Being that today is the six month date of my sweet Ira's passing and the fact that I'm often alone at work, I have had all day to reflect on my life, his life and some unexpected visitors into my mind. Why on earth this man came to my thoughts is beyond me but let me tell you a little story. 
About 6 or so years ago, I was working in my studio at work. I make stained glass windows and sandblast glass. The secretary came to me and said that there was a very nasty old man in the showroom asking to see me about a window commission. She said he was giving her a hard time already and wanted to warn me to be prepared. Of course to me that came as a challenge so off I went to greet him. I said a friendly hello and may I help you. He said that he doubted that anyone could help him and what he wanted was probably beyond my ability but he thought he'd stop anyway and ask. His general appearance was scruffy and his face was contorted in a sneer that was rather daunting. He looked in pain and was visibly miserable. He had some other rude remarks but I overlooked them as I always think, he could be Jesus...who am I to judge. Lol. After giving me the third degree, we made an appointment for me to go to his home and measure for the window, talk design, colors and price. My secretary insisted that I not even go as there was no way he would get the window in the first place and secondly she was worried for my safety. She is quite the worry wart and I assured her that he was fine and just hurting from something quite deeply. I got to his house and found it quite immaculate and lovely. We discussed the window in great detail and to my surprise he placed his order. He seemed a bit nicer now that I was on his turf and I guess he was gaining a little trust in my said "ability". I mentioned that his house was so well kept and spotless. He teared up and said that he does it for his wife. She liked it that way. He started to cry a little bit as he explained to me how she had just passed away a month ago. He was heartbroken. He said he could never love again and didn't believe that he could go on without her. He was so down and out and my heart broke for him. He lost the love of his life. I couldn't imagine his pain. I never saw such a totally broken man. He mentioned how she loved lilies and angels. We came up with the idea for me to sandblast lilies and angel wings on the glass of her favorite china cabinet in her honor. The light in his eyes grew so bright as we spoke of her that day. I couldn't imagine that this was the same mean nasty man that was in my shop a few days earlier. I stayed quite a bit longer that I should have but this poor guy just needed someone to talk about his wife with. He didn't have many friends or family. I eventually made all the windows for him and he was thrilled with how everything turned out. He even brought some baked goods in to the studio as a thank you. You could have peeled the secretary's jaw off of the floor. She couldn't believe that it was the same man. 
A few years later I attended a mass at a nearby church. Who was the lector but this same man! I didn't get to speak to him but our eyes met as I passed by on my way out. He nodded and smiled. 
Fast forward to yesterday...I was leaving the hardware store and a couple passed me as I was getting into my car. I took a double take as I recognized the same man now walking into the store gently holding a lovely lady's hand. He looked at me and gave me the sweetest smile along with a nod. I gave him one right back along with a knowing wink. Even though no words were exchanged, we both knew that he found his way. 
So you see my friends...we will all find our way. We may not believe it now...but we will. We just have to want to...when we are ready. Our partners will never be replaced nor should they. You may choose to walk the rest of the road alone and that's okay. Or, by some divine intervention, you may find another to love. That's okay too. What ever you choose or what ever just happens, know that you're past life will always be a part of you. It's what made you who you are and defines how you love. The spirit of your partner will always live on inside of you. 
Sorry to ramble on but it did my heart good to see that man surviving and thriving. It gave me hope. 
Love to all
Darcie