The Love of a Lifetime
Mary L. Mancini

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take in a moment but by the number of moments that take our breath away

I never realized how true this quote would frame my life. I was 16 when his mesmerizing green eyes locked on mine and his contagious smile grabbed my heart.  One look from him made my heart race wildly.  It was the 70’s. It was love at first sight! His name was George.  He was introduced to me by my nickname, “Sunshine”. Somehow when he spoke it, it was melodious sending shivers up my spine.

The simplest things filled our hearts.  Holding hands and walking through the woods, our first slow dance with his car parked and stereo playing, time with friends, long talks learning about each other, and dreaming of growing old together are the fond memories I’ll carry forever.  We basked in these moments finding it harder and harder to be apart. At 20 I was walking down the aisle of St. Anthony’s church, forever to be joined with the man I loved. At age 22 our first son was born, a symbol of our unity and love and then later our second son entered our life.

Only 19 short months later as our first Christmas in our new home approached, George would be diagnosed with a brain tumor. He was 29. We thought a couple times that we would beat this beast. When I became pregnant with our 3rd son we believed this was a gift of hope. But on May 17, 1991 George, at age 35 lost his battle with cancer.

I reflect back, after the profound sadness, anger, and confusion that tormented me for years lifted. I realize how lucky I am.  I had what most people only dream to have. I had that love that traveled my blood stream and hit every nerve ending. 

We did not have the longevity that we desired but we did measure our life by the moments that took our breath away.