Till Death do Us Part- Episode 10 (Final Episode)

10

JESS

The weather was exactly as it is now the day I met you... Five decades later and you're still that mysterious stranger I fell head over heels in love with. Time feels barely enough, yet as time passes because the fundamentals remain. Love. Peace. Joy. Family. Friends. Those don't go away. Ever.

To have experienced life and the beauty of loving and being loved back with the same intensity, to have been given the chance to readjust and grow, to have unreservedly made all one’s personal and even the world’s troubles seem small and petty, that's all that living encompasses. And seeing it through that lens, we lived well, my love. But its been lonely since you left.

For me, in the months since the passing of my beloved Jeff, I have drawn great comfort and found solace in the warmth and affection of the many tributes to his life, the children we have, and the level of impact we have made as individuals and as a unit. His sense of service, intellectual curiosity, and capacity to squeeze the fun out of any situation — were all irrepressible. That mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him. But life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings; and as much as I and my family miss him, I know he would want us to enjoy living. 

***

It was a chilly night in December, Jess & Jeff were seated on the balcony taking in the sights and enjoying a warm glass of hot chocolate when Jeff randomly said;

I think I'd like to die before you - I cannot ever imagine, No, I never want to imagine what being without you would be like. Jess looked at him with horror and astonishment before she responded;

What are you saying, Jeff? Why are you even talking about death on such a beautiful day? Our life is just getting started now that the kids are out of the house, so don't even think you can escape me by dying. We still have a lot of unfulfilled dreams babe so, you're going nowhere. She completed with a wink, half-laughing, half-serious. 

Later that night, she would stay awake, plagued by what Jeff had said earlier wondering what could possibly be running through her husband's mind. Jeff was not one to say things carelessly, so of course, this had her very thoughtful. 

All the thinking left her with a migraine, so she slept and woke up grumpy to see that Jeff had kept a written note with a single Rose and the note stated; 

Hey Sunshine, 

Out to take a brief walk. Didn't want to wake you up. 

I'm sorry I worried you last night. 

I love you. Now and Always. 

P.S- There are pancakes and  waffles on the dining for you (Yes, they are burned but it is the thought that counts and you MUST eat every bit😅😇).

Love, 

J.

Jess had a huge smile on her face when she finished reading the note and all of a sudden, her day had gotten brighter. 

 

***

JESS

 

Turns out Jeff was right because 5 years after that, we lost him. Eerie how he seemed like he knew exactly what was going to happen and when. The next 2 months will prove to be filled with bittersweet experiences. I'm trying, Jeff. I swear that I am trying to live life truly but... I'm tired. I just can’t do this well enough knowing you’re not here with me

I think it's almost time so I'll ask the kids to come around. Right now, I'm in your study - on your seat. It always was your favorite part of the house and I can almost feel you here. Nothing was changed in this room and so, it still almost has your essence. I'm 75, he was 80 when he passed and he still made me giddy till the last moment. We did it! We said we would love each other until we are old, wrinkly, and grey. The memories are everywhere I turn and while that is simply beautiful because it speaks of a life well spent, it is also sad because I'm constantly reminded of the fact that a beautiful and splendid phase of living is over…forever.

The thing about loving with the intensity that we did is that, when one goes, nothing is ever the same. We were so blessed, my love. Our life together has been filled with laughter, love, peace, and a little stubbornness here and there but it was definitely a happy, purpose-filled life.  I would do it all over again… and again, because, It would always be you. It doesn't matter the lifetime, universe, or multiverse - It's you, it has always been you, and it will always be you. We can proudly say that Janelle, Jason & Jeffery were all born and raised in love. They were brought up knowing the fundamentals of living, of living for the Lord, and living an impactful life.

Everyone tells me that time heals all hurts and I should be satisfied in the fact that we had the time we did and that our children are all well, happy, and ready to be here in a heartbeat... How can I? How could they possibly understand what it entails to find the one your soul agrees and is intertwined with? How can they ever understand waking up heady with your earthy scent? How would they ever know what it means not to have you warm and safe in bed with me? So please, tell me how exactly I'm supposed to "let time heal"? But it's all good now because it won't be too long now... It is close. I can feel it. 

