True Love Never Dies!
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes, 52 secondsHello, How Are You?
Hi, have we met before,” I asked tentatively to reduce my rapidly exploding anxiety. I hope you remember me,” the woman said emphatically. “I once had a ring like yours.”
Realizing it was Jan, my heart skipped a beat. The floor beneath me felt as if a trap door was opening. Shaking Jan’s hands with both of mine was all that could save me from falling into a bottomless rabbit hole.
For years, I had looked forward to meeting Jan again and had thought about what I would say. All I could say now was the same message I shared with all of the guests,” Thanks for coming tonight.”
Jan smiled, and I could feel her pulling her hand away.
I heard about your retirement and wanted to attend. You have had an amazing career,” Jan said with her seductive smile that melted my heart faster than a laser slicing a diamond.”
I took a moment to catch my breath and quickly scanned her hand to see if she was wearing a wedding ring.
Not seeing any rings, I responded to her. “I am sure you have been more successful than I have been. I stayed in the same job and neighborhood for half a decade.”
“You were always too modest. You have done a lot and helped so many people.”
Several co-workers interrupted to ask me for a group photo. I could not say no, but I did not want to leave Jan.
“Can you wait for a few minutes? I would love to talk with you so more,” the words left my mouth before fully forming, but it was the best I could do.”
Yes, I can stay for a few moments,” Jan said as I was cajoled into taking a photo with my colleagues. I heard Jan’s voice but could not listen to what else she had said.
One photo led to another, and I heard the tick-tock of a clock running out of time. Would Jan still be there when I finish with the pictures?
I searched the almost empty banquet hall for Jan as my eyes adjusted after the last photo flash.
After almost 48 years, I recently lost my wife, Jan Lilien. Like The Little Prince, Jan and I believed that “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.” This blog is a collection of my random thoughts on love, grief, life, and all things considered.
