
Still makes my throat go tight… he only wanted to talk about her, he missed her so!
The story goes a little further in that the church used Merle’s face as the model for one of their new stained glass windows… I believe it is the Madonna in the window high up on the left of the alter.
I’d love to know who did her portrait.
Very sweet. Thanks for going to the trouble of bringing an image from film days onto the web; this one is certainly worth it.
OMG – what a perfect post for the week of Thanksgiving. What Church is that, Jamie? Next time I’ll have to look for Merle.
Holy Rosary is on NE Clackamas right around the corner from the Rose Garden… the music will make you remember the place if the lovely old space doesn’t. I have had at least three events there and it is a special place.
There is nothing more beautiful in the world than true, lasting love. Beautiful post.
Wonderful portrait and beautiful story, Jamie. Thank you for sharing!
My heart is in my throat Jamie. What an amazing image and story. Yet again, you’ve inspired me.
This is wonderful. I love everything about this picture, and this story.
Cheers!
Beautiful portrait and a great story. We can all hope to be remembered in such a way.
It’s just the best.