A World War II Love Story That Shaped My Life

What My Grandparents Taught Me About True Love: A Valentine’s Day Reflection

 

A Love Story That Shaped My Life

I wouldn’t say I’ve always been lucky in love. However, I know without a doubt that I was incredibly lucky to be raised by my paternal grandparents. They became my example of what true love, respect, kindness, and partnership look like.

Recently divorced after twenty-three years of marriage, I now find myself reflecting on relationships in a very different world — one filled with dating apps and “situationships.” After being out of the dating scene since 1997, starting over feels overwhelming. Still, when I think about love, I think about my grandparents.

Their story continues to guide me, especially on Valentine’s Day.

A World War II Romance

My grandparents met and married during World War II. My grandfather, Federico, was originally from Madrid. At the time, he worked as a professor at Sorbonne University, while my grandmother, Jacqueline, worked there as a secretary.

They built a life together and raised three sons — my uncles Federico and Patrick, and my father, Jose Jacques.

Later, in the 1960s, they moved to Caracas, where my grandfather worked for the American Embassy. Although I won’t go into the details of why they ended up raising me, I will say this: being raised by them was one of the greatest gifts of my life.

Growing Up Surrounded by Love

My childhood home overflowed with laughter, family dinners, and fútbol parties. More importantly, it overflowed with love.

My Abuelo adored my Meme. He was tall and serious; she was tiny and spirited. Together, they were perfectly balanced.

Most mornings, Meme and I practiced yoga on the living room floor while my grandfather read the newspaper nearby. In the evenings, they attended embassy events, and occasionally I was allowed to join them. I still remember sitting at a table, watching them dance for hours. Even in their late sixties, they flirted and teased each other like newlyweds.

At the time, I remember thinking, That’s what I want someday.

They traveled the world together. They laughed constantly. Most of all, they were best friends. Those are the memories that remain strongest in my heart.

Lessons in Independence and Education

Although my grandfather was deeply romantic, he was also an academic. Above all, he emphasized education and independence.

He taught me that the most important thing I could do was build my own career and never depend on a man for stability. For someone from his generation, that belief was remarkably progressive.

Because of him, I learned that love should enhance your life — not define or limit it.

A Final Wedding Gift

Eventually, I moved back to the United States to live with my mother as conditions in Venezuela became unsafe. Leaving my grandparents broke my heart.

In 1996, doctors hospitalized my grandfather and gave him six months to live. However, he had other plans. He told them he needed to see me graduate college, get married, and have a child.

Incredibly, he lived seven more years.

In June 2000, he flew to the United States to walk me down the aisle at my wedding, with my grandmother proudly standing beside him in her favorite red dress. That wedding was the last time I saw either of them.

After my daughter was born in 2002, we planned to meet in Miami so they could finally meet her. Tragically, my grandfather passed away a week before that trip in 2003. A few years later, my grandmother followed.

What True Love Really Means

I carry countless beautiful memories of my grandparents. In many ways, they were my soulmates. They taught me that true love does not have to be romantic. It can be familial, enduring, and deeply rooted in friendship.

Most importantly, they taught me that love begins with loving yourself.

For many years, I forgot what that meant. Marriage, motherhood, and life’s responsibilities can make you lose sight of your own needs. However, as I rebuild my life after divorce, I return to the foundation they gave me: self-respect, independence, joy, and laughter.

A Valentine’s Day Reminder

Valentine’s Day can feel overwhelming if you are single, divorced, dating, or uncertain about your future. Yet love is not limited to one day or one type of relationship.

Instead, real love is about surrounding yourself with people who feel like home.

So this Valentine’s Day, celebrate love in all its forms. Eat the chocolate. Drink the wine. Call the people who matter most. Create laughter around your table.

That’s exactly what Meme and Abuelo would have done — and that is the kind of love that lasts a lifetime.