Rue closed her eyes, slowly inhaled and exhaled, then whispered: I can do this. I can do this. I can’t do this as his scent permeated throughout the room and filled her nostrils. Every day consisted of a prayer asking God to grant her a day that would be much better than the prior one. Rue was having an extremely difficult time adjusting to life without her husband.
Early in the mornings, she would reach for him, only to find a pillow and an empty space on his side of the bed. In the evenings she anxiously waited for him to arrive home and call out to her, but he never did. Date nights, special occasions, milestones and holiday vacations were constant reminders that he was gone; that she was alone. After ten years of a wonderful marriage, being a lonely widow was not how she envisioned herself at this particular time in her life.
Rue opened her eyes and sighed at the thought of starting over and reminisced about the conversation that brought about this journey she was about to embark upon in this new season of her life. It was the sixth month anniversary of Rue’s husband’s death. Rue’s mother-in-law, Naima, informed Rue that she was relocating to her hometown. Upon hearing the news, Rue decided that she would relocate with her. Naima objected to Rue’s decision and insisted that she relocate to her mother’s hometown. Rue adamantly declined Naima’s suggestion and insisted upon relocating and residing with Naima. Naima saw how determined Rue was and accepted her offer. And so it was, the both of them sold their homes and purchased a new one six months from the day they agreed to relocate together.
Tears streamed down Rue’s face—she kissed her hand and lovingly caressed the areas of the bed where her husband used to lay and whispered: I miss you so much; I would give anything to hold you one last time and tell you I Love You. At that moment the doorbell rang. She stood up and wiped the tears from her face as she walked out of her bedroom towards the front door.
Rue opened the door and welcomed her mother-in-law and movers into her home. She went through every room in her home with the movers and pointed everything that needed disassembly before being packed into the moving truck. Afterwards, Rue walked over to Naima; she assured Rue that they would be so much better when they relocate. Rue looked at Naima, smiled wearily and shook her head in agreement. Rue knew that this move was the perfect solution to begin her healing process, but the sight of a decade of memories being carried out in boxes and bubble wrap stirred up a lot of emotions within her.
“I understand the hurt, pain and loneliness you are experiencing. I feel it too when I think of my late husband and both of my deceased sons. I know you loved my son and how hard it has been emotionally for you since his untimely death. Rue I am old and choose to remain a widow; you are young and need to start living again. It’s time; it’s time for you to move on. I have the perfect gentleman for you in my hometown. He is a relative of my late husband; currently single and has never been married. He is a well-established entrepreneur; I will arrange for the two of you to meet once we get settled into our new location. It’s time Rue; it’s time for you to move on with your life,” were the words that jolted Rue and caused her to abruptly turned towards Naima with her mouth agape open.
“It’s time Rue; it’s time for you to move on with your life…”
Rue stared at her mother-in-law in disbelief and thought to herself: I know she did not just say what I think she said! “Ma’am, this box I am carrying is the final item. The only items remaining are the bags you instructed us not to bother. We will be in the trucks ready to travel whenever you are ready to go,” the final mover announced to Rue. She diverted her attention from Naima to the mover and thanked him as he exited the house. Naima told Rue that she would be waiting for her in the car; Rue walked into the kitchen to retrieve her purse and overnight bags while thinking to herself: What have I gotten myself into?
Stay tuned for the next installment of this special series from Lynnette Easter!
