The Day After the Wake Service

He awoke with a sense of urgency. Unconsciously reached over to pat her behind before he remembered she was gone. He dropped to his knees for morning prayer and heard the timer start the coffee brewing. He emptied his bladder, smelling the fresh brewed coffee threw some cold water on his face noting he would need to shave later this morning.

Fred shuffled to the kitchen. He scrambled three eggs enhanced with jalapeno peppers, a bit cheese, and dry rye toast. Poured a mug of strong coffee and carried it all to his spot in the back of the house. He savored the eggs, dunking the toast in the coffee as he looked around.

On his left was her music room. The snow white grand piano glistened in the early morning sunlight. The windows were still adorned with her pink lace curtains and lavender butterflies soaring over the lace. On his right were her Bible, Faith journal, pencils and paper next to the love seat she shard with her big ole barn cat. He looked lonely sitting there curled in a ball.

He got up and refilled his coffee. Walked around the corner loaded some laundry in the washer and began that chore. He remembered teasing her "If I ever find the washer or dryer empty I know I'm in the wrong house." He returned to his spot and looked through the lace curtains into the woods The limbs were bare except for the snow hanging on their bark. The gray & white picture was beautiful but depressive... it matched his mood.

It was as if she had said it's OK I'm safe. The tears began to pour from his eyes. His body shook with each wave of tears. He had been strong for her. The week following the accident was a blur of phone calls, the wake service, etc. He felt her arms wrap around his body as he cried. Her body was gone but her spirit would be with hm forever...

The phone rang loudly breaking his negative thinking. Roy called to pat him on the back and kick him in the butt. It was time to begin a new life. Make a simple plan for today. Start with shit, shower, shave, pray, put on a clean shirt and try to help someone. I dunno why I said "shit is an acronym for simply how I think." Roy laughed and said "You'll make it today I'll call you tomorrow."

The door bell chimed. It was Kris and Deb (her best friends). They were carrying buckets and stuff. We're here to clean. We would appreciate if you got out of the way. "My daddy taught me never git in the way of two determined women."

Fred locked himself in the computer room. He turned on the CD player and began to check his e-mail. He read the newspapers on line. Wrote several thank you notes... He smelled pine cleaner & food cookin'. Kris and Deb were just getting ready to leave. Fred thanked them for their help and accepted a big hug from both of them.

Fred found Punky (his daughter) was in the kitchen. She smiled and said "My stove quit on me. I needed soup for supper and cookies for the PTA bake sale... I hope you don't mind." I giggled and said "Rent is one hug and a bowl of that delicious smelling soup." Fred made a triple decked grilled cheese to share with the soup. Meals are always better with someone to share.

That evening Fred returned the remaining casseroles from her wake meal. His last stop was Sister Deb from her church. Sister Deb insisted he sit and share a piece of pie and a cuppa coffee. Fred broke down again. Sister Deb held him until the tears passed. Perhaps another time he may have tried to honeyfuggle her but not tonight.

He returned home and prepared for bed. The late News was on the TV. Fred sipped a cuppa coffee as he listened for the weather. He turned the TV off and reviewed his day. He dropped to his knees at the edge of his bed and thanked God for the courage and strength to face this days challenges. Thanked God for the many blessings of this day. Thanked God for the memories of a wonderful woman. Thank God in advance for a great nights sleep as he crawled into that big empty bed. Mizpah