I Was There

Time continues to heal, but the memories linger:



I was there when we first met. It was cold. You were busy in your shop. We stood on the stoop as our mutual friend introduced us. We agreed to go out for coffee that evening.

I was there when we had our first date. I picked you up to go out for coffee. You made your folks wait out of sight because you couldn't remember my name. We drove 20 miles to a restaurant just for coffee and pie. Then we drove all over our county as I showed you where I lived, and where my relatives lived. I had a feeling we would be good friends.

I was there the day after we had our first date. I called our mutual friend to see what you thought of me. You hadn't called her! Would we become good friends? Later on our friend called me. You liked me and hoped I would call you!

I was there the next weekend when we went out again. I decided that I would marry you someday in the future and we would be best friends.

I was there when I told you my dad was dying of cancer. You held me and let me cry because you had become my best friend.

I was there on our first Valentine's Day when we gave each other the same gifts. Pictures and jewelry. Already we knew that we were best friends.

I was there when my dad died and you held me and let me cry because you were my best friend.

I was there when I graduated from college and you were there to wish me well, congratulate me and celebrate with me because you were my best friend.

I was there when I gave you a diamond ring and watched you smile as you accepted my proposal. I was happy because you wanted to be my best friend.

I was there when we began working diligently on the house we rented. It needed so many coats of paint and a good cleaning. We worked together to get it ready for us because we were best friends.

I was there when your stepfather escorted you down the aisle on the day you became my wife. You married me because you were my best friend.

I was there a year later when we lost our first child. We held each other and cried as our hearts broke, because we were best friends.

I was there the next year when our daughter was born. We held her together and promised to love her and let her know that her mommy and daddy were best friends.

I was there as we moved into the "big house" and did all that work just to make a home for our growing family. We worked hard because we were best friends.

I was there when our son came into the world. We brought him home to the 'big house' and there we began still another chapter of our lives raising two great children. We did this together because we were best friends.

I was there with you as we grew older together. As we watched our children grow into adulthood and begin making there own way, mistakes and all. We loved them and each other even more each year because we were best friends.

I was there on the day you went to the hospital for the last time. You were so frightened and made me promise, "Don't let me die." I promised because you were my best friend.

I was there holding you hand as you struggled to breathe on you last day with me. It was the hardest day of my life because I was losing my best friend.

I was there as the minister said the final words over your grave. I sang words of joy for you because you didn't have to suffer any longer. I did this because you were my best friend.

I am here, four years and some time later. I still miss you and think of you every day because you were, and will always be, my best friend.