MEANT TO MEET

I went out to meet, "Joseph", a ninety-eight year old gentleman suffering from cardiac disease. Joseph lives with his wife, "Hanna". They have four children, who, unfortunately all live out of state. Joseph and Hanna have a tremendous group of friends who visit daily to support the couple.

Hanna and Joseph have been married sixty-two years. When I asked Hanna how the two of them met, she told me this most amazing story. It is such a perfect example of "Truth is stranger than fiction." I loved the story as it was such an amazing example of how the two of them were so meant to meet.

I wasn't able to talk to Joseph as he was in a deep sleep during my visit, but it was such a pleasure to spend time with Hanna. She is at peace about her husband's current status, rapid decline and his poor prognosis. She spoke about the sadness of losing him, but so lovingly added, "He's had such a good life. We both have been so blessed." I know Hanna will be okay because of the tremendous love of so many supportive friends. I so hope our paths do cross again.


MEANT TO MEET　

He is close to ninety-nine years old.
His health has declined so rapidly.
He is extremely weak and needs a lot of help;
but still will smile while telling her, "I love you."

He was nine years old when she was born;
living in two separate countries miles apart.
He in Germany; she in Denmark;
but the two of them were so meant to meet.

When she was seven, her family moved to Germany.
She lived around the corner from him.
They were both Jewish, the Nazi's so cared
so both families had to rapidly move away.

Years later she was in a New York Gallery.
By happenstance; so was he.
They both walked outside at the same time
starting up their lifelong conversation.

They were so surprised that they were neighbors in Germany.
Their paths should have so easily crossed.
But then, he was sixteen; she only seven.
Smiling, she adds, "I wouldn't have been interested."

Their sixty-third wedding anniversary is soon approaching.
Living a block away; then moving over six thousand miles west.
On a Sunday afternoon outside a New York art gallery;
          yes, they were meant to meet.