Ed and I enjoyed walking together. Our walks and talks helped us look forward to adventures in our future.
During COVID, walking became even more important. Ed was working remotely. Walking helped us be calm and hopeful.
We walked around our neighborhood every afternoon. Our walks were so important that Ed wrote “Meeting with VIP” in his electronic work calendar so no one would disturb us.
We walked in a neighborhood with benches. When Ed saw atwo-seater bench, he would run to it and jump in the seat. He would put his arm along the back and say, “Come join me on the l-o-v-e bench.” When I sat next to him, he kissed me playfully. We hugged and resumed our walk until Ed saw the next love bench.
While the world was in a panic, we found refuge in our frequent neighborhood walks and our love bench fun.
After Ed passed away, walking and stopping at the love benches was the way I managed the overwhelming grief.
I’ve been thinking about buying a bench for our home. Recently, I saw a bench on someone’s front lawn being given away. It was a two-seater with an embossed rose that reminded me of the Blessed Mother. My heart skipped a beat. Was it a gift from Ed for our anniversary? I told myself that if it was still there the next day, I would take it home. The next day, it was there. I put it in my car, drove it home, cleaned it and placed it near the entrance.
Now, when I see it, I remember Ed saying, “ l-o-v-e bench.” I smile and feel the warmth of Ed and God’s love. I am blessed to realize that our love benches were our pews.
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Leonor “Leo” and Ed Rivera were members of the local Worldwide Marriage Encounter community for 32 of their 34 years of marriage until Ed unexpectedly died of a genetic heart defect on Aug. 1, 2020.
The next 2026 Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is Nov. 20-22 at Notre Dame Retreat House in Canandaigua.
Tags: Catholic Marriage
