Amelia and Arnold were very close. Bonded for life you might say.
Traditional wedding vows include the words – to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part. Amelia and Arnold were never married. But, they lived by those words.
A cute couple they were, and very close to each other. Where you would see one, you would see the other. They walked side by side, happily talking. They enjoyed their meals together and were very protective of each other. They slept all cuddled up each night. From their relationship, they raised many children.
You see, Amelia and Arnold were not some couple living in sin. Oh no, it was nothing like that. Amelia and Arnold were a pair of Canada geese that spent their days together at a pond near a wildlife center in Massachusetts.
One day, the wildlife center staff found Arnold limping and falling. Amelia was right there with him. They suspected the injury was from a snapping turtle or some predator. They captured Arnold as Amelia fussed at them. They took him to the center’s clinic for surgery.
Arnold received pain medications and antibiotics. As they prepared to start the surgery, they heard a tapping on the glass entrance door to the building. It was Amelia. She had followed her mate and was wanting to be by his side.
The medical team moved the surgery table closer to the door. It was to show Amelia that Arnold was in good hands and she had nothing to worry about. Amelia stayed there the whole time watching.
Arnold’s surgery was a success. When he started to wake up from anesthesia, the staff decided that Amelia should be the first one he saw when he regained consciousness. They opened the clinic door and let Amelia in. She rushed to Arnold’s side and started lovingly grooming him.
Amelia visited her dear Arnold daily during his recovery. Finally, it was time for Arnold to return home to his lady. She waited for him at their favorite pond as he wattled towards her. Reunited and joyous, the pair went swimming. They honked and loved on each other as they caught up on whatever the geese talked about. Their love story continued for several years until death did they part.
In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, it says, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
In this broken, divided world we live in, I pray that this story serves as a reminder to others that even in the animal kingdom, there is love and empathy for one another. It would be nice if countries of the world, the politicians, families and even church members learn from Amelia and Arnold’s love story.
If you or someone you know is looking for a church home we invite you to join us at the Sac River Church at either of our locations: 6821 W Independence Dr. Springfield MO 65802 on Sunday morning at 8:30 and 10:00 or our Event Center at 6448 State Highway EE Springfield MO 65802 on Sunday morning at 10:00 and 11:30 or Thursday evening at 6:00pm with dinner served. You may also join us live online at https://www.facebook.com/sacrivercowboychurch or https://www.youtube.com/sacrivercowboychurch
