“When somebody loves you, it’s no good unless she loves you…all the way.” I can hear Frank Sinatra’s inflection crooning this love song. I witnessed the meaning of those words at a celebration of life for a walking buddy’s husband who is near the end of his struggle with esophageal cancer. Love – all the way. A few years back, he’d nursed her through her battle with breast cancer. Now she’s nursing him. Their love for each other…their grace in allowing friends, family and neighbors to fete them brought the Frank Sinatra tune to mind. Fran and Ann loving all the way. I also witnessed ” all the way friendship” in the grace of another “all the way couple, their friends,” Judith and Brook, who put the celebration together. It was a celebration that showed the reach of Fran and Ann, FranandAnn is how it was said all night. The rainbow that is Dorchester was present in their home, giving thanks for all that Fran has meant to so many people. All The Way When somebody loves you It’s no good unless he loves you – all the way Happy to be near you When you need someone to cheer you – all the way Taller than the tallest tree is That’s how it’s got to feel Deeper than the deep blue see is That’s how deep it goes – if it’s real When somebody needs you It’s no good unless he needs you – all the way Through the good or lean years And for all the in between years – come what may Who know where the road will lead us Only a fool would say But if you’ll let me love you It’s for sure I’m gonna love you – all the way, all the way (*I pray that I (and my spouse) will have the same grace and fortitude when our turns come.)
All the way.
Love.
‘Til death us do part.
Love.
Fran and Ann demonstrated what it is to love all the way.*
(lyrics by Sammy Cahn, music by Jimmy Van Heusen)
