She wore white. Her simple white sundress flowed almost poetically in the wind as she walked along the shore.  It seemed fitting to wear the same color she’d worn on this day so long ago. A large, floppy hat sat atop her head attempting to stop the wind and UV rays from assaulting her long, stringy, gray locks and still freckled shoulders.  She felt as if she were in a dream.

Despite all the changes 50 years had brought, this place was still the same. The years and waves had slowly changed the shape and contour of the shoreline but she could still feel him, his strong arms wrapped around her, the comfort of his chest as she lay her head against him when she’d truly relaxed for the first time in years. The way he softly kissed her neck and breathed her in deeply. She missed him but she was so thankful. 

Soon she’d be with him singing praises beside him on the other side. For now, she would celebrate her 50th anniversary. She sat down and began to write

I can’t say I don’t remember the days before you. Their memory makes yours even sweeter. To think that I was once broken, shattered and almost useless. To think that I almost gave up. Then there was you…A hero sent straight from the ultimate hero. You turned my sad songs to rubbish. You turned my weeping to nonsense. You made me believe again. You woke me from slumber and numb to life and deep emotion. Though it seems cliche, you rescued me. I never knew love before you. I couldn’t even fathom the deepest of loves from heaven itself until there was you. Suddenly, life was alive. Suddenly, color had substance. Words lost their meaning because none of them could express what I meant to say or the depth of my emotion. In the place of gray you brought more joy than I could have ever dreamed. I am so grateful for the many glorious years we shared. I will always love you!

With that, she closed her eyes and drank in the warmth upon her face. She breathed deep and knew she’d truly lived because she’d truly loved. She prayed a simple prayer of thankfulness. This was a glorious day.

Jaimie Dandridge