Dear Joe,

What would I have said to you if I had been with you the night you passed away? I’ve given it a lot of thought these last 16 months and I was content in knowing that we said “I love you” to each other and we said if often. I have no regrets there, but if I had been by your side, I would have whispered in your ear, “I’m not ready to lose you. I’m not the strong individual you think I am and I only come across as strong because you’re by my side, ready to back me up. You’re my strength and the most important person in my life for the last 28 years of my life”.

I now have to figure out a way to move on without you in my life. It’s not the life I want but it’s the life I’ve been handed. I honor you and your memory and will love you until the day I die.

I miss you Joe and the life we had together. I miss your smile, the fact that you always had a cell phone to your ear and a camera nearby. I miss your love of animals, jokes and trivia. I miss our travels together and I miss cooking for you. Most of all, I miss being held by you and hearing your voice.

I’m sorry you passed away before you could enjoy retirement. You so deserved to enjoy life and not be burdened with diabetes.

I’m the hermit I always told you I’d be if I didn’t have you in my life.

I love you so much.

Your wife,

Kathy, age 48