Decades of penance: for one precious moment

Married when they were teenagers
They have never been apart
Except when he went to work
They found joy in being with each other
Loving each other and growing in that love

The heavens watched their life
For many a long year they lived in harmony
Living, working, traveling, singing, and never forgetting to love

And when it was time for him to leave
She was ready to say goodbye
They knew it

But there was one more day. A very precious day

And this day will never come again
They started their day
They shared a few prayers
They shared a meal
They hugged their family
they stayed close to each other
And then they went to bed

She rose
He didn't
She called out to him
His eyes fluttered
She sat next to him
They held hands
Silent tears rolled down her face
He was ready for the journey
She was prepared

She thanked him for letting her be a part of the finale
She was grateful that he shared it with her
She guarded the space around him
She treasured his last precious breath
She swallowed the air around them
She cherished the silent moments of transition
she was strong and she was calm

In perfect harmony the soul mates bid adieu

She misses him
And she waits
Her journey will begin.

(Recently two of my loved ones lost their spouses. And they let them go with grace, lots of love and spirits)