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Share A Story NowShmily
My grandparents were married for over half a century, and played their own special game from the time they had met each other. The goal of their game was to write the word "shmily" in a surprise place for the other to find. They took turns leaving "shmily" around the house, and as soon as one of them discovered it, it was their turn to hide it once more.
They dragged "shmily" with their fingers through the sugar and flour containers to await whoever was preparing the next meal.
They smeared it in the dew on the windows overlooking the patio where my grandma always fed us warm, homemade pudding with blue food coloring.
"Shmily" was written in the steam left on the mirror after a hot shower, where it would reappear bath after bath. At one point, my grandmother even unrolled an entire roll of toilet paper to leave "shmily" on the very last sheet.
There was no end to the places "shmily" would pop up. Little notes with "shmily" scribbled hurriedly were found on dashboards and car seats, or taped to steering wheels.
The notes were stuffed inside shoes and left under pillows. "Shmily" was written in the dust upon the mantel and traced in the ashes of the fireplace. This mysterious word was as much a part of my grandparents' house as the furniture.
It took me a long time before I was able to fully appreciate my grandparents' game. Skepticism has kept me from believing in true love, one that is pure and enduring.
However, I never doubted my grandparents' relationship. They had love down pat. It was more than their flirtatious little games; it was a way of life. Their relationship was based on a devotion and passionate affection, which not everyone is lucky enough to experience.
Grandma and Grandpa held hands every chance they could. They stole kisses as they bumped into each other in their tiny kitchen. They finished each other's sentences and shared the daily crossword puzzle and word jumble. My grandma whispered to me about how cute my grandpa was, how handsome and old he had grown to be. She claimed that she really knew "how to pick 'em." Before every meal they bowed their heads and gave thanks, marveling at their blessings: a wonderful family, good fortune, and each other. But there was a dark cloud in my grandparents' life: my grandmother had breast cancer.
The disease had first appeared ten years earlier. As always, Grandpa was with her every step of the way. He comforted her in their yellow room, painted that way so that she could always be surrounded by sunshine, even when she was too sick to go outside.
Now the cancer was again attacking her body. With the help of a cane and my grandfather's steady hand, they went to church every morning. But my grandmother grew steadily weaker until, finally, she could not leave the house anymore.
For a while, Grandpa would go to church alone, praying to God to watch over his wife. Then one day, what we all dreaded finally happened. Grandma was gone.
"Shmily." It was scrawled in yellow on the pink ribbons of my grandmother's funeral bouquet. As the crowd thinned and the last mourners turned to leave, my aunts, uncles, cousins and other family members came forward and gathered around Grandma one last time. Grandpa stepped up to my grandmother's casket and, taking a shaky breath, he began to sing to her.
Through his tears and grief, the song came, a deep and throaty lullaby. Shaking with my own sorrow, I will never forget that moment. For I knew that, although I couldn't begin to fathom the depth of their love, I had been privileged to witness its unmatched beauty.
S-h-m-i-l-y = See How Much I Love You.
Story was submitted anonymously
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Your Comments
This story is lived by me and a certain lil bear ..smiles of love ..
Posted 15 days ago by Vickie L. from USA
I was looking for an inspiring true love story to read and this was it. It really touched my heart, reminds me of how my grandparents were, so sweet.
Posted 5 months ago by Tammy P. from Tennessee
This is such a moving story. I have a similar relationship with my boyfriend and its something I wish every man and woman could experience once in their life! I cried when I read this. Great story!
Posted over 1 year ago by Emily B. from Florida
Great story! If you like it, you may also enjoy wooden SHMILY tokens. Visit: www.SHMILYcoins.com
Posted over 1 year ago by Scott E. from North Carolina
This story made me cry.. I recently began to believe that love was just a four letter lie, but this story showed me that it's real and it's out there just waiting. Thank you for that.
Posted almost 3 years ago by Allie S. from Alabama
A very touching story. Brought tears to my eyes, as it did to others.
A minute fighting/squabbling is a minute of loving wasted.
Thanks for sharing.
Posted about 3 years ago by Vanessa from Singapore
Thank you so much for sharing this story. Through the tears I'm crying because of your spectacular story, I feel hope that true love does exist: it is not just in fairy tales. With a little determination and effort, two people can indeed be happy together forever.
