Forty-five years since we flung our mortarboards into the air,
hugged each other tight,
and declared, "We're free!"
(You have more forehead now, but I'd know those beautiful eyes anywhere.)
Forty-five years, less one day
(after one steamy night)
since I drove you to the train station.
Forty-five years, less one week,
since you began Basic Training.
(Our swan song)
Forty years since, you tell me now,
your wedding day.
(She's beautiful still and so friendly and kind.
She warms my heart.)
Thirty-nine years since your first child
thirty-eight since your second,
thirty-seven since your third.
(All girls – perfect for your tender heart.)
Thirty years in the same house
in the same town.
(Stability was always your strong suit.)
Twenty years since your dad (your rock) died.
Nineteen since you started your own business.
(Your goal since forever.)
Six years since your first grandchild,
five since your second,
four since your third, fourth, and fifth.
(Your girls are prolific!)
Two months since the diagnosis.
One last chance to tell me I was the best First Love
you could ever have hoped for.
(Right back atcha.)
hugged each other tight,
and declared, "We're free!"
(You have more forehead now, but I'd know those beautiful eyes anywhere.)
Forty-five years, less one day
(after one steamy night)
since I drove you to the train station.
Forty-five years, less one week,
since you began Basic Training.
(Our swan song)
Forty years since, you tell me now,
your wedding day.
(She's beautiful still and so friendly and kind.
She warms my heart.)
Thirty-nine years since your first child
thirty-eight since your second,
thirty-seven since your third.
(All girls – perfect for your tender heart.)
Thirty years in the same house
in the same town.
(Stability was always your strong suit.)
Twenty years since your dad (your rock) died.
Nineteen since you started your own business.
(Your goal since forever.)
Six years since your first grandchild,
five since your second,
four since your third, fourth, and fifth.
(Your girls are prolific!)
Two months since the diagnosis.
One last chance to tell me I was the best First Love
you could ever have hoped for.
(Right back atcha.)
3/26/2026
The Words That Got to Me
I loved the countdowns through the years here and then the shock of that ‘Two months since the diagnosis’ line. That’s life, as they say. Having many friends who had had their own diagnosis, this did give me a gulp moment.
A very effective and relatable piece.