CHAPTER 12: THE HEALING
Over the next year, I healed.
I started traveling. I went to places Garrett had always wanted to see. I took photos and left a copy at his grave.
I started volunteering at the local nursing home. I read to the elderly, held their hands, listened to their stories.
I kept moving.
I kept living.
And I kept loving him.
One evening, I was sitting on the porch, watching the sunset, when Mark came and sat beside me.
"Eleanor, can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Did you ever think about leaving? After my father died?"
"No."
"Why not?"
I thought about it.
"Because love isn't about getting something. It's about giving something. And I gave your father everything I had."
He was quiet for a moment.
"I think I understand now."
"I'm glad."
He reached over and took my hand.
May you like
"Thank you," he said. "For being patient with us."
"Thank you for giving me a chance."