Posted about 3 years ago by Rebecca from Canada
This story left me without words. Thank you for sharing with the world.
Posted over 3 years ago by Bellina from South Africa
You touched my heart - what a beautiful story... Thank you so much for sharing!
Posted over 3 years ago by ZB from Los Angeles
Wonderful love story. Thanks for sharing. Each day is indeed a blessing and your grandpa and grandma surely knew and appreciated that.
Posted over 3 years ago by Norman O. from Cayman Islands
This is really a very touching story. Such love is almost impossible in this time and date.
Posted almost 4 years ago by Loo from Singapore
This is what the world needs now-- lasting, true love. Thanks for sharing!
Posted almost 4 years ago by Joy from Philippines
It's such a touching story. I am glad to have found such a well written beautiful story.
Posted about 4 years ago by Jing Deng from Singapore
What a wonderful story about love enduring over the ages and how two people kept reminding each other of the same. It also brought tears to me, they're streaming down my cheeks as I type this. My wife of 25 years and I are going through a very difficult time right now and just wish and pray that somehow I could find a way to get her to understand shmily.
Posted over 4 years ago by Jim J. from
Unfortunately we do not see this KIND of love in our society today. This is good lesson for people to learn. Thank you for your story.
Posted over 4 years ago by Cindy B. from USA
Absolutely.... WONDERFUL!!!!! very Stunning!!! GREAT LOVE...
Posted over 4 years ago by Weckle M. from Olongapo City, Philippines
I cant help it, the story just bring tears to my eyes!!!
Posted over 4 years ago by Jolianis from Malaysia
WOW......This is an inspirational story for the new generation. We should acknowledge that our family is the most precious asset of our lives.
Posted over 4 years ago by Saira Q. from Pakistan
I just had a breakup after eight years of a relationship and I really don't know whether there is true love or not...it really feels good to read such good things about love.
Posted over 4 years ago by N.S. from India
Thanks for sharing this story. I couldn't stop myself from crying. They made an effort to let each other feel appreciated and loved till the end of their journey in life. To everyone who is reading this, may you find the time to show your love and let your love ones see how much you love them.
Posted over 4 years ago by Sha V. from Philippines
This is a beautiful story! Such an amazing relationship shared by two people...It's the little things that we do to show our love for one another that really goes a long way in our relationship with our loved ones. Thank you for sharing the story and reminding us how simple true love can be.
Posted over 4 years ago by Joyce K. from Singapore
Thank you for sharing this story. I'm sitting at work crying like a baby after reading it.
Posted over 4 years ago by Chad W. from
That story is so heartwarming. Thank you for sharing it with the world. May we all learn from it.
Posted over 4 years ago by Maureen M. from Florida, USA
This is just beautiful. It brought me to tears. Thank you!
Posted over 4 years ago by from
SHIMILY - simply magnificent.
Posted over 4 years ago by Milton, B from Jamaica
I found this story several months ago, and just re-read it again today. I got chills! Again!
This is so beautiful. I wish everyone would read it.
Posted over 4 years ago by from
As I read it I was wondering what "shmily" means. When I reached the end...duh!it make me smile. Very good story indeed. I will share this with my friends.
Posted over 4 years ago by Saudia R. from San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
This touching story reminds me to be grateful for every moment I have with my amazing wife because I do not know when will be the last.
Posted over 4 years ago by Keith B. from Toronto, Canada
Touching and a very wonderful story... it shows their Unconditional love and devotion to each other. I really love the story.
Posted over 4 years ago by Chill D from Philippines
This story surely reinforces the universal truth that true love never fades with time, it only brightens up ur life further and makes you feel younger by every passing moment.Reading this moistened my eyes and touched my soul, making me believe in the power of pure emotions. Thanks!
Posted over 4 years ago by Dr. Purva C. from Mumbai, India
What a great story! I love it; I cried because I need to feel that same kind of genuine love! This is absolutely one of the best love stories! Whew!
Posted over 4 years ago by Laura G. from Selma, North Carolina USA
I cried because it was so special but yet sad when she passed. It's so special to find that one person to share life with. I love true stories like this.
