I had met my soulmate the instant I laid eyes on Elizabeth, even though I was unaware of it at the time. My heart was pounding, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed in my life. With lots of laughter, commonalities, and a respect for one another’s character over material belongings, our relationship developed gradually and organically. We dreamed of building a happy home together, traveling, and starting a coffee and bacon shop. I proposed to her on a bright October day while looking out over a blue lake that was encircled by wildflowers. Yes, she replied.
Before a phone call altered everything, we started saving for a wedding, planning our future, and pursuing our goals. We believed that Elizabeth’s stomach aches were caused by fibroids. The results of the tests showed something much worse: cancer. Doctors initially thought it might be ovarian cancer.
We held onto hope as surgery was planned. However, I discovered the truth after spending six hours in the waiting area: stage 4 leiomyosarcoma, an aggressive cancer that had already spread. She wouldn’t make it.
Even though I was in shock, I knew that I would be fighting with her every day. We made an effort to lead as normal a life as we could, taking drives, watching our favorite shows, and finding joy in between chemotherapy, radiation, and innumerable hospital visits.
The effects of the treatments became more noticeable as the months went by. We came to terms with the fact that she would not be able to complete the hike one day. A friend of a pastor made a joke about getting married at the courthouse. We chuckled before realizing it was just what we had been hoping for. Even though time was limited, being husband and wife was all we had ever dreamed of.
Elizabeth was my lover, my partner, and my best friend. And I loved her with all my heart until she passed away.
