This morning, shortly after arriving to work I was told by my boss that the wife, Mrs. Alice, of the "most senior" partner in the law firm I work for passed away this morning at 3:00 a.m. Neither of them have been "well" as they both have had their ailments. Mr. W, as we'll call him, although we refer to him by his whole last name, was born in 1918, making him 89 years old, to turn 90 this August.
He and Mrs. Alice had been married since they were fairly young, somewhere around and above 60 years, I believe I remember him telling me, not that long along, it was 66. Although "Mr. W." has retired approximately 4 times, he has never lasted more than a few hours out of the office aside for a couple years of military service during WWII, since joining this firm, the firm that his Daddy founded in 1941. He has had surgeries, cancer and only has one eye remaining. It has been said, by his son, also a partner in the firm, that during one surgery, to have most of his colon removed due to cancer, he requested that the doctor withhold the full amount of anesthesia as "he had to get back to work". I think he's going for the excellent attendance award.
Despite his outward grumpy demeanor, which I think he has earned every right to, "Mr. W." is a man that deserves and is given much respect. He has stood out and above in his field, and although we all wish that he "would go home", now, sad to say, he has absolutely no reason to, as he has missed his chance and Mrs. Alice has made her own trip "home".
This has really got me thinking. He has worked so hard, he has strived and he has succeeded and now this man is all alone. Sure, he has his grown children, but he no longer has the presence of his bride. Despite the fact that she was probably mommicked and cursed a few (thousand) times in her life (cause we've all heard those stories as well), I know he loved her and I know that he must be so badly heartsick right now that it makes me hurt for him, especially knowing that there is nothing that anyone can do.
As was done "back in the day", "Mr. W." was to bring Mrs. Alice's body to their home today, where she will stay until her funeral service on Wednesday. That too, just makes me hurt for him. He will have her brought home for the last time, where he will stay, alone with her, his love, until she is to be taken to be buried.
Recently, we have been able to hear him coming from down the hallway and around the corner, as his breathing is so labored and heavy. We have seen his big frame stumble into walls and doorways as he probably has more ailments that this strong willed man is willing to admit. We've noticed a decline in the use of the left side of his body, without a doubt he has suffered strokes that he also, so stubbornly, has failed to tell anyone about. It has been said, not out of nastiness, just out of understanding and compassion, that it won't be long for him now as well. What more to live for when your love, your companion of 60+ years has made their journey home? I pray for him, I pray for his peace.
This is my tribute to Mr. W. and Mrs. Alice. May he find peace, may he not be as heartsick as I suspect he is, as I don't believe a single one of us would ever wish such pain on anyone and here's to eternal life for Mrs. Alice.
1 comment:
That is so sad! I can't imagine how painful that must be. Hubby's grandmother died about 10 years before his grandfather and he never got over the loss of his wife. He talked about her constantly and you could see the sadness there everytime. Such a horrible thing to have to go through!
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