A Love Story

I wrote this in 2010.

I said, “I need a new pen.”

He said, “Why? You have one.”

“I need a new one,” I said. “My pen is not inspiring. I need an inspiring pen.”

He rolled his eyes.

But later that day, he found me sitting with my uninspiring pen, staring at my uninspiring notebook.

“I bought you a present,” he said. He handed me a small box. I opened it to find this pen.

“It was only cheap,” he said, embarrassed.

“It’s perfect. It’s the most inspiring pen I have ever seen.”

Yesterday, on the 24th of February 2022, the love of my life and companion of 25 years passed away. I can’t begin to tell you how shocked and horrified I am. Everything I offer you here has its roots in his sense of adventure and his unfailing support.

I have no idea how to live without him.