Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Dear Eileen,
I met you 56 years ago when we were both attending Sydenham High School.
You probably don’t know this, but I loved you at first sight.
Your hair was soft brown and your eyes were bright blue. Sometimes it hurt to look at you because you took my breath away.
As I got to know you better, I was struck by your sense of humour, kindness and charm. I didn’t know someone like you existed. I felt like God created the perfect companion for me.
You were from Sunbury and I was from Battersea, two old families joined by two young lovers.
We were married as teenagers and started our family. We suffered through bad times and grew stronger in good times.
Our love deepened with each passing year. As our four sons left the nest, tears were shed as they embarked on their careers and started their own families. We saw the cycle of life continue through our children and grandchildren.
Life allowed us to travel with extended family members. As our hair turned grey, we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary with love and laughter.
Those happy times turned to sadness when illness took its toll on you.
Every day you were in pain was another layer of heartbreak for me. I felt powerless to help my beautiful wife who could captivate me with her smile.
Every day since our wedding, we always told each other, “I love you,” before we went to sleep.
As I held you in my arms during your last hours, you whispered, “Let me go.”
I knew it was what you wanted and needed, so I did so reluctantly. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.
Thank you for a lifetime of love.
Fate smiled on me when we met as teenagers many years ago. I became a better man when I saw you.
Goodnight, darling - I will always love you,
Ronald