Posted over 4 years ago by Linda T.P. from Plymouth, Michigan USA
Impressive! I like it so much!
Posted over 4 years ago by from
A beautiful story. I haven't had the chance to experience it or the privilege to witness it, but I consider myself lucky to hear about it.
Posted over 4 years ago by Phuong H. from Adelaide, Australia
I was about to cry. Wonderful story.
Posted over 4 years ago by from
What a inspirational story. I hope that one day I will love and be loved the same way in return.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Aida Q. from Australia
No words to express how awesome the story is! My eyes are filled with tears. How magical love is. Live life to the fullest for you are going to live just once.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Kirthishri M. from Bangalore, India
Such an inspiring love story.
It makes you see that in this world, nothing matters but love. . . . true love.
Posted almost 5 years ago by lisa from philippines
This story really is very touching.It made me cry! It shows they must have loved each other deeply. :)
Posted almost 5 years ago by Nikki from Newcastle
Well what a great story, it makes me appreciate what I have in front of me and showed me what I take for granted everyday.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Leuma. W from New Zealand
Such story is so familiar but this one is really different very eye-catching and heart-beating..i love this story..
Posted almost 5 years ago by henrietta Lepiten from philippines
Very inspiring and encouraging
Posted almost 5 years ago by una vuetaki from suva, Fiji
Really a touching story. It reminded me to appreciate every moment we spend time together.
Posted almost 5 years ago by yii from Malaysia
Let this story also be a lesson to us that love is a choice. It takes hard work and dedication! Your Grandparents both made a choice every time they found their "Shmily" and passed it on.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Amy M. from Washington
This story is very meaningful because my wife and i do the very same thing with a different word.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Jacob J from United States
Love is really simple and real. For those who don't believe love really exist, this story is an eye opener. It has encouraged me to love more than I ever do, it is so wonderful a story
Posted almost 5 years ago by Emily E from nigeria
Oh, what a wonderful love they had.
Posted almost 5 years ago by harriet l from UGANDA
This is a gift that is rare to find today, I do wish I had the chance to witness this kind of Love you are lucky keep the memories of their love burning is powerful it will heal your today wounds thanks for sharing!
Posted almost 5 years ago by Judy k from Kenya
Wow! I'm marvelled! Quite a great & true love they shared. Just saying..thanks for your story. We all are challenged to love!
Posted almost 5 years ago by Joan .N. from Nigeria
i wept when i almost finished the story.. i never knew that love could be so deep.
Posted almost 5 years ago by sophia.D from chennai
The story nourishes my true love and commitment to my relationship. I really appreciate it.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Anne from Singapore
An amazing story of love and selfless dedication. I like this site just because of stories like these and how these little stories can bring smiles & tears of joy in our life.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Hitesh R from Jodhpur, India
It got me speechless. What a lovely, touching story. How I wish we could all have such kind of love.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Gibson M from Blantyre, Malawi
That is a beautiful and extremely touching story. This is really what I need right now, to know that true love is out there. Thank you!
Posted almost 5 years ago by Yanna J from Blantyre, Malawi
This story moved me to say wow!!! That was encouraging.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Titus O. from NIGERIA
I really am crying right now!!!! That is a beautiful and extremely touching story! This is really what I need right now, to know that true love is out there. Thank you!
Posted almost 5 years ago by from
I could only say "thanks" for touching my heart in such a deep way, and for true hope.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Gerald T. from United States
Felt astounded - love is simple, we complicate it. Life is beautiful when shared with the one who loves you much more than anyone can fathom.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Althea from India
This story made my heart feel so heavy, I was raised by my grandparents and this has reminded me of how much I love them and that I appreciate everything they have done for me. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, this is a very touching story.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Lisa F from New Zealand
I wept as I read this touching love story to my children and would be truly blessed for them to be fortunate enough to have a relationship as beautiful as that. To have such a love for each other would be a wonderful gift to pass onto your children. Love is a wonderful thing, especially when you give it away.
