The Last Time I Saw Him.

One year ago, I decided I should just get up, it's not like I was sleeping anyway. I sobbed as I got ready to go, then I went to Jim's house to pick him up. Of course, he left his truck here, he wouldn't be needing it.

The whole way there, it was nothing but "I love you" and "I'm going to miss you" and he'd ask "Are you going to be okay?" I'd always nod my head, but I didn't really know if I would be okay.

I remember closing my eyes for a minute and holding his hand, and just wishing it didn't have to be true. I just wanted to wake up from this nightmare called "deployment."

We got to the airport. Jim made sure he had his ticket and everything ready to go, then we went and sat down and waited until he absolutely had to go. His mom and little sisters were there. I'm not quite sure his sisters understood exactly what was going on, but I think they knew something was up.

Jim and I just sat there, holding hands, telling each other how much we loved each other, and were going to miss each other, and just looking at each other. Almost as if we were afraid we'd forget what the other would look like.

Ray, his wife, and a friend walked over near us as well. They sat just a row away saying their goodbyes as well.

A few minutes later, Jim stood up. It was that time. Ray followed his lead.

Jim hugged his little sisters and Mrs. Holtom one last time. He gave me a big hug. We just stood there hugging for as long as we could. I never once saw Jim cry. I felt him trying not to though. He was quivering. I don't do very well when I try to hold my crying in. I was bawling. And I didn't like it when I did that, because I didn't want him to worry about me.

And then it was really that time. They really did have to leave.

Jim kissed me on the forehead, grabbed his things, and led the way to the security area. He gave me one last hug and told me he loved me, and then he and Ray walked through. I watched them through the windows, bawling. I just wanted to see him as long as I could. They made it through security, then headed for their gate. Jim looked at me one last time and mouthed "love you" and was gone.

I will never see him again on this earth....


But, "There is coming a day!!!" Like it says on Jim's headstone; "Until the next trumpet call." (Oh, I wish it would blow!)

"There is coming a day

When no heartaches shall come

No more clouds in the sky

No more tears to dim the eye

All is peace forevermore

On that happy, golden shore

What a day, glorious day that will be!!

What a day that will be

When my Jesus I shall see

And I'll look upon his face

The one who saved me by his grace

When he takes me by the hand

And leads me through the promised land

What a day, glorious day that will be!!

There'll be no sorrow there

No more burdens to bear

No more sickness, no pain

No more parting over there

And forever I will be

With the one who died for me

What a day, glorious day that will be!!"