HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — I should not declare victory prematurely, as there are more hurdles to overcome, more significant dates that lie ahead.
That said, I want to issue a cautious note of confidence as my latest mind-clearing, heart-mending sojourn is about to conclude.
I ventured back east to get away from the house I shared with my late bride, Kathy Anne. I had my share of spells visiting family and friends. I have written about them already. Fifty-two years of togetherness with my dream girl aren’t going to be diminished any time soon.
However, I appear to have cleared my head sufficiently to go through a few whole days without welling up. That is a positive development … don’t you think?
My heart? That’s another matter. It remains seriously damaged from the event that occurred on Feb. 3, when I lost my bride to a savage form of brain cancer. I accept that my heart will remain permanently damaged. I hear from friends and acquaintances who have lost the loves of their lives that they, too, sob without warning. I won’t bore you with reports on when that happens to me.
Just know — if you have been following this journey through the dark fog — that I am seeing the light.
I will return to my North Texas house sometime tomorrow. I’ll walk into the living room and will see evidence of Kathy Anne where I left it two weeks ago.
I don’t expect to cry, which — if I am able to finish this journey with dry eyes — might enable me to declare a form of victory.