Valentine's Day I went out to Arlington National Cemetery carrying roses for Jim and found a surprise waiting.
In the six days since I was there last they had set the new tombstone with Jim's name engraved on the stone. I knew it was coming. In fact I had called to check on it. They told me it would be about five months after the burial August 1 - and it was.
I was grateful the workmen who set the stone were so respectful of the stones I have brought from our travel collection and left there since August. They replaced them carefully - arranged almost exactly as I had. Another evidence of the honor and care they give to the deceased and to the families.
But I was not prepared for my feelings.
Sad and glad.
Jim died March 6, 2012 - so we are only 17 days away from his one-year anniversary. If March 6th had come and gone without the stone in place I know I would have been disappointed and sad. However - not having any warning - left me breathless.
The presence of the stone feels like a period - an ending. Another chapter of Jim's book closes.
But, I don't think of it as the final chapter in the book I share with Jim. It is just different.
I am comforted by that.
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