This touching story gives a whole new meaning to “’till death do us part.” After 63 years of loving marriage, Henry and Jeanette De Lange passed away just minutes after each other at ages 86 and 87, respectively. Jeanette had been battling Alzheimer’s for several years and was admitted to a local nursing home in 2011. Her elderly husband, who struggled with prostate cancer for months years before his death, visited her often multiple times a day in the nursing home. But it wasn’t until July 31st, 2016 that the De Lange family was told their parents’ health was declining rapidly and that they should get to the hospital as soon as possible.

About 7-8 weeks before, the VA told Korean War vet Henry that there was nothing more they could do to treat the rapidly growing prostate cancer. At that point, Henry requested to be put in the local nursing home. Thanks to the kindness of the staff, Henry and Jeanette were placed in the same room and happily reunited.

The De Lange family told KSFY news that their parents’ last weeks were significantly sweeter because they were able to be together day in and day out.

On the July afternoon their parents would pass, two of the five De Lange kids were present. Originally the nurses said it was their father who would go first.

“[The doctor] said your dad’s pulse is worse. I wonder if he’ll go first,” Lee explained to KSFY. “About five minutes later, the aid said I think your mom will go very soon. It was 5:05 p.m. at that point.”

As she was passing, the two brothers present read aloud a favorite Psalm, Psalm 103, which they didn’t even finish before their mother peacefully passed. Son Keith went up to their resting father and told him that his wife had “gone to heaven” and that if he wanted to stop fighting and go with her, it was okay.

“It’s one of those things you don’t pray for, because that just seems mean,” Lee said. “But you couldn’t ask for anything more beautiful.”

Both sons reported that their dad opened his eyes for the first time in hours, looked intently over at his loving wife, and laid back down. 20 minutes later, Henry De Lange passed away, just minutes after Jeanette.

About 25 minutes later, Lee happened to turn around and look at the clock on the nursing home wall – it said 5:30. Thinking that was strange, Lee checked his watch; it was actually five to six. The clock had frozen at the exact time his father had passed away, 25 minutes previously.

This is something that the De Lange family just has not been able to explain – and, truly, it is an extraordinary ending to an already tear-jerking story. The De Lange’s firmly believe that this bizarre circumstance was a sign from God, letting the grieving children know that this was the right time for their beloved parents to both pass.

What an amazing story. This is an inspiring testament to the power of true love.

What do you think about this beautifully sad story? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.