14th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Mobile
Love lasts forever

Love has no knowledge of age, because it doesn't come from the mind, but from the heart. For these two, wrinkles seemed to be an effect of too much smiling over the years. Mass was over & the bells of the Franciscan church were tolling. He patiently waited, smiling at the thought of his wife's surprise. When she unsuspectingly stepped out, he slowly lifted his arm & gave her a bouquet of daffodils. She looked him in the eyes & smiled. They kissed. Sometimes, when people say "I will love you forever", they really mean it. It's the kind of love that never expires. I realized that these two never actually grew old. They may die of old age one day, but they will die young & with a heart filled with beautiful memories. For me, they are an example of true, immortal love • I asked for their home address and printed this image for them. Left it in their mailbox with a short, anonymous message to thank them for reminding me how fragile & beautiful life can be.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2015
Date Uploaded: 05.2016
Photo Location: Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Camera: iPhone 5c
Copyright: © Mihail Onaca