The Greatest Love Story

In February, the month of love, we hosted the Greatest Love Story contest, eager to read your stories of love and devotion — to family, partners, kittens, and more (we do not judge)! You sent in such sweet, funny, charming stories; you brought tears to our eyes and gave us hope that romance will never die. Thank you all for sharing your stories.

We are so pleased to announce the winner of our Greatest Love Story contest:
Emily S., with the story below, about unexpected love.

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My grandmother, a widow for over thirty years, met the gentleman who moved in across the street, when she was 85. He was 90. They started inviting one another over to share lunch, to enjoy one another's company, and much to their surprise, fell in love. For her 89th birthday, he gave her a beautiful diamond ring — with no strings attached, he said, jokingly. Love can happen in the unlikeliest places.

He died in June of 2013, at age 96, much missed by my grandmother. Before her death in October of last year, at age 92, she asked me if I would like to wear the ring he had given her. She said that she didn't want it to go to one of her children, as it wasn't from their father, but that it was a good reminder that love comes from unexpected places. She was graciously reminding me, I think, that she approved of my same-sex marriage to my partner, whom she admired very much. It's a story about a special ring, a special love, and some very special people.

Thanks for the opportunity to get this down in words! Such a good reminder for all of us. 

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Below is a picture of Emily with her beloved grandmother. 

Thank you again, Emily!