The First 365

By Terrell L. Whitener

My wife battled health issues for many years, but we adjusted and we had a plan. We had adjusted the rhythm of our lives. The key word was “we” and the six words “I am sorry to inform you” were all gone. I remember never feeling more alone during those initial moments than at any time in my life.

I will never forget my first words upon hearing that my wife had died. Those words were “Oh, Robyn.” What may have seemed like a weird reaction to some was part of the irrational thoughts that would become very familiar to me. “Why didn’t you tell me that you were dying? We could tell each other anything!”