John and I were married on Tuesday, September 10th, 1985. Today would have been our 33rd anniversary and he’d have asked me with a smile, as he always did on our anniversaries, “Has it been long enough yet?”

And I’d always respond with a negative shake of my head and a warm kiss.

John was the best husband I could ever have wished for.

On May 12th, 2018, he passed away. Our marriage wasn’t nearly long enough for me. But he deserved to have it end with dignity and that’s how it did conclude. He died where he wanted to be, at our Michigan home. It was swiftly over and I believe for him it was pain-free. He had a peaceful look on his face.

Folks have said that September 10, would be a sad day for me (our 33rd anniversary) but I look at it differently. I will do a mental review of the wonderful memories we shared.

We shared a lot of wonderful times. I don’t know of a closer couple. I’ll think about our success as co-leaders of lots of music activities, our lovely homes, our great families, our trips (vacations and travel), our fun times. I’ll try to review it all. I’ll think about how we talked about the end of his life. He wasn’t fearful, even though he knew the end was near. He gave me instructions which I’ve tried to follow.

He made those years great for me and I’m grateful. He knew after his passing, I’d end up here in Florida where life would be easy for me. I know it’s what he felt would work best.

Together we worked hard to build a nest egg so he left me with no financial worries. I can live out the rest of my life in comfort.

I hope our Florida friends will join us for a celebration of his life in the Waterside Room at the Kings Point North Clubhouse, November 7th, at 1:00 p.m. A light lunch will follow the review of his life.

Life with John was great. I feel I was blessed!

I look at it this way: I am poorer for his death, but far, far richer for his life.