Oct. 3: A Love Stronger than Death

After 72 years of marriage, Gordon and Norma Yeager died one hour apart while holding hands.

The Des Moines, Iowa, couple got married on the day Norma graduated from high school in 1939.  From then on, they were inseparable.  “They believed in marriage till death do you part,” their youngest son Dennis told KCCI-TV.

In October 2011, Gordon and Norma were in a car accident and rushed to the intensive care unit where the nurses knew not to separate the pair. Gordon died first, holding hands with his wife and surrounded by their family.

Their children were confused, however, when his heart monitor kept beating after he was dead.  The nurse pointed out that, because he and Norma were holding hands, his monitor was picking up her heartbeat.  Still, exactly one hour later, Norma followed him.

That kind of lifetime commitment may seem rare nowadays, but it is still possible.  It’s a love that will carry into eternity.

For love is as strong as death. (Song of Solomon 8:6)

God, we pray our earthly passing reflects the great love we

hope to enter into with You.