“When somebody loves you, it’s no good unless she loves you…all the way.”

I can hear Frank Sinatra’s inflection crooning this love song.

All the way.
Love.
‘Til death us do part.
Love.

I  witnessed the meaning of those words  at a celebration of life for a walking buddy’s husband who is near the end of his struggle with esophageal cancer.

Love – all the way. 

A few years back, he’d nursed her through her battle with breast cancer.  Now she’s nursing him.

Their love for each other…their grace in allowing friends, family and neighbors to fete them brought the Frank Sinatra tune to mind. Fran and Ann loving all the way.

I also witnessed " all the way friendship"  in the grace of another "all the way couple, their friends," Judith and Brook, who put the celebration together.  It was a celebration that showed the reach of Fran and Ann, FranandAnn is how it was said all night.  The rainbow that is Dorchester was present in their home, giving thanks for all that Fran has meant to so many people. 

Fran and Ann demonstrated what it is to love all the way.*

All The Way
(lyrics by Sammy Cahn, music by Jimmy Van Heusen)

When somebody loves you

It’s no good unless he loves you - all the way

Happy to be near you

When you need someone to cheer you - all the way

Taller than the tallest tree is

That’s how it’s got to feel

Deeper than the deep blue see is

That’s how deep it goes - if it’s real

When somebody needs you

It’s no good unless he needs you - all the way

Through the good or lean years

And for all the in between years - come what may

Who know where the road will lead us

Only a fool would say

But if you’ll let me love you

It’s for sure I’m gonna love you - all the way, all the way