Delilah,

My beautiful wife and best friend of 41 years just passed away two months ago, and I am having difficulty with my feelings. I know time is the healer, but one has to ask how to deal with these emotions while time passes. So I reach out, which is what I'm doing tonight.

At her funeral, the young nurse who drew her blood each week for a year, read a poem that she wrote for the service. I'd like to share it, with the hope that it will give you some insight in picking a song that reflects Barbara's character and strength in the face of horrible odds. She never complained about her illness, chose to laugh often, walked every day until she could no longer, and each day paid gratitude for the gifts in her life.

It is said that true character is revealed in times of crisis. She taught me a lot about character.

Incredibly the poem closely reflects our last 24 hours together. I asked the nurse how she could have known this, to which she replied that she didn't know. Barbara died in my arms, comfortably and beautifully.

The Poem

~~~~~~~~~~~

Beautiful flower

My "lady of grace"

Stay with me until the dawn of the new day.

When that comes, you can rest your head

And we will wish this away

Strong warrior

Laughter of a child

Share with me until the sun lights our way.

When that comes, I will kiss your brow

And we will wish this away

Wise wonder

Forever friend

Talk with me until the new moon

When that comes, I will hold you tight

And we will wish this away

Tomorrows come too quickly

I know now what to do

For I am a better person

Because I was loved by you

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have found myself telling everyone with a special other to think about the gift of their lives together, and not to take it for granted. Please remind your listeners of this. Even 41 years was too short.

Sincerely,