Dear JPL,

It has been five years since I have seen you, yet not a day goes by the I don’t think of you. My life is still surrounded by things you gave me and often a word, a scent, or name brings you to mind. You loved me unconditionally for so many years, waiting patiently for me to raise my children, settled in with a new job, remodel my house…excuse after excuse, you waited for me. Until the day came and you had to move on. I thought you’d be back in few months. But this time was different and you were gone.

Now, these years later my life is full. I have many friends, a nice man to spend time with a job that I love. My children are grown with wonderful lives that often include me. But… how I miss you. You were so good to me. We had so many happy memories. Yet, I thought someone better would come along. You were right there in front of me and I was too busy to see you. I worried that my kids didn’t like you…They laugh now when I tell them that. My daughter says, “We were just kids…you should have married him if you loved him”. I thought you didn’t have enough retirement saved. We would have been fine. I thought because you were Lutheran, and I was not, would be a problem. You gave me the freedom to believe as I wanted, which actually caused some good discussion. I am so sorry that I took you for granted, that I pushed you away.

You were the love that happens once in a lifetime. My love for you will always be hidden in my heart.

JAJ, age 55