I found Dad sitting on the edge of his bed this morning, one shoe off, one shoe on, staring down at the floor.
That image will stay with me forever. In many ways it's like he's still present in this world, but with one foot in and one foot out. Here physically, but his heart is with Mom instead.
Outside the birds were chirping, signaling the start of a new day. Yet the world with all its glory no longer holds any charm for this man, now that his sweetheart of 62 years is gone.
My heart truly aches for him. I walk over and sit down next to him on the bed, then take his massive hand in mine. As I lay my head against his shoulder, neither of us speaks. No words are necessary because I feel and understand his pain. For the moment, my presence is all that is required.