Bye Jim

Yesterday Jim died. He was 85. He left behind two sons, plus many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also left behind June, his wife of 63 years.

At 84, June is an amazing woman. She is quick with an intelligent response and has a much better memory than I do at 58. I was drawn to her at our Church several years ago and we slowly became close friends. She was an educated woman in an era where woman stayed home and raised their family and never ever stepped foot into the workplace. While raising her sons, she attended classes at various colleges where Jim, a Professor in Theater, taught. Once her boys were old enough, she made a career in the field of education which she did until her retirement.

She is one of the most stubborn women I’ve met in years. Though, she just pointed out to me last weekend that she feels she’s met her match in me. Of course, I disagreed with her. I decided that being considered a “pushy broad” was a more appropriate description of me.

I didn’t even know Jim had been hospitalized with pneumonia in both lungs until June called me for a ride to the hospital two weekends ago. June expected me to drop her off at the hospital after Church and just drive off. Not happening. I stayed with her and drove her back to her home after a couple of hours of visiting Jim. I kept Jim entertained with stories about our three dogs, Chloe, Fast Eddie and Chancey. Jim enjoyed the Fast Eddie stories so much that he laughed several times which isn’t easy to do when one is on oxygen.

This past Sunday, I drove June to the hospital with the promise that I would only stay for a few minutes. I’m glad I visited him that last time as I feel a certain amount of closure by doing so.

I cannot even image what June is going through right now. This is a woman who spent 63 years married to the same man. What would it feel like to lose someone you’ve spent 3/4’s of your life with? I have no clue. I truly hope that Jim’s death doesn’t shorten June’s time here on this earth. I so want to spend many more years sharing moments with her and I hope I do.