The Final Words

My time has come. After 114 years on this mortal coil, I can feel it deep down in my bones. I’m bedridden and unable to move. My eyesight is slipping as is my hearing. I’ve been in this bed for so long that I welcome this eternal transition that’s about to happen to me. 

“Dan,” I hear a low and weak voice. I know it’s you, my love. 

“Annie,” I say weakly. 

There you are, hobbling your way to me and ready to say it first as usual. I smile, because I know I have one shot to say it before you. 

“How are you doing old man?” 

“How are you doing old lady?”

“Doing okay for a 110 year-old.”

Funny thing, Annie. One minute I see you hunched over and balancing on a walker. but  the next minute, I see the robust and beautiful 30 year-old you were when we made our union. I hope you can read my mind and hear what I’m thinking. 

You smile as your hand clutches my withered hand. 

Memories fill my head. I relive the time you came down the stairs on our wedding day. I recall the honeymoon on an Alaskan cruise. I remember the times of passion that were spontaneous and true.

“About time,” you say, smiling. “I love you, too.”

I recall the children we raised, the grandkids we had and the great grandchildren we cradled in our arms. Most importantly, I remember all the tender moments and realize how good life was. 

But I remember that I wasn’t the first to say the words that matter to you. And, you stand above me as I breathe my last. 

I see you are about to utter it. So, now is the best time. 

“ I love you” I say. 

I see you fall silent, mouth agape. You didn’t expect that. Your eyes twinkle with youthful glee. 

“About time,” you say, smiling. “I love you, too.”

I close my eyes and smile. And at that moment, while you reach down to kiss me one last time, I slip off the mortal coil. 

My next vision comes from above. I’m hovering over you. And it’s there I see that you are standing over the earthly vessel that once held my soul. You know I’m gone as you embrace what’s left in the bed. 

My sight is clear and my hearing returns to its peak. I see clearly that I will be dearly missed. 

I want to stay, but I soon see the light. I have to go and that I do. But not without one last glance at you. 

My heart swells. I found true love and now my life is complete. The next one awaits. Soon, you will be joining me along with our parents, friends and other loved ones who moved on before us. 

We will all be united. You and I will be united. Cry now, but live as much as you can in the time you have left. Don’t worry when you cross over; I will be waiting to embrace you and say :  “I love you.”