A Sad Farewell

I recently heard that my cousin's husband had passed away.  This really saddened me.  We weren't all that close, exchanging Christmas cards and news about our families was the only communication we had in many years.  But I was sad.  Nick was the kind of man you never forget.  I remember exactly when I met him.  I was in eighth grade and my father and I went to visit my cousin Gayle at Elmhurst College.  I think she might have been a freshman, but I'm a bit fuzzy on that point.  We went to her room in the dorm and I remember the curtains at the window and the bedspread and all of the pictures and mementos on her bulletin board.  We waited in her room because she wanted to introduce us to her boyfriend and then we would walk around the campus.  The real purpose for this trip:  my dad was pushing college, not that I needed that push.  I was already enthralled and couldn't wait until I could decorate my own college dorm room.  A knock on her door and there was Nick.  Almost shyly she introduced him to my dad, her favorite Uncle and then, to me.  I remember him as so charming, so handsome, so mature....unlike the boys I knew!  We toured the campus and I fell in love....with college and with Nick.  I saw him on holidays celebrated with my dad's family and then on Nick and Gayle's wedding day.  They were a shining couple, so in love.  Through the years we all kept in touch, meeting very infrequently.  The last time I saw Nick was at my brother's funeral.  He was an old man, but then, I had aged too.  They were both still so in love, it was plain to see.  I have never forgotten his kindness to a "little kid" visiting college for the first time.  I have never forgotten his smiles and kind words when we were together.  I have never forgotten that they came to Tom's visitation.  So, now I say goodbye to Nick.  I know those who were close to him knew him better and have so many beautiful memories of him.  Mine are few, but they are beautiful also.  I cried when I heard the news, but I also had a small smile for the man he was.  Peace Nick, and thank you.