i know both our children love you dearly; they are outside the door now, waiting.
do you remember how i panicked like a mad man when jonathon was born? i can still picture you laughing and smiling at me now, as i clumsily held him for the very first time in my arms. i watched as your laughter faded into tears, as i stared at him and cried my own tears of joy.
sarah and tom arrived this morning with little tessie. can you remember how we both hugged each other tightly when we saw our tiny granddaughter for the first time? i can't believe she will be eight next month. i am trying not to cry, my love, as i tell you how beautiful she looks today in her pretty dress and red shiny shoes, she reminds me so much of you that first day we met. she has her hair cut short now, just like yours was all those years ago. when i met her at the door her smile wrapped around me like a warm glove, just like yours used to do, my darling.
i know you are tired, my dear, and i must let you go. but i love you so much it hurts to do so.
as we grew old together, i would tease you that you had not changed since we first met. but it is true, my darling. i do not see the wrinkles and grey hair that other people see. when i look at you now, i only see your sweet tender lips and youthful sparkling eyes as we sat and had our first picnic next to that small stream, and chased each other around that big old oak tree. i remember wishing those first few days together would last forever. do you remember how exciting and wonderful those days were?
i must go now, my darling. our children are waiting outside. they want to say goodbye to you.
i wipe the tears away from my eyes and bend my frail old legs down to the floor, so that i can kneel beside you. i lean close to you and take hold of your hand and kiss your tender lips for the very last time.
sleep peacefully my dear.
i am sad that you had to leave me, but please don't worry. i am content, knowing i will be with you soon. i am too old and too empty now to live much longer without you.
i know it won't be long before we meet again in that small café in hanover square.
goodbye, my darling wife.