May 18, 2018
I have not written in my blog since my Beloved's health changed our lives. Now, I have managed to  live a year without him since he went to live with our Lord and Holy Father. Tonight I found a photo of my Gus when he was healthy and we enjoyed busy times. Wasn't he handsome? 

I then found a poem that those days inspired:

We sat together, my beloved and I,

     On the swing

At the end of a hectic day.

We talked a bit and shared the load

     While the sun slipped gently behind the hills.

We sat together, my beloved and I,

     In our rocking chairs

Stretching our legs, airing our thoughts.

We let our burdens go

     While twilight tiptoed around the clouds.

We sat together, my beloved and I,

     On the back porch

Shedding the pain of grinding lives.

We absorbed strength from each other

     While heaven sang a lullaby.

We walked together, my beloved and I,

     Back and forth around the yard

Finding words for a sweet surrender.

We said I love you or please forgive

     While warm breezes kissed our cheeks.

We sat together, my beloved and I

    on the front porch

Touching hands and minds and hearts.

Then with our souls at peace

     We heard the voice of God.

Years passed and our lives...and my memories... changed:

We sat together, my beloved and I,

     On his hospital bed inside our home

At the end of each hard day.

We talked a bit and shared the load

     While the sun slipped benignly behind the hills.

We sat together, my beloved and I,

     On his hospital bed inside our home

Learning to let our burdens go.

We gazed through the window watching the sky

     While twilight tiptoed around the clouds.

We sat together, my beloved and I,

     On his hospital bed inside our home

Shedding the pain of his hard Hospice life.

We enjoyed the precious, extra time we were given

     While heaven sang a lullaby.

We sat together, my beloved and I

     On his hospital bed inside our home

And found a sweet surrender.

We said I love you and please forgive

     While warm breezes kissed our ancient trees.

We sat together, my beloved and I,

     On his hospital bed inside our home

We touched hands and minds and hearts.

Then with our souls at peace

     We still heard the voice of God.

And, now, today:

I sit alone

On my one bed inside my new house

Searching for courage in my empty heart.

But my soul is restless

     And God's voice is silent.

     Our time together was beautiful, dear Gus. I will love you forever.  Your Bride, Liz
May 18, 2018.