A woman was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease three years ago, and the disease has now advanced significantly. She has lost all of her energy and has nearly stopped speaking in the last year. Her final words were “My husband.”

Francis did his best to care for his wife, but despite the assistance of nurses, he found it difficult to do so. The man was then forced to place his wife in a nursing facility.

He saw her every day and spent all of his time with her. The couple ate lunch together, watched TV on a little sofa in the living area, and spent the entire time holding hands.

Norma frequently dozed off on her husband’s shoulder. Francis was placed in the same house where his wife lived when he collapsed and broke his hip.

Norma recognized him in an unfathomable way, despite her dementia. She refused to eat if he refused. She would refuse the water if he did. She mimicked his actions.

They met for the first time at a ball. Norma wore a long pale blue gown with a sprig of jasmine in her loose brown hair. Francis imagined herself to be a movie star. He had to sell his motorcycle in order to purchase an engagement ring.

Some say that the children of lovers are orphans. But not in this case. They have always had enough love for their three children – sons Michael, Cameron and daughter Amanda – as well as their five grandchildren and many friends.

From the day of their wedding until the last day of their lives, they were happy to be close to each other and hoped to live to see their wedding anniversary in platinum.