A tribute to my wife Lucy

(March 4, 1930 - August 14, 2003)

Victor P. Gendrano

It has been two weeks since the passing of my wife Lucy, yet it doesn't seem that long. Days and hours seem rather slow in passing which makes it hard for me to cope with aloneness and loneliness. But I draw strength from my friends near and far, who, online and offline, expressed sympathy and condolence. I never knew I have so many friends! Since I cannot thank each one individually, this is my way of acknowledging your messages of care and love which are greatly appreciated.

autumn sunset
I watch alone
her favorite show

long cold night
unknowingly I grope
her empty space

Lucy, at age 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by all her loving family of six children, two sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren. After she breathed her last, her face became serene and peaceful as she started her journey to heaven. I knew it will come to this eventually because of her two open heart surgeries, end renal stage disease which requires dialysis three times a week, not to mention arthritis in both her knees. Her body can only take so much.

At the very end though, I felt not ready for it yet, that, like before, she would bounce back from hospitalization and be with us whole and healthy again. But death, like a thief in the night comes unbidden and nobody knows when it will claim its next victim again.

On our way home from the hospital where she passed away, I noticed through blurry eyes the nearly full moon with a wisp of cloud covering it. I wrote the following when we reached the house.

dark clouds cover
the August full moon
my wife no more

the August moon
starts to wane
chilling the night
my wife returns
to her Creator

Two days after at her final resting place.

dewdrops sparkle
on the wilting flowers
by her graveyard
my co-visitors
bees and butterflies

Lucy, my wife of 45 years, is no more. Yet her love, courage, gentleness, and kindness will stay with us forever. Rest in peace my love. We'll miss you.

the glow
of the setting sun
lingers awhile
to vie for the brightness
of countless stars