THURSDAY, 8:20 PM 

Today, on a day so similar to the one I met you, I’m finally here  to meet you so we can continue our love and journey in the afterlife never to be separated. Two months without you felt like a year. I never want to be away from you. EVER. I called the kids like I said I would, so... we're all here now. I held each one of them and said my exodus. 

We did it, my love! We kept our vows till the very end and now, we close the curtain to this world together, the same way we do everything. Our babies are all grown and good. I'm ready now to begin this next chapter of our afterlife...

EPILOGUE

At the Funeral 

Janelle

Whatever I speak about my parents' life would be a great understatement for what actually existed because words will never be enough to communicate how blessed I am to have them as my parents. They transcended beyond parents to being my friends and then confidants/business advisors. I couldn't have wished for a better set of parents. They were and still are an inspiration to me. 

Mom & Dad always made love and the concept of loving seem very easy by the way they communicated with each other, how they were not afraid to show their vulnerability to each other, and how they could never shut up about each other! My parents took the time to make each of their children feel very seen and understood. I speak for myself and my siblings when I say that, no one EVER felt neglected or misunderstood. 

Notes for Mom;

Mummy,

For memories created, for values taught and actions mirrored, thank you, Mummy. I will miss bickering with you and creating new recipes with you, but I know that you're happier now so, it's okay, plus, when the time is right, we will meet, never to part  anymore. 

Send my Love to Daddy because I know you're both together.

Love you always, Mama 💕

Your Snuggle Muffin.

Jason

My parents were more than partners, they were actually friends and genuinely liked each other's company! Mom always loved to document things and with that, I was able to get  a glimpse into what their life together was like before I was born and it was amazing to see that till the very end, they maintained what they always had. The mutual respect, the easy laughter, playful quarrels, actual quarrels, kindness, and overall love for each other. 

My mom taught me that it was okay to be vulnerable and dad showed me that vulnerability is actual strength. My parents were an actual unit, not just in the name or because of some certificate but in how they operated their lives and how we were parented. Mom & Dad made sure my siblings and I actually liked and respected each other as individuals. We were made to understand that we were our first friends and regardless of all that changes around us, friendships never end. 

Hey Mami,

My first girlfriend who taught me how to properly treat ladies. I'll miss you, Mami. You are amazing and having you as my parent was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. 

I'll keep applying all that you've taught me and continue to make you proud. Hug dad for me when you see him, will you? 

We are not alone, mummy. We've got each other. Besides, Aunty Ife and Uncle Yinka are here too, so we're good! 

Love you, mi amor

Your Bubba.  

Jeffery

The original J's as I fondly called my parents were like twins and it did not really come as a surprise to either of us when mom called us home and gave us speeches about her leaving 2 months after dad did.  That is just the kind of people they were. They did EVERYTHING together! OMG! They were the cheesiest of cheesy couples and were not even ashamed to show it. 

When dad got sick, it was the most worried state I had ever seen mom get into, and so it was almost "normal" that she went to be with her soul twin. My parents showed me the importance of maintaining individuality in togetherness every day in how they conducted their activities and that was only made possible on the platform of friendship.

My OG!

You're amazing, mama and I love you. I am blessed that you are my mother and that I'm your "last born" even though you hate it when I say that. Lol. 

My love to dad, tell him I'm still jumping on his favorite cushion. 

Love Youuuuuuu.

Your Baby J😇

All letters are dropped on the casket and Jess is gradually lowered six feet under to her final resting place...

THE END

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Hi Guys,

I know that this is VERY lateeeeee. Forgive me? 

I think that a part of me didn't want to say goodbye so, I unintentionally  delayed it this long.  

Tell me what you think and what you want next? 

Love youuuuuu.

Princess 💞