Musings on the Death of My Perfect Partner

Fresh from Birch Creek

John A Bayerl

John A Bayerl
Location
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Birthday
May 30
Bio
My wife of 47+ years died at home with me at her side, on November 12, 2010. She and I, together with our children and many friends and relatives, fought her cancer for four years, seven months and a week. This blog acknowledges her courage and exemplary life. She taught us how to live, and she taught us how to die. The blog also honors the love she shared with everyone who knew her.I am a retired school counselor and college professor.

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MAY 10, 2012 10:40PM

MORE THAN A COAT

Rate: 7 Flag

I caress the lining
of her leather coat
and think of all the times
she was there
 next to the satin
filled with love
shielded from the cold
feeling safe, secure
in my embrace.

I am reassured
that she is here
one more time
let me help you with your coat
Dear.

John A. Bayerl, May 10, 2012

Perhaps it's the reminder in the store where I looked for Mother's Day cards.  I remembered how  I would tease that she wouldn't get a card from me--she wasn't my mother.  Now, I couldn't look at those cards, what fun it would have been to pick one out just for her, usually it would contain a reference to something that only she and I knew about.  She was the mother of our children.

On the lighter side, I noticed a previously unseen category for Mother's Day cards..Ex-Daughter-in-Law. I suppose. . .


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Really lovely poem John. Tactile.

And funny lighter side too.
Scarlett Sumac
May 11, 2012 12:07 AM
I have my boyfriend's leather coat here in the closet. Looking for just the right person to give it too. So many memories in Things. Great poem.
zanelle
May 11, 2012 12:18 AM
John, your poem is so warmly wrapped with the love and devotion you have for Gwen.

More than just a coat ...

More than just a love ...

Yes.
Little Kate
May 11, 2012 12:37 AM
Thanks, Scarlett; to me, love is tactile, literally, we have to be in touch.
John A Bayerl
May 11, 2012 07:38 AM
Saving it for just the right person; I know exactly what you mean, Zanelle. Yes, so memories in things, and, so many things in our memories--thank goodness!
John A Bayerl
May 11, 2012 07:40 AM
Kate, you are such a dear; thank you.
John A Bayerl
May 11, 2012 07:44 AM
It is always lovely hearing from you, Kim--thanks.
John A Bayerl
May 11, 2012 07:46 AM
I can't look at cards, either. You are lucky in your memories.

Now, about the ex-daughter-in-law. She might just appreciate it.
just phyllis
May 11, 2012 08:00 PM
Beautiful and touching
M. C. S.
May 11, 2012 09:25 PM
More than lucky, Phyllis, I feel blessed. We did work at it, but at the core was a pretty remarkable, certain love. Thanks for stopping by to visit. Peace.
John A Bayerl
May 11, 2012 09:26 PM
Beautiful and touching also describes everything you do, Mary.
Peace.
John A Bayerl
May 11, 2012 09:39 PM