A story on National Public Radio about a couple who met on a blind date, served in World War II, married for 71 years and died on the same day, is making the rounds on Facebook newsfeeds, eliciting reactions from netizens, who, living in this age of dating sites and apps, find it sort of like the proverbial lotus in a placid pond – an awe-inspiring true love story.
Isabell and Preble Staver of Philadelphia, put the wedding vow, “‘til death do us part,” to a new level, having grown old together and lived through war where she was a Navy Nurse and him, a U.S. Marine Corps.
The Stavers, who died in Norfolk, VA on Oct. 25, 2017 met at a blind date while they were both studying in Philadelphia. A romance blossomed but was interrupted by the war.
They married on February 15, 1946, soon after the war ended, and started a family with children — five in total, said the NPR feature report.
In 2013, Isabell, who was born on Oct. 31, 1921, started showing signs of dementia, which compelled the couple to move into a long-term care facility in Norfolk, VA.
“They stayed in the same place but slept in separate rooms. These times were especially difficult for them, especially for Preble, who was forced to watch his loved one drift deeper into the disease,” said the NPR report.
Said 63-year-old Laurie Staver Clinton, one of the five children: “They just found another way to express their love. Dad, even after he stopped walking and was in a wheelchair, he would wheel himself down to the Memory Care Unit and go visit mom. When I would reunite them, they always, the first thing they’d do was put their hands out and hold each other’s hand and tell each other they loved each other.”
Preble, a Bronze Star recipient, had one last wish before his 96th birthday and that is to have one more nap with his wife.
His wish was made true, according to the NPR report, saying it was done with the help of the staff of the facility, and the couple had three hours for a nap, in order to enjoy their true love once more, being one beside the other.
“There was not a single word spoken between the two of them. They held hands and just fell asleep,” it quoted Laurie as saying.
Only several days afterward, on October 25, 2017, Isabell passed away, and her husband was there to say goodbye. After 14 hours, Preble died too.
This was the end of their amazing life together, that lasted for 71 years. Yet, their love left an unforgettable mark in the lives of all people that had the chance to meet them, said NPR.
(Other photos taken from Preble Staver’s Facebook page)
