A Sad Love Stories: Love Final Wish
In 1854, 38-year-old John Clouston was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and his life was nearing its end.
One evening, as a gentle breeze blew, Clouston said to his wife, who was accompanying him on a walk, “I once promised to grow old with you, but please forgive me, as I can no longer fulfill that promise. I have one last wish before I leave this world, and that is to help you find a kind man who can carry on the mission of love in my place.”
Maria tightly held Clouston’s hand and said, “I also made a promise to you: my love in this life is for you alone. I would rather live in solitude than betray the vow I made to you.”
“No! My dear, I would feel immense guilt if I left you alone and desolate in this world. Only if you live happily in this beautiful world can I find peace in the next. Don’t you remember? We once said that love is about making the other person happier. That is the promise we should truly uphold.”
As death approached Clouston, he wasn’t concerned about his own life but was deeply worried about his wife’s future happiness. Knowing he had little time left, Clouston worked tirelessly to fulfill the last wish of his life. He printed a large number of flyers, which read: “I, John Clouston, will soon have to say goodbye to this world I am so attached to. I know this is unfair to my wife. I promised to grow old with her, but I can no longer fulfill this mission of love. I hope that a kind-hearted, loving man will come forward to carry out this mission in my place. My wife—36-year-old Maria—is a kind, beautiful nurse. She is a woman worthy of love. Her address is 9 Church Street, Amareth Town.”
No matter how Maria tried to persuade him, Clouston remained resolute. He stood on the busiest street in Amareth Town, handing out the matrimonial advertisements for his wife to passersby.
However, the illness did not grant Clouston the time to see his final wish fulfilled. On his deathbed, he instructed his wife, “Please have the content of the matrimonial advertisement engraved on my tombstone. In life, I couldn’t find someone to replace me, but in death, I will continue to search…”
Clouston passed away, and Maria, following his wishes, had the inscription engraved on his tombstone: “I, John Clouston, will soon have to say goodbye to this world I am so attached to. I know this is unfair to my wife. I promised to grow old with her, but I can no longer fulfill this mission of love. I hope that a kind-hearted, loving man will come forward to carry out this mission of love in my place.”
Shortly after Clouston’s death, Maria married a teacher. Her new husband helped her gain a deeper understanding of love: love is not only about the intimate companionship and support while both are alive but also about living a happier, more fulfilling life after the other is gone. She knew that only by finding a new companion could Clouston rest peacefully in the other world. Although Maria fulfilled Clouston’s wish, she did not erase the “matrimonial advertisement” from the tombstone. She wanted to let more people know that she had experienced the deepest love.
Over a hundred years have passed, and that tombstone, engraved with the “matrimonial advertisement,” still stands at Clouston’s grave. Everyone who sees it is filled with respect for Clouston, moved by his selfless and profound love for his wife.
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “
