Our lives, to take my girls and me under their
Wings.
Just a month after his funeral, they
Celebrated Rachel's sixth birthday at
Their house.
Alice knew how hard that day would be.
The Stolls welcomed us to their home so
Often, we became part of their family.
Alice and I were walking buddies for
Years, up at dawn walking a 4 mile
Route in our neighborhood before I
Left for preschool.
We survived a lightning storm in
The park.
We laughed at our antics and
Shared lots and lots and lots of
Tears.
We weathered together.
Eventually, we both moved, but
Just in miles.
Our hearts are forever intertwined.
Alice began to use a walker, and as her
Health declined her beloved Bill became her
Caregiver.
Just days ago he died.
"I don't want to live without him," she
Told me.
"I know. I know. I know."
"We were married 65 years."
"I know."
Despite our closeness, I never wanted to
Share widowhood with her.
While we were on the phone I asked Alexa to
Play "Through It All," and we listened to
Guy Penrod sing the old song of hope.
I choked up as I tried to sing along.
It's too soon to load Alice down with
Verses or words of wisdom, so I try to
Mostly listen.
It's a time to simply be a friend to Alice,
The kind of friend that she's been to me.