Love in the Time of Illness

The novel 'Love in the Time of Cholera' by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is a masterpiece. It follows the lives of a couple - Florentino and Fermina - who in their youth fall in love. As their respective lives unfold, Fermina marries a well off doctor, leaving Florentino heartbroken.

The heartbreak is beautifully described and masterfully presented. The narrative and character development is evocative, leaving the reader in no doubt that heartbreak, with its enduring emotional pain, is akin to a literal illness.

Without spoiling the plot, the couple reunite after 50 years, 9 months and 4 days apart; Florentino's heart was always with Fermina and his love for her, despite circumstance and hardship, was undiminished. Likewise for Fermina, 'she knew that he loved her above all else in the world'.

Love is complex: it is ethereal, emotional, intentional, challenging, enchanting, and so much more. When life is easy, love is easy. It is only in times of struggle that its veracity is tested, and if it breaks irreparably, perhaps it was not love after all.

Marquez has reminded me of a story I first heard about a number of years ago. Thankfully it is not about heartbreak, rather it is about the depth of love encountered and sustained by a couple facing a progressive and life-limiting illness. Their story is as remarkable as it is life affirming and well suited to the title: 'Love in the Time of Illness'.

The illness is MND (Motor Neurone Disease)/ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and Lucy Lintott's and her husband face the cruel condition with fortitude sustained by their remarkable love for one another. They decided to have children, which was not without its challenges, to say the least, as Lucy's condition deteriorated. Now, they have two children together and their connection is as profoundly loving as it has always been.

Chronic and degenerative illness can put enormous strain on relationships of all kinds. That is understandable. This short video, which initially appeared on BBC Scotland, is incredibly moving and humbling, showing the couples sacrificial love for one another.

Take care,

Scott

#MND #Meaning #Love #Relationships #ALS #Hope