Log In | Register
I was told this story by the man who lived it while working at a funeral home last year. It was and will remain the most powerful love story I have ever heard. I am not sure if it is inappropriate and have gone back and forth, but have decided, since it is technically public information, to share the link to the obituary for the woman whose passing brought this story to me. I implore you to observe it only with the utmost respect and dignity (follow link, search for memorial, last name: Williams). The obituary does not share with you this very true, very real, heart-breaking, heart-warming love story that I will tell you now....
James and Alyce met when they were just 17 and 16 respectively. It was a whirlwind romance and they were quite swept up in eachother, but it wasn't long before WWII had James packing for Europe (he was in the Navy). James provided me with a photo of himself and Alyce at a train station, him in his uniform, her in button up dress and heels, arms around eachother, smiling for the camera. That was the last time that Alyce would see James for over 60 years.
You see, James was a little concerned about how quickly Alyce and himself fell for eachother. He hadn't been with any other girls and the war was eye opening to say the least. He was ashamed to admit it, but he used the opportunity of being overseas to lose contact with Alyce.
Naturally, Alyce's heart was broken when her letters stopped being answered. She was worried about James and didn't know what happened to him. She still loved him dearly. Alyce decided to do something amazing, she joined the Navy. James doesn't know why exactly, but as a woman, I can guess that she simply wanted to be closer to him. I'm sure she knew that it wouldn't lead to their reunion, but it would keep him closer to her somehow. So, imagine that, a young girl joining the Navy during WWII!
Years passed. James came home, fell in love, married, had children. He was a good Catholic man, faithful, kind, loyal, hardworking. He was a good husband and a devoted father. His wife passed away after 40 years together. James was heartbroken and as he healed, he began to think back to his first love, Alyce. He couldn't explain why, but he wanted to find her and make sure she was okay.
Being smart and determined, and with the help of modern technology and his children (who were totally supportive) - he did find Alyce. She was relatively easy to find because of the unique spelling of her name and the fact that she had never gotten married and had the same last name. James was delighted to be in touch with her and crushed to find out she had a very tough life. She had spent her life caring for her sick parents and brother, ironically, injured in the same war James was in. She had no children and had been in a bad relationship.
James told me this: He loved the mother of his children, they had a good life together. His heart was broken because he felt like he was meant to be with Alyce and that her life was damaged because their destiny was to have been together. He felt responsible for Alyce's unhappy life. He felt guilty for being in love with a woman who was not his wife. He was angry with himself for being so immature all those years ago. He was determined to make Alyce's life as happy as he could for as long as he lived.
In 1999, they got married. Judging by the plethora of photos, I'd say she had a very happy decade with James that made up for her heartache.
For the funeral procession, he asked that we play "Red Roses for a Blue Lady". He said it was "her song". It haunts me now when I hear it....seeing James help close Alyce's casket, tears flowing as he followed it to the hearse. After everyone was gone, the song continued to play in the funeral home and I listened to it as I strolled through the vistiation room, looking through her photos on display and reflected on their special story. Listen to it here.
Here's to you, Alyce. I hope you know how much James loved you.
