February 14, 2020 Valentine Love Story: The Queen of the Pool

So, since it’s Valentine’s Day, I’ll tell you a love story. When I started swimming laps nearly 20 years ago, I almost always swam in the lane next to an older woman, whom I secretly referred to as “The Queen of the Pool.” She swam with beautiful, graceful strokes and although she appeared to be swimming slowly, I found out that it was only an appearance; it was a long time before I was able to keep up with her. She inspired me to improve my swimming technique. I watched her covertly to see how she swam and then tried to do likewise. Her husband swam laps at the same time, but over in the deep end of the pool. He always waited for her afterward by the front door; he held the door open for her and they would go out to the parking lot side by side.

One day, the Queen stopped coming. Her husband also stopped for a time, but then he returned without her. I feared the worst, but didn’t know him and didn’t want to ask. After a few months, she returned, and it was immediately clear that she’d suffered some sort of accident. She was weak and unsteady on her feet. Her husband not only walked in beside her, helping her stay upright, he also got into the pool and swam right next to her, always ready to come to her aid if she should need it. As long as she needed him there, he was there. She gradually recovered her former strength and grace and he went back to his side of the pool. When they were done, he always held the door for her, and they walked together to their car. It was so sweet to see his loving care and protection of his wife, and the beauty and strength that it gave her. She truly was his Queen.

The best part was that I knew I was married to the same kind of man – the kind who would go the extra mile and demonstrate sacrificial love, even when that meant changing my bedpans when I was in the hospital. He has consistently loved me and prayed for me, even when I am cranky, overemotional and unlovable. How thankful I am that the Lord loves me and gave me a husband who knows how to transmit the steadfast love of Christ to me when I am at my worst, and who encourages me and takes care of me when I am weak and in need. And you know what? He always holds the door open for me. Bless the man! Happy Valentine’s Day, my darling! Thank you for making me feel like your Queen.