A Rose In Germany

My grandfather grew up never actually believing in love. He was so stubborn and basically in a sense a hopeless romantic.

 

He served in the army and traveled all over the world - his only love was the priceless possessions that he got from every place he visited. He served in almost all of the wars, including World War I and WWII, recieved a purple heart or two in the Korean War before serving in the Vietnam War. He never expected to meet a beautiful young German girl named Ann. My grandmother. He fell absolutely head over heels in love with her. Going back and forth between wars, he decided to take Ann away from all the bombings and chaos going on at the time in Germany.

 

Once back in America, he married her. With a small unfortunate price to pay for his love. His parents were just as stubborn and despised the Germans all thanks to certain well-known villian of a dictator, Adolf Hitler. They couldn't see what my grandfather saw in Ann and refused to have any communication with them after their marriage. My grandfather did everything he could, by sending some of his treasures in hopes of them coming to their senses. Nothing worked, and he was basically disowned by his family.

 

My grandfather saw something special in Ann...I've heard stories about him comparing her to a rose. She was the most beautiful woman his hopeless romantic eyes ever layed upon. Despite his parents feelings he stayed by her side until the very end. January 21 1986 --- My grandfather passed away due to the Agent Orange spread in Vietnam, with her still by his side.

 

A few years back in 2006, my grandmother got sick and passed away. I know he's still with her even in Heaven... and I'll always remember the stories of his travels, and the day he met his rose in Germany.

Author's Note

A small love story compiled of things I've heard about my grandparents.

Reviews

[Y.F.]

Such a beautiful story, and so out of this world - almost like a movie. I guess the greatest stories are indeed the true ones, the ones we all carry in our hearts and minds, the ones, without whom, we would have not been here.

Thank you for sharing this amazing, personal piece.

[LinBin]

A BEAUTIFUL STORY, IT IS SO SAD TO JUDGE ALL PEOPLE BY THE ACTIONS OF SOME, THE WORLD IS MADE UP OF GOOD PEOPLE AND ALSO OF EVIL....OF ALL NATIONALITIES!! BEING GERMAN DOES NOT MEAN YOU DESERVE TO BE HATED, I HAVE WONDERFUL GERMAN FRIENDS WHO DESPISE HITLER AND EVERYTHING HE STOOD FOR AND I APPLAUD YOUR GRANDFATHER FOR STANDING UP FOR HIS LOVE X

[*~*Butterfly Kisses*~*]

Touching, heartfelt story. What a shame his parents couldnt see what he saw, just because she was a german girl doesnt mean she wasnt a human being. I suppose it's different between back then and now. Great write!