My drawing is on her wall.
She last texted me: Gonna shoot for a breakout today, bust free from the hospital. I’m not going to make it long.
A text back wouldn’t do. She answers my call.
“What the hell do you mean by that?” I say to her.
“I just want to get home.”
Her voice is weak but fast. “Just take care of the boys, and by that I mean the horses. ”
I say, “I know that. ”
She starts to fade, “And my husband, check in on him. I love you. I love you. I love you.”
“I love you. I love you. I love you,” I repeat to her just as quickly.
“I want to see you when I get home.”
“Do you want me to come now.”
“No tomorrow, when I’m home.”
I waited all day. I texted: Are you home?
Finally at 4:00 she calls.
I answer, “How are you?”
“A.J, it’s Clay.”
“Oh, what’s going on?
“She is about to pass.”
“I’m on my way.”
My drawing is on her wall. Last year she had shared her talent of gardening and canning with me. I decided to share my little talent with her. That’s what friends do, share. I drew her a picture, not knowing how much she would treasure it. She hung it above her TV in the family room.
She told me, “It is my most prized possession.”
Now it is on her wall in the downstairs bedroom where she is dying. She isn’t talking anymore. But she can hear me.
“I remember everything you told me.”
Her head moves up.
“These last two years have been the absolute best my angel. I have cherished every day with you.”
Her head moves up again.
“I know you love me, and I love you.”
I hold her hand. Her son hugs me. Clay hugs me. I stay for a while.
Later that night, she passes with my drawing on her wall.
You both are so lucky to have shared such an adult friendship.
Agnes so sorry you lost your good friend. Your drawing went with her.
Sharing gifts. What life should be.
My horse life seems a bit on pause without her. Drummer Boy and I are mainly hugging each other and walking…only riding on perfect days. Jane and I would ride no matter what the weather. We pushed each other to get up on our horses and were always very happy when we did.