Posted almost 5 years ago by Meaghan M from Victoria
awesome, what a wonderful story! it reminds me of my love towards one who he loved me alot,as my father.we were going to get married but his parents prevented us and departed us from eachother.
he has such a love towards me that he was worried if some day i die before him what should he do?he wants god to take care of me and wants god if somebody is supposed to die it would be him.this story stroke my heart deep and burst me into tears...
Posted almost 5 years ago by malihe bayat from iran
If I am fortunate to experience that type of love in my lifetime I would be eternally grateful.
Posted about 5 years ago by Priya from Tobago
On Saturday I am getting married to a high school classmate after 30yrs and a horrible first marriage for me and two for him.
I feel just like the couple in the story. I love him like fire on a flame.
I will use the story in our self written marriage vows.
He often sends me letters, cards, or gifts that say this is a "Just because I love you"...etc.
Thank you for the wonderful stories.
Posted about 5 years ago by Annette S. from Little Rock, AR
Awesome. No other word(s) can fully express my feelings.
Posted about 5 years ago by Harish Reganti from Chennai, India.
Thank you for bringing back my faith. Your grandma was a very lucky girl! How I wish I had the chance to meet either one of them.
Posted about 5 years ago by charmie from philippines
Such a wonderful story. Makes me feel the wonders of LOVE.
Posted about 5 years ago by srisurya from j b malaysia
It's truly heart touching. I'm left speechless
Posted about 5 years ago by shreya from india
To me they both lived a successful life. A life filled with love. It brought a tear to my eyes.
Posted about 5 years ago by Makhamba M from SOUTHAFRICA
How touching!!! True love...for eternity!!! I'm impressed. Thanks for re-installing my faith in love. :)
Posted about 5 years ago by maha from j.b., malaysia
This is the most amazing story I have ever heard. It reminds me it's the simple little things in life that count most. Just saying I love you!!!
Posted about 5 years ago by jolene c from South Africa
It's really an amazing endless love story. It has really touched my heart.
Posted about 5 years ago by Lavina C. from India, Mumbai
I think it's a blessing to have someone who really loves you. Special things like that can make you more happier. Reading touching stories always makes you feel good. Everybody needs to be loved and doing cute things like hiding little notes around the house it brings you closer together.
Posted about 5 years ago by susan h from somerville, ma.
This story put a smile on my face and a tear in my eye! What wonderful love and faith between two people.
Posted about 5 years ago by Mary D. from N. Ontario, Canada
Brought tears to my eyes. That is beautiful.
Posted about 5 years ago by cat c from
Thanks for sharing this beautiful story of love. Shmily has been as elusive as a butterfly in my life but I am yet hoping.
Posted about 5 years ago by Fran R from Barbados
it makes me smile.
what a wonderful love story.
indeed.
Posted about 5 years ago by ochel from philippines
Wow!! It is so touching. I got tears in my eyes.
Posted about 5 years ago by Pawan N from Udaipur, India
This story is amazing! An excellent example of what love really is. When two people fall in love it should grow stronger with time. This story really showed me this.
Posted about 5 years ago by Cori M from Indiana
ohhhh my!!! what a wonderful story... i can't help but cry upon reading it... simple little things makes people so happy, so in-love and so attached to each other...
Posted about 5 years ago by ave d from philippines
wonderful! this story made me realise that there is a thing called true love in the world. now i came to know that all these days i had a vain hope that there is no true love left in the world. after ending my teenage [years] i hope i too will find someone who i will be able to share a true love with.
whoever u r, thnx for your precious story.
Posted about 5 years ago by shaila from jeddah
That is the most beautiful story- tears welled up. It is the simple things in life- that make it all worth it, and of course- knowing how to pick em!
Posted about 5 years ago by Aimee M from Japan
Thanks for sending the sweet story. I was moved to tears!
Posted about 5 years ago by from Utah, USA
Boy, I dont normally comment on this type of thing. But, this is a touching story. I think it is the little things like this that make relationships last. We all need a little Shmily in our lives.
Posted about 5 years ago by Bob from Oregon
Wow! What a simple thought can create such a major emotion between two people. What a cute tradition that was started because two people fell in love.
Posted about 5 years ago by from
What a wonderful story - brings tears to my eyes!
Posted about 5 years ago by from