Ode to Mr. Jones

One year ago today I was the saddest I've ever been.

In my life.

One year ago today I cried the hardest I've ever cried.

In my life.

One year ago today my best friend died in my arms

as "I love you so much, I love you so much, I love you" -

left my body and washed over his departing one.

One year ago today I did the most difficult thing I've ever had to do.

In my life.

One year ago today I buried my baby's body in my backyard.

One year ago today the only male in my life was was ushered out

of this realm by human hands because he would be the only man

never to leave on his own.

One year ago today the light of my life turned off...

My partner, my teacher, my cross-country copilot, my counselor,

my other half - my better half, my healer,

my survivor, my champion,

my angel,

my silent witness from age 23 to 39,

my main man,

my heart,

my soul,

my anchor for 16 years...

And on this day I do not dwell upon the most massive loss,

but celebrate the exceptionally long-lived, adventure filled, pure, unconditional

love of a lifetime.

Soul mates forever,

The one and only

Mr. Jones