PrintJournal 19 + Letter
7 July, 2015
Hi my love,
Well, we are safely back home having completed our mission! Yesterday, as per your request, we buried your ashes at T. It was a perfect day. Not a cloud in the sky. Even though it was -5 degrees just before sunrise by the time 11.00am arrived it had warmed up considerably.
The property owner had prepared the site with a thoroughness only he can do. The whole of our family had come. There were only 3 people outside the family who participated; I and C (since it was their property) and M, one of the three musketeers! What a special relationship you guys had together.
The “ceremony” was simple, informal but very meaningful. I had previously offered the opportunity to any of those present who might like to say something, read something or place something in the hole with the ashes. A few spoke off the cuff. One of your musketeers placed two plastic (?) blue wrens in the hole (I’m sure you will know who that was!)
I placed a copy of our last Christmas family photo in the hole. That was the last time we were all together as a family. As I looked for something suitable for me to place with your ashes, I came across the birthday card I sent you for your 71st birthday – your first birthday following your diagnosis with MND. As I read the words, I “teared up” yet again. I meant them then and I mean them even more now.
I remember the days when we first fell in love
And how simple our life was back then,
Yet with all of the ups and the downs we’ve been through,
If I had to choose over again, you’d still be the one
I would want by my side to share every day of my life
You’re my soul mate, my lover, my best friend forever
My precious and beautiful wife.
Then I added these words of my own.
These words express so much of what I feel today as you join me – “same as” – 71 years of age. We both know we are on the “home stretch” now and we have set our hearts to finish well the race that has been marked out for us. May your birthday celebration overflow with fulfilment and happiness as your family gathers around you and honours you as a wife, a mother, a grandma and a mum-in-law. I, more than any other today, honour you with all my deepest love, respect and gratitude.
Our youngest granddaughter had written you a five page letter which she placed (without reading the content to us) alongside the ashes container. Beautiful!
Sweetheart, I’ve got to go now and there is much more to tell you about the day. Rather than rush it, I’ll leave it until I’ve got time to share it. Believe me, you will want to hear what comes next!
But Until Then….
You remain the love of my life,
Mike
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