A tail

A story

There was this old guy I once new. He had worked hard and lived a productive, useful, life. He was dedicated to his wife who had also lived in a good and rewarding way. They had raised a flock of children who had gone on to be good adults and parents themselves. Of this accomplishment they were the most proud. Through the highs and lows they had remained dedicated and in support of one another. Always allowing, or filling in, for the other limitations. It was one of those rare and great pairings.

After retiring from work they spent a lot more time with their friends, some of whom they had known since they were kids, and taking care of the grand children. They travelled a bit, although he preferred to be at home, and were active in the community where they had lived for most of their life.

As these things sometimes happen the wife declined into infirmity after experiencing a series of mild strokes. The man did all he could to make sure she was comfortable and did his best to look after her.

One day, while his beloved slept, he decided to mow the lawn. It was looking a tad shabby. As he pushed the mower around the back yard he started to feel ill or maybe it was more of a sudden weakness. Resolutely he finished his task, put the mower away and straitened up the house a little.

With these tasks finished and his darling still asleep he sat in his comfortable chair and passed